Have a Damaged Water Line? Here’s What SC Businesses Can Expect

A damaged water line can disrupt daily operations, lead to costly repairs and create safety concerns for any business. For South Carolina businesses, knowing what to expect during the repair process can help lower downtime and ensure the problem is fixed correctly. 

From initial inspections to repair methods and final testing, understanding each step allows business owners to plan accordingly and get back to normal operations as quickly as possible.

Initial Inspection With High-Tech Equipment

To fix the problem, plumbers have to determine the cause of the leak. Instead of digging up your entire system, plumbers try to use less invasive equipment to diagnose the problem. This helps cut down on repair times, which lowers overall repair costs and minimizes disruption to daily operations. Some commonly used equipment includes:

• Video camera – Plumbers use video cameras to inspect the inside of pipes, allowing them to identify cracks, blockages or leaks without digging.
• Acoustic sensors – Acoustic sensors detect the sound of water escaping from pipes, helping locate hidden leaks quickly and accurately. These devices are helpful for pinpointing issues behind walls or under floors.
• Electrical devices – Electrical devices, such as electronic leak detectors, measure changes in conductivity or moisture levels to identify leaks in a plumbing system.

Repairing the Damage

Luckily, there are several ways plumbers can fix a water line. The type of repair often depends on the severity of the leak. For less severe leaks, plumbing may try some trenchless repair techniques to avoid unnecessary digging. These methods include:

• Pipe lining – Pipe lining involves inserting a flexible line into the existing pipe. This line is coated with resin, which hardens to form a new pipe within the old one. This method can be done for minor to moderate damage. 
• Pipe bursting – Pipe bursting is done by pulling a new pipe through the damaged one. The older pipe breaks apart during the process as it’s replaced. This is a full pipe replacement and is typically done for more extensive damage. 
• Epoxy pipe coating – An epoxy resin is applied to the inside of the existing pipe, creating a seamless, protective barrier. If the pipe's structure is intact, epoxy pipe coating can be done to fix minor and moderate forms of damage. 

However, if the water line is too severe for trenchless repair methods, excavation may be needed to fix the leak. During excavation, plumbers will dig up the damaged pipe and either replace or repair it. Usually, excavation is done as a last resort. This repair is more time consuming and requires more labor to get the job done. While this repair is more difficult, business owners can have peace of mind knowing the leak is being addressed. 

Final Inspection Following Repairs

After repairing the water line, your plumber will clean up the work area and conduct a final inspection. This is done to confirm that the leak has been completely fixed and that your water pressure is back to normal. This extra step helps ensure your plumbing system is fully restored and prevents future issues from going unnoticed.

How To Prevent Water Leaks From Occurring

Businesses can help prevent water leaks by getting their water lines regularly inspected and maintained. Routine inspections allow professionals to identify worn pipes, loose connections or potential weak spots before they develop into costly problems.

Installing water monitoring systems or leak detection devices can provide early alerts, giving businesses the chance to address issues quickly. It’s also important to train staff to recognize the signs of leaks. Damp walls, unusual water bills or low water pressure can be common signs of a leak. Employing all these tactics can significantly reduce the risk of water damage and unexpected downtime.

Looking for a Licensed Plumber? Fortner Plumbing Is Here To Help!

Need an experienced plumber? Fortner Plumbing has got you covered! Based in Anderson, we proudly serve businesses across the state, including Greenville, Pendleton and Mauldin. 

We specialize in commercial repairs, testing and maintenance. To schedule service, give us a call today at 864-209-948. To learn more about our full range of plumbing solutions, including our FlowSafe Service Program, visit our website by clicking the link here.