BC Plumbing Leak Detection: Complete Guide for Homeowners
Guide for BC homeowners on plumbing leak detection. Identify hidden leaks before they cause major damage.
Plumbing leaks cause most hidden water damage in BC homes. A pinhole leak can spray 10,000 litres before saturating enough drywall to become visible. By the time you see a stain, the leak may have been running for weeks.
Common leak locations: supply lines under sinks, toilet supply lines and wax rings, shower valves behind walls, copper pinhole leaks in ceilings (common in 1960-1990 homes), and washing machine hoses over 5 years old.
Early warning signs: unexplained bill increase, running water sound when off, meter running when water is off, musty odours under sinks, soft flooring near fixtures, and warm spots on concrete floors (hot water slab leak).
Test for leaks: Turn off all fixtures, note meter reading, wait 1-2 hours without using water, re-check. If meter moved, you have a leak. Turn off main shut-off — if meter stops, leak is inside.
Copper pinhole leaks are common in 1960-1990 homes. Aggressive water chemistry causes internal corrosion. Hot water lines fail first. Schedule thermal imaging to identify developing pinhole leaks before failure.
Poly-B piping (grey plastic, 1980-1997) is at high risk. The pipe becomes brittle and can fail catastrophically at fittings. Annual detection survey recommended. Plan for replacement. LeakInspections.ca — call 604-239-9934.
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LeakInspections.ca — a division of Anyleak.ca and Leak.ca — serves all of British Columbia with non-invasive leak detection since 1999.