Plumbing professionals can use a variety of specialized detection equipment to find leaks. These devices include listening discs, Hand augers, Borescopes, and Drain snakes. Listening discs help detect leaks quickly. Electronic leak detection gear is also helpful for locating leaks rapidly. For example, listening probes can detect leaks in pipes in direct contact with soil or under solid surfaces.
Acoustic devices
Plumbers use specialized detection equipment to find leaks in your plumbing system. Some plumbers use listening discs, while others use electronic leak detection gear. Both methods can help them quickly pinpoint the source of the leak. Listening discs amplify the sound of dripping water and help plumbers find leaks in furnishings, drywall, and other materials. The deck plate and soil probe are different types of powerful detection equipment that plumbers use to find leaks in water and sewer lines. Plumbing professionals can listen through solid surfaces, such as grass and rock, and can use these devices.
Other plumbers use borescopes to find leaks. Borescopes are small cameras that allow plumbers to see into areas that are difficult to reach. Look for a high-quality camera that provides high-resolution images, as these help them pinpoint leaks more easily. Plumbers can also use heat and pressure sensors to identify leak locations. While there is no single piece of specialized detection equipment used by plumbers, each can make their job easier and save homeowners a lot of money.
Hand augers
An auger is a piece of specialized detection equipment used by plumbers to locate obstructions in pipes. A 25-foot steel auger with a handle at one end is inserted into a pipe and rotated to break up clogs. But the drill is not the best tool to use in the home for unclogging a blocked drain, and inexperienced users might have problems getting it past sharp 90-degree bends or getting stuck in the pipe.
A hand auger is a versatile tool, and many plumbers will carry several of them in their toolboxes. However, the hand auger may not be the best option for more giant clogs, and the snake machine is more comfortable. Plumbing professionals may have to use both types of augers, depending on their skill level and the severity of the problem. A drain auger is an essential tool for plumbers, but you should never use one without training or supervision.
Borescopes
A variety of specialized detection equipment is available, and the range of prices can range from under $100 to a couple of thousand dollars. Standard features are a rigid or flexible extendable arm, a viewing lens, or a camera. High-end models may include built-in lighting and infrared modes. Other features include adjustable zoom fiber-optic connections and micro-SD cards. Waterproof borescopes are available with high-resolution viewing screens and adjustable contrast.
In addition to borescopes, plumbers can also use a video fiberscope to document their work. A video fiberscope is a video camera that can navigate small pipes and record the inspection. Many videoscopes are equipped with video or camera adaptors. Below are some examples of videoscopes and their applications. A video scope can record images up to eight times the width of a pipe.
Drain snakes
Drain snakes are specialized detection equipment used to unclog drains. They have a sharp tip that forces themselves into the clogged pipe. The snake turns as it advances, breaking up any blockage in its path. Plumbing snakes often feature a cable to extend their reach and can be fed even deeper into the drain to obliterate the clog. But, these tools are not suitable for every type of clog.
Drain snakes come in several different types and are designed to detect clogs in drains. Typically, bathroom drains use a miniature version of this equipment. On the other hand, commercial-grade drain snakes are equipped with a giant machine. These snakes require specialized knowledge and skills to work in various types of drains, and the electrical ones are the most suitable for tough blockages. Manual snakes are also available, but they’re best suited for detecting small objects that have become lodged in a toilet.
Video inspection equipment
You’ve probably heard of the video inspection equipment that plumbers use to diagnose problems if you’re a plumber. Using this equipment can help you find hidden issues in your pipes, and plumbers can use it in commercial and residential buildings. These cameras can also record images for further evaluation. These tools can save you a lot of time by letting you diagnose problems much faster. So whether you’re fixing a clogged pipe or need a new toilet, video inspection equipment can help you find the problem.
Plumbing technicians often use video inspection equipment to identify blocked pipes. Sometimes, the blockage is not visible at the surface, and a slow drain could indicate a much larger problem. For example, tree roots can grow deep into pipes, and debris can get stuck in sharp turns or junctions. Video inspection equipment can help plumbers pinpoint the problem and fix it faster. In addition, it’s not as expensive as a traditional plumber’s camera, and plumbers can use it to assess the condition of your pipes.
