Underground pipe leaks can be a headache for homeowners and can result in expensive repairs. Plumbers sometimes have to dig up the entire area to access the leaking pipe, but with the right tools, a plumber can repair the leak without wreaking havoc on your property. So, what are some of the tiny tools that plumbers use to repair underground leaks?

Listening Discs

These small devices are a modern version of the stethoscope. They enable the plumber to listen to sounds coming from underground pipes. A plumber inserts the device into the soil near the pipe and turns up the volume to listen to the leak. Using this tool, a plumber can locate the leak's exact position without excavating the entire area.

Pipe Locator

If a plumber knows the rough location of a leak but not the exact position, they can use a pipe locator to trace the exact position of the underground pipe. This helps them to locate the pipe's position and enables them to plan the excavation carefully.

Hydraulic Pipe Benders

The hydraulic pipe bender is a tiny tool that is used to bend pipes into shape. Plumbers use this tool when installing pipes. It helps in achieving desired angles and shapes when putting the pipes together. Depending on the type of pipe, a plumber can use either manual hydraulic benders or electric benders.

Pipe Cameras

Pipe cameras are unique tools that give plumbers an idea of how pipes look inside. With this tool, the plumber can insert a tiny camera into the pipe, and depending on the camera's quality, they can see what's happening inside the pipe. This proves invaluable when trying to locate underground leaks and detect other issues, such as pipe clogs, tree roots, and corrosion.

Pipe Freeze Kit

This tool comes in handy when a plumber has to fix a leak, but water still flows through the pipe. In the kit, there is a spray can that contains a freezing mixture. The plumber sprays the mixture onto the pipe, which freezes the water around the leak, and thus the plumber can fix the leak without having to turn off the main water supply.

What to Remember

Underground pipe leaks can be a headache, especially when you don't know the exact location of the leak. Plumbers often have to dig up the entire area in search of the leak, but with tiny tools, it's possible to locate the problem precisely and fix it without having to shut off the water supply. Having a reliable plumber with updated tools guarantees a quick and efficient fix, saving you both time and money.

For more information on plumbing, contact a professional near you.