The Complete Guide to Water Leaks in Phoenix AZ

When it comes to Leak Detection, You can trust Plumber of Phoenix. Don’t just call a plumber, hire an expert.

Our customers come to us looking for a Leak Detection Expert that will be capable of pinpointing their leak source, provide them with the best service imaginable that takes care of them, their property, and helps them to save money.

Plumber of Phoenix provides Leak Detection for these types of leaks:

Sewer Odors
High Water Bills
Slab Leaks
Running Water Sound
Damp or Moist Soil

PVC and Irrigation
Water Lines
Main Water Services
Copper Piping
Polybutylene Piping

Outside Leaks
Under Slab Leak Detection
Settling of Foundation
Wet Floor or Concrete

Moist Foundations
Water Damage
Leaks under crawl space
Leaks in wall, attic, or ceiling

When people call us for Leak Detection Services they typically have a few questions, they like to ask before scheduling service. Below is a list of the most common questions asked of us.

I just received a massive water bill. Do you think I have a leak?

Sudden high water bills can be a sign of a leak. Before scheduling leak detection services, it will be important to check for any obvious signs of a leak. The most common areas for hidden leaks to occur are in the toilets. The plastic parts in the toilet tank only last 5-10 years before a replacement is warranted. Often, the parts in the toilet tank will allow water to escape right into the toilet bowl unnoticed. By adding a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank, you can view water seeping into the bowl if a leak is present.

I can hear water running, but don’t see any water surfacing, do I have a leak?

This is the most common sign of a slab leak. When we receive a call about running water sounds, 90% of the time it is a slab leak.

By utilizing thermal imagery, acoustic leak detection equipment, and water line tracing tools, we are capable of finding even the smallest of slab leaks.

I have a high water bill, but my water meter is not moving. Where is my leak?

Several different problems can cause this symptom. Deteriorating floats for the pool filler may cause this. New irrigation sprinkler heads emitting additional water flow. Leaks in the PVC piping when the irrigation is running. Automatic floats to a pond. Leaks in the drip system may cause this symptom also.

If you are experiencing a high water bill, but no sign of a leak; don’t worry, we can handle it.

Once you find the leak, can you fix it?

Yes. We are experts in the plumbing repair industry and can fix any leak you have.

What happens if the leak is under my slab?

We can fix those too. We can also complete a water line re-route. This includes abandoning the old, leaking water line under your slab and running an entirely new water pipe. This is usually the preferred method of repair when you experience a slab leak.

Will water under my slab cause foundation issues?

Water under a slab can induce foundation issues. If you believe you have a leak, a prompt repair would be prudent to avoid foundation issues. If your leak has only generated in the last few weeks, you’re probably okay. If it has been leaking for a few months, it’s best to have a foundation specialist evaluate your slab after the leak is found and repaired.

I have a sewer odor, can you pinpoint the source?

Yes. Sewer odors can derive from many different locations and be very tricky to locate. Plumber of Phoenix leak detection experts are skilled investigators. If you have a leak, we can find it.

My insurance told me to call you. Do you work with insurance?

Yes, we do. We work with homeowners insurance policies and home warranties. If you need leak detection services and they want to cover the bill for you, we can help.

Does my homeowners insurance cover the repairs too?

In many cases, the insurance does cover repair costs. Coverage will depend on your policy, insurance company, type of leak you have, and the proposed repair.

Why do people choose Plumber of Phoenix for Leak Detection in Phoenix?

We believe our job is to fix your problem, deliver the best service imaginable, take care of you, your property, and do everything we can to help you save money.
We carry advanced leak detection equipment to locate even the smallest of leaks
We can find the leak and fix the leak. You do not need to call multiple contractors for each repair.
We always respect your home. We wear shoe covers, place drop covers and mats wherever we place our tools.
We work with your insurance company to facilitate your claim and assist you with the entire process.

From irrigation leaks, to leaks under your slab, we repair them all. If a high water bill is your concern, calling a company that handles a great array of leaks is very important. We not only come to your home with the goal of repairing your problem, but also to provide you with a proper diagnose, and best purchasing decision for your home. We will take care of your problems from start to finish. Shopping with one company greatly simplifies the insurance claims process!

Prompt Service – There is no convenient time to be confronted with a possible water leak in your home. Most of the time, detecting these leaks is not something that can be conveniently postponed. Thankfully, we are here to help around the clock, with most appointments being made for 60-90 minutes from the time requested.

Experience and Equipment – We also come prepared for any possible leak that you may have with experience and all of the latest leak detection technology. We know all too well that the initial symptoms of a leak often disguise themselves for a leak of another origin. There is no leak that we cannot detect!

Possible Water Damage? – Are you worried about the potential of water damage associated with your water leak? There is no need to worry! All of our service professionals are trained and certified in remediating water damage, and if you are confused on the best way to proceed with a possible homeowner’s insurance claim, we have got you covered there too. We deal with insurance companies every day. We know how the process works, and will make filing for a claim as seamless as possible for you.

Call the Phoenix leak location and detection experts today at: 602-560-7778

Have signs of a subsurface water leak? Need to pinpoint its location?

Subsurface leaks can be challenging to find. Since leak detection instruments cannot be rented from your local tool rental, relying on a professional leak detector is the best way to locate the leak source.

Here at Plumber of Phoenix, we use leak detection equipment on a daily basis. Because we service 3,000 properties every year, we have amassed an enormous amount of experience detecting all sorts of water leaks. Through this accumulation of knowledge, we have listed some of the most common questions asked of us. By reading on, you will gain insight into leak detection and the repair methods.

What is leak detection?

Leak detection is a term used to describe the process of locating a pipe leak. This can be a leaking drain or sewer pipe, water pipe, gas pipe, or plumbing fixture. By utilizing a combination of tools, a professional leak detector can pinpoint the source of your leak.

What are the Methods of Leak Detection?

There are three, main methods of leak detection used for commercial and residential properties. These methods are listed below:

1.Hydrostatic Testing

A hydrostatic test is a way to test pipes for leaks, by filling them with water and pressurizing the system. This testing method is more commonly used when detecting a drain pipe leak. If you have a sewer odor or slab foundation problems, hydrostatic testing is an excellent way to locate the source.

2.Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging equipment senses the difference in temperature between items and then displays it on a camera screen. If you have hidden moisture in your walls that is not visible to the naked eye, a thermal imaging camera is capable of detecting the moisture. This type of leak detection is very commonly used when attempting to pinpoint a hot water leak.

3.Acoustic Detection

Acoustic leak detection equipment allows the professional leak detector to narrow down the source of the leak using equipment that pinpoints acoustic sound. When you have a water pipe leak, the water emitted from the pipe makes a distinct noise. This “noise,” can be detected by acoustic equipment. This method of leak detection is most commonly used when you are experiencing a slab leak.

What is a Slab Leak?

A slab leak is a term used to describe a water leak generating under your concrete slab. This can be a water pipe or a drain pipe.

What are some Slab Leak Symptoms?

The most common sign is water surfacing from under your flooring. This can be followed by hearing a constant “running water” sound in the walls. Additional symptoms may include foundation issues, cracks in your flooring, settling of your property, sudden cracks in your walls or drywall, and an unexpected warm spot on the floor. (This is usually due to a hot water pipe leaking causing the floor to heat)

What does a Slab Leak Repair Cost?

Pricing for repairs is calculated after the leak is detected. Pricing may vary based on the type of leak, location of the leak, size and type of material that is emitting the leak, and the properties construction design. These factors are considered before pricing is computed.Most slab leak repair costs in the Phoenix and surrounding area will range from $900 to $2200 to repair.

What is the Slab Leak Repair Options?

This would depend on whether your leak is deriving from a drain or water pipe.

If you have a water line leak, repairs usually consist of:

Direct access repair. This means excavating up the spot in your floor where the water pipe is located.

Water Pipe Reroute: This repair consists of abandoning the leaking water pipe under your floor, and installing a brand-new water pipe to your fixture. This is accomplished by utilizing attic and wall space to conceal the new pipe.

If you have a drain line leak, repairs usually consist of:

Direct access repair: Digging up the floor to access the drain is the most common method used to repair subsurface drain leaks. This type of repair can be a bit invasive to the property. Often, it is the only way to repair the drain.

Pipe Lining: Under certain conditions, a pipe leak can be sealed utilizing a pipe liner. This method is also known as a trenchless sewer repair. A fiberglass sleeve saturated in epoxy is inserted into your drain pipe. A balloon inflates the sleeve to take the shape of the pipe. This sleeve is cured, and the balloon is removed. You are left with a new pipe within the old leaking pipe. You can read more about trenchless technology here.

Do I have Slab Leak Insurance Coverage?

Coverage for slab leak repairs is mainly dependent on your insurance provider. Check your homeowners insurance policy to ascertain coverages. In many cases, we find that standard insurance policies provide some level of coverage for the typical slab leak.

Please take note that we are not an insurance company, nor are we affiliated with any insurance agents or brokers. The statements we make are solely based on our experience. It is always best to check with your insurance provider to determine your level of coverages.

Here are some facts about the leak detection process in Phoenix, every homeowner should now.

As you call around to find a company to perform leak detection in Phoenix, you may notice that most companies avoid discussing pricing until they are present at your property, often for a “trip fee.” Here at Plumber of Phoenix, however, we welcome pricing discussions over the phone. Being transparent, as well as very passionate about educating our customers, we can often narrow down the possible reasons for a leak over the phone, giving our clients some sought after insight regarding their problem. From there, we discuss the possible causes, repair options, and repair costs. We want our customers to know the potential costs of services before they commit to scheduling with us!

Does Plumber of Phoenix detect and repair all types of leaks?

No. We do not handle certain types of swimming pool leaks. Fortunately, this is something that is very easily distinguished from other leaks. With a few basic observations, a swimming pool leak can either be confirmed or ruled out. If a homeowner does not feel comfortable and/or confident performing any initial evaluation themselves, then we only charge $99.00 to complete this essential assessment. This fee is waived if leak detection is necessary.

What is the Leak Detection process?

Pinpointing a leak is a process of elimination. First, we conduct an audit of the plumbing system. This helps us rule out any obvious causes of a leak. We check all plumbing fixtures; the toilets, under the sinks, the water heater, pool filler, irrigation valves, and any other plumbing fixtures you may have. We perform a water meter reading, which informs us if a pressurized water leak is present. By shutting off individual valves and backflow devices, this will help us determine which water system may have the leak. Once established, we use electronic sub surface detection equipment to help us narrow down the source. We may also use line tracing equipment and thermal imaging equipment to assist in the leak location.

How long does it take to complete Leak Detection?

This would depend on the type of leak you have. If it is a hot water leak under your slab, an hour is usually all that is needed. If you are experiencing a leak outside your home, two hours may be necessary. Most leak detection services will take 1 to 3 hours.

If we have you repair the leak, is the Leak Detection service waived?

In most cases, yes. If your leak is under the slab, and we complete a water line reroute or an under slab repair, the leak detection services are waived.

Does the leak under my slab result in foundation problems?

If the leak is neglected, it can lead to a foundation problem. If you recently noticed the leak or discovered a high water bill, you probably don’t have anything to worry about. If the leak has persisted a few months, a foundation inspection may be warranted.

How much does leak detection in Phoenix cost?

That depends on where the leak is and what type of material the leaking plumbing component(s) are composed of. Most of the time, a mysterious high water bill is a result of a leaking water line under a house’s concrete slab. At Plumber of Phoenix, our primary objective is to offer the best, most financially sensible solutions possible, so we trace out the entire water line. What this does is determines the two above-ground endpoints for the leaking water line. With this information, we can provide a cost-effective solution to abandon that unreliable, leaking water line, and replace it entirely with a new water line above ground. Not only does such a solution provide far more value, but is it also usually far less invasive to your home, as well as cheaper. The new water line is installed with a modern PEX material. This PEX material, which is the industry standard for current house builds, is, unlike copper, very resilient to Arizona’s very hard water. What many people do not realize is that hard water is the cause of plumbing components breaking down. This above-ground solution is viable under most scenarios.

How can I avoid this problem from happening again?

As mentioned above, hard water is the cause of plumbing components breaking down. Addressing hard water with appropriate water treatment is a very financially sensible proactive approach to protecting your house’s plumbing components. Modern water treatment options not only treat the water to protect plumbing components but also treat water to make it safe and enjoyable to drink. These systems, while compared to old salt-based systems are more expensive to purchase, are very cheap to own, as they require virtually no maintenance or salt refilling.

Do you have a wet basement? It might be a slab leak. Call (602) 900-9010 today for fast, reliable Phoenix slab leak detection and repair and honest pricing. Just let us know what’s happening and we will send a technician out to diagnose the problem and find an effective solution.

Slab leaks are some of the more mysterious water leaks that can happen in a residential property. Most homeowners have never even heard of them, and they aren’t visible to the naked eye when they begin and usually for some time after. However, serious water damage and even structural damage can occur if a slab leak is left for too long.

Slab Leak Characteristics

The “slab” of a slab leak refers to the concrete floor of the foundation in your home. The leak starts in a pipe under this concrete slab and can carry on for quite some time before being detected. If you have a slab leak in your home, you may end up with serious water damage that requires costly repairs and cleanup. Slab leaks often happen in pipes that are older or have become weakened from some other cause.

How Can I Tell If It’s a Slab Leak?

There’s no way for a homeowner to see a slab leak as it is happening, but you can see the signs after they have a chance to build a little. Since it takes place under the foundation floor, you may see signs of moisture in the basement like excess condensation, puddling or pooling of water, damp carpets and walls or patches of mold growth. If it carries on for any length of time without you noticing, you may see a rise in your water bills.

Slab Leak Can Cause Big Damage

If the initial signs of a slab leak are ignored, you may end up with a great deal of damage to your basement and possibly the ground around your house. The grass can end up completely saturated and spongy, you may have large mold outbreaks, rotted wood, saturated walls and floors, saturated electrical outlets and more. This is why it is so important to report any signs to your plumber, before the situation gets out of hand.

If you want to have any chance of minimizing the damage caused by a slab leak, it’s important to get professional attention as soon as you realize there’s a problem. Call Plumber of Phoenix at 602-560-7778 in the Phoenix, AZ area and we will send someone to inspect the area right away.

Examples of the plumbing issues regularly handled by our professionals:

When you want plumbing services for your home or business, you will be delighted with the range of services offered including by our professionals – water heater repair, copper repiping, sewer and drain replacement, toilet stoppages, as well as sink, shower and tub problems. It’s one of the reasons why we are the Phoenix plumbers of choice for homeowners. So whenever you need a plumber in Phoenix, it will be a relief when the plumbing experts from Plumber of Phoenix arrive on-time, and with a total commitment to your satisfaction. It’s an assurance of a great solution to your plumbing problems. Call the Phoenix Plumbing experts today at: 602-560-7778

General Plumbing
Faucets
Toilets
Fixtures
Bathroom Remodels
Sinks
Drain Cleaning
Hydro-‐Jetting
Epoxy Lining
Sewer Replacements

Sewer Repairs
Water line Repairs
Slab Leaks ‐water and sewer
Permits
Inspections
Irrigation repairs
Asbestos Removal
Remediation
Water Cleanup
Foam Shield

Leak Detection
Odor Investigations
Infrared Moisture Detections
Water Quality Testing
VOC’s
Mold
Fungal Contamination
Insurance Claim Support
Sewer Inspections
Sewer Camera Recordings

Water Testing
Sewer Rodding
Drain Replacements/Repairs
Water Softening
Water Heaters
Water Treatment
Whole House Filters

Phoenix Trenchless Sewer Repair

Welcome to the most comprehensive guide on Trenchless Sewer Repair – Get started with some links below!

As this is a long article, feel free to use the following legend to and jump to the most relevant section:

Phoenix Trenchless Sewer Repair – What is Trenchless Sewer Repair?

Trenchless Sewer Repair is a term used to describe making a repair to an underground drain or sewer pipe, without digging it up. Trenchless sewer repair is also a term used to explain a sewer replacement without digging a trench through your yard or property.

Legendary Home Services provides multiple methods of trenchless technology. As contractors that provides trenchless sewer repairs in Phoenix and all over Arizona, we have immense experience with the intricacies of trenchless sewer repairs and replacements. From this vast experience, we have compiled some of the most common questions asked about trenchless technologies.

There are two primary methods of trenchless technology for residential and commercial properties.

Pipe bursting and Pipe Lining.

What is the difference between pipe bursting and pipe lining?

The simplest answer is: One replaces your pipe, the other rehabilitates the inside of your pipe using epoxy.

What is Trenchless Pipe Bursting?

Pipe bursting replaces your sewer through the utilization of a tool that breaks open your existing drain pipe and pulls a new pipe into place. Similar to boring, except without actually boring. Whatever drain line you want to be replaced, will need both ends of the drain exposed for pipe bursting to work. This means if you are replacing your outside sewer line, you will need one hole (about 3ft X 3ft) near the house, (where your sewer exits the property), and a second hole near the street or sidewalk (or alley, if your drain runs there). With the two holes open, you can use pipe bursting tools to replace the pipe between the two holes. The pipe used for replacement is called high-density polyethylene. It’s an oil based pipe that is very durable, extremely resistant to clogging, and impervious to root intrusion. The life expectancy for pipe bursting is over 100 years.

What is Trenchless Pipe Lining?

Pipe Lining is also known as CIPP (cured in place pipe) or epoxy pipe lining. Pipe lining is a method in which a felt tube gets saturated in epoxy. The felt tube is then placed into your existing pipe. Once in place, a balloon is inserted inside of the felt tube. The balloon is inflated, pushing the felt tube against your pipe. The epoxy will cure in about an hour. The balloon is deflated and removed. What’s left is a new pipe within your existing pipe. Pipe lining only requires one access hole, whereas pipe bursting requires two access holes.

What about the No Dig Pipe replacement I heard of?

No Dig Pipe replacement is a term used to describe Pipe Lining. There are times where a drain can have a pipe liner inserted through a clean-out or vent. However, this is for larger pipes usually in commercial properties. In residential properties, some digging is required. There are times that excavation is unnecessary, but that is only about 3% of the time. Before a trenchless repair can be completed, access to the pipe is essential.

Why can’t you access the pipe through my sewer vent or go through my toilet?

A toilet is never sufficient access because of the number of turns the drain makes before heading all the way out. Most pipe liners cannot be inserted through pipes that have more than two turns. Through trenchless pipe lining, a sewer vent may be adequate access. However, in most cases accessing the vertical piping is not as effective as accessing the horizontal piping. Moreover, as you know, to access horizontal drain pipes, you will need to dig.

What about my outside drain clean-out?

The clean-out may be sufficient access for pipe lining. However, only about 3% of the time. In older homes, most clean-outs lack the directional fittings that allow a pipe liner to run through them. Pipe lining through a clean-out can be achieved through a four-inch ABS clean-out. So, if you do not have a clean-out, don’t worry. We can install one for you.

Does trenchless sewer repair work if I have root intrusions?

Yes. The roots do need to be removed first. This can be achieved with root cutting drain equipment. Once the drain is clear of roots, a pipe liner can be inserted for a permanent repair.

What happens if the cast iron drain under my slab is corroded or collapsing?

Many plumbers diagnose scale build-up within cast iron to be the start of a collapsing pipe. This is usually not the case. If your cast iron pipe has scale build-up, it can be removed through a de-scaling process using specific cast iron drain equipment. In many cases, your pipe just needs a de-scaling, not a trenchless sewer repair.

Does Pipe Bursting Reduce the Size of my Drain Pipe?

No. In fact, this method can increase your pipe size. If you currently have a three-inch diameter sewer line, we can increase it to four-inch or six-inch. This method is extremely useful if you need an increase in pipe size.

Does Pipe Lining Reduce my Current Pipe Size?

Being that a pipe liner uses the host pipe to provide its shape, the diameter of your pipe is reduced slightly. The liner material is roughly ¼ of an inch thick. Many people ask- “Does the pipe reduction reduce flow?”. No, it does not. Because the pipe is seamless, it will actually increase the flow rate of your pipe. With no joints in the new liner, there is less friction.

Is the city responsible for my sewer line in the street?

This question is best asked directly to the city. Although there are many times the city takes care of problems located on their side, we also see many cases where the city does not take care of issues that reside under the street or on city property.

What happens if the bottom is missing in my cast iron drain?

Not a problem for Pipe Lining. A pipe liner can successfully rehabilitate sewers with extensive material loss. Pipe lining was specifically designed to repair drain pipes with cracks, holes, and missing sections. There are times where the material loss in the cast iron is too great, and a pipe liner may not be capable of repairing, but that is only about 5% of the time.

Trenchless Sewer Repair VS Traditional?

A trenchless option is not always going to be the better choice. There are times where a traditional sewer replacement is a better option. If the pipe is far too corroded for a successful pipe liner installation, then a regular replacement may be best. If the trenchless pipe bursting technique would result in a much higher cost than a regular replacement, then a conventional replacement may be warranted.
This question is best answered after your particular sewer pipe has been evaluated via camera inspection. This will help the plumber determine what method is best.

How much does it cost to replace a sewer line?

The average sewer replacement in the city of Phoenix will range from $3500 to $8500. There are additional variables that go into pricing, and not all projects are equal work. However, this range of price should give you a rough idea to help you create a budget.

I have a Clay Sewer Pipe with Roots in Every Joint, Will Trenchless work?

Yes. This can be fixed by either pipe lining or pipe bursting.

How much does it cost to reline a sewer line?

Sewer relining is typically quoted after an internal pipe inspection. However, most relining projects will range from $3500-$8500, for the average residential sewer repair.

Trenchless Sewer Repair Reviews

If you are looking for reviews on trenchless, we have plenty of videos and customer testimonials to check out. Here is a video of a project in Phoenix, where we completed a pipe bursting sewer replacement.

If your home is experiencing water damage from your sewer line

What do Trenchless Sewer Repairs Cost?

If you live in Arizona, we can provide you with some average pricing for Phoenix and surrounding areas.

Please keep in mind these prices are average prices and may not include all variables for your property. A sewer camera inspection is necessary to compile an actual cost for you. If you need a sewer camera inspection, let us know, we can help.

Trenchless Sewer Repair Pipe Lining Costs:

Repairs under your slab are generally $3500 to $6500

Repairs on the outside of your home are generally $3500 to $8500

Trenchless Sewer Repair Pipe Bursting Costs:

Repairs under you slab are generally $3500 to $8500

Repairs on the outside of your home are generally $3500 to $5500

These prices are average costs for the typical trenchless sewer repair or replacement in the Phoenix area.

Which method of trenchless repair is best?

There isn’t one method better than the other.

Each method has advantages and limitations.

What we typically see with trenchless technology repairs is that pipe lining is most sensible for fixing drain pipes under your slab, whereas pipe bursting is most sensible replacing drain pipes outside your home.

Pipe Lining Advantages

Pipe lining is typically the least invasive trenchless technology as it only requires one access hole. Pipe lining can also be used in pipes that have connecting drains. By installing a pipe liner, you can cover your connecting drains. When the liner is cured, a cutting tool can run into the sewer line and will cut a hole for each connecting drain restoring flow. This makes pipe lining much less invasive than pipe bursting.

Pipe Lining Limitations

Pipe lining does not work if your pipe is collapsed. Being that a new pipe is created within the existing pipe; it is essential the present pipe be free from angularity. If the pipe is not round, then pipe lining will not work.

Pipe Bursting Advantages

Pipe Bursting is a true pipe replacement. The material used for replacement is HDPE pipe. HDPE is the most durable pipe we have ever installed. If installed correctly, HDPE pipe will outperform any other pipe available.

Pipe Bursting Limitations

If you need a sewer replaced that has multiple connecting drains, you will need to have each drain exposed before pipe bursting. This is because the pipe bursting tool breaks the pipe. If the connecting pipes are not disconnected before pipe bursting, you will damage the connecting drains. If you have a pipe that has four connections to it, that means you will need six excavated holes to pipe burst that drain successfully. If you are pipe bursting the drain inside your home, think about how invasive it would be to have six holes in your home to replace your sewer.

If you are interested in having a trenchless sewer repair completed at your Phoenix property, let us know, we would love to help. Have questions before you schedule service? We love to answer questions.

7 Common Reasons for a Sewer Odor - How to Find and Resolve

Experiencing a mystery odor? Need to track down the source? Use this as your guide to identify and resolve odor in your home…

Locating reasons of a sewer odor is an arduous task. Here at Legendary Home Services, we have come across many different sources of pungency.

Because we love to help people identify and remedy their issues, we have created a list to accompany your investigation.

Below are the 7 most common causes of mystery odors:

Fixtures with limited use:

Bathtub or sink drains that are rarely used can allow sewer gas to seep into your home. The p-trap under the drain opening is designed to hold water, blocking those gasses. If a drain is rarely or never used, this allows the water to evaporate and let the sewer gas into your home through the drain opening. It is important to run water down these types of pipes a few times per month to keep water in the p-trap.

Drain Openings:

When build-up or soap scum collects in the opening of the drain, it creates a prime area for bacteria to thrive. Multiple applications of enzymes and drain chemicals can resolve the matter. Often, when attempting to remove an odor in the shower drain, people will only try the application one time. Use your cleaning product of choice multiple times each day over the period of a week.

Mildew and Stagnant Water:

Some odors come directly from the shower itself. Check your shower thoroughly for areas where water may hide. Stagnant water supports bacteria, which releases odors. Examine the shower doors for areas that may conceal water. The metal tracks that support the doors lose their seal as time passes. Water can then become trapped in areas where it cannot evaporate, growing bacteria and enabling unpleasant odors to be released. To address this, you can seal the shower doors with silicone. Be sure to clean any visible mildew before applying the silicone.

Toilet:

Your toilet can provide two different sources of foul odor.

Bad seals from the wax gasket (under the toilet) allow sewer gas to permeate from under the toilet

The wax ring used to seal the drain and prevent water leakage is designed not to degrade. However, if the toilet bowl becomes loose, the wax ring loses its seal. Check your toilet for stability. If you believe the wax gasket has been impacted, replacing it will be prudent.

Inspect the base of your toilet bowl. Does it have a clean, complete seal? The base of your toilet should be caulked to the floor. When the caulking is not present, water and urine can leak under the toilet and enable bacteria to grow. Apply some tub and tile caulk around the base. A well-sealed toilet will safeguard from lurking aroma.

Sink Overflow:

This portion of the sink is usually unnoticed. When odors emerge, the overflow is frequently the culprit. The sink overflow can accumulate build-up and soap scum over extended periods of time. Clean the overflow with a thin brush. Applying drain cleaning chemicals is also a good idea to help remove debris the brush is unable to reach.

Underside of the Garbage Disposal Rubber Guard:

The black rubber splash guard at the entrance to the garbage disposal can be a common cause of foul odors. Cleaning the underside of this splash guard is key to cleaning the disposal. Using a thick cloth, with the splash guard turned inside out, scrub away any accumulated food. After cleaning, run hot water and activate the disposal. While it is on and the hot water is running, add soap to the disposal and allow to run for 30 seconds. This process will assist in cleaning any leftover debris.

Drain and Sewer Clean-Out Covers

The cover plates that hide clean-out caps in the wall are attached to the cap with a screw, which degrades over time. When this happens, sewer gas can seep into the home. Located near toilets, under sinks, and behind fixtures, check the cover plates and replace the screws as needed with new ones. Use thread sealant tape on the threads of the new screw.

If these issues have all been addressed and the odor continues, you may want to consider calling a professional plumber to evaluate. A skilled worker can check the most elaborate systems in your home, such as:

Drain Vent Pipes

Broken vent pipes can discharge sewer gas. These vents are located behind the walls and are difficult to inspect without a sewer camera. A professional can check vents by conducting a camera inspection.

Quality of your incoming water supply:

A water quality test can determine if high levels of sulfur and chlorine exist in your water. Vapors from a potable water supply can release aromas that people associate with sewer odors.

Backdraft from Septic Tanks

Back drafting is not common but can cause a real issue. Specialized equipment can be used to check for this problem.

Top 5 Slab Leak Detection Companies in Phoenix

Do you have a slab leak in Phoenix? Are you in need of leak detection? One of the biggest frustrations of customers is to find a respectable leak detection company in Phoenix. As a homeowner, I know how important my home is to me and that I want only the best Service Professionals on my property that will not only take care of my problem, but also respect my property and family. In this article, we will talk about what we have seen to be the top leak detection companies for slab leaks in Phoenix.

Leak Detective Arizona

Leak Detective Arizona is known for offering a complete leak detection inspection, unlike their competitors. They provide leak detection on all waterlines, sewer lines and swimming pools. They have been in business for the last 19 years and their focus is not on getting as much appointments as possible, but improving their quality of their inspection on every call they go out on. Majority of their business is done on referrals. They are also fully licensed and insured which offers you as a consumer third party protection.

Precision Locating

Precision Locating specializes in leak detection for all type of building structures such as residential, commercial and industrial. They have over 37 years of experience and is a family owned leak detection company. They update their equipment frequently to remain competitive within the industry and take pride in delivering unbiased results. Their reports can also be viewed online which you can share on their website if you would like to.

Encompass Inspections

Encompass Inspections has the ability to detect any leak no matter how difficult. The have been in business since 2010 and has grown remarkably since then. Leak detection is one of the many services they provide and they are becoming more popular for their professional appearance and same day services provided to customers. Encompass Inspections only uses the latest in leak detection equipment and can couple their leak detection with Ground Penetrating Radar to check if there were any changes in soil density because of large volumes of water deposits.

Cork’d Leak Detection

Cork’d Leak Detection provides leak detection services 24/7 and takes pride in delivering same day services. Their whole focus is to find the leak as quick as possible to avoid any possible damage to your property. Cork’d has the latest in leak detection equipment and can locate the leak accurately. Cork’d locates all types of leak detection for plumbing lines and sewer lines. Their leak detection fee is calculated by using the labor costs for licensed and insured leak detection companies according to the Maricopa County. An accurate price can only be given once a price request form on their website has been completed.

Amazing Leak Detection

Amazing Leak Detection can locate leaks in pools, spas, fountains, underground or under slabs with only the latest equipment available for leak detection. Their main focus is to save you money before you do any type of repair and make sure that the repair is done in the correct spot. They have been in business for more than 17 years and is a family owned and operated business. They have standard business hours but are available for emergency leak detection 24/7. They strive to be the leading competitors in the market for leak detection on any type of leak you might face in your home.

Although having one of the best leak detection companies out there locate your leak, we would suggest looking for someone who cannot only find your leak but also repair it in the best way possible. The repair should fit your unique situation and should be able to resolve your issue for at least the next 20 years. Some companies only believe in traditional methods of repairing leaks because they believe that their methods have worked in the past and will always work no matter what. Other companies believe to do a repair by using the latest information available in the industry because it will solve your problem completely and will not cause you another problem for a very long time. We believe that you should find a company that could offer you a solution unique to your issue, not because it is their belief that their method always works. Make sure that whoever locates your slab leak and does your repair in Phoenix is doing it in a manner that is beneficial to you as a customer and not because it means another sale for the company.

After doing leak detection and slab leak repairs for thousands of customer, we have learned what works and what doesn’t in the industry. We want to help you make the best purchasing decision for your unique slab leak problem. If you need help determining if you have a slab leak, please give us a call, we are always available to help.