What is a common method used to detect leaks in plumbing?

Pressure testing is a widely used method to detect leaks in plumbing systems. This technique involves filling the plumbing system with water or air and monitoring the pressure levels over a specified period. If there is a leak, the pressure will drop, indicating the location of the problem. Pressure testing is particularly effective because it can help identify leaks that are not visible, hidden within walls, underground, or in places that are otherwise difficult to inspect.

While visual inspection is useful for detecting visible leaks in exposed pipes, it may not reveal issues occurring in hidden areas. Temperature readings can indicate potential problems, such as differences in heat indicative of a leak, but they do not provide a direct method for confirming leaks. Measuring flow rates can help identify discrepancies indicating possible leaks; however, it is not as definitive or reliable a method as pressure testing when assessing the integrity of the entire system.