8 Effective Leak Detection Methods

Customers in Southern California rely on NEXGEN for leak detection and repair. Our plumbers employ advanced leak detection methods to find water, gas, or refrigerant leaks. The method used for leak detection depends on the type of leak suspected, the size of the system, how much water is used, and what’s currently known about the problem.

Here are a few common methods used for accurately finding leaks:

• Thermal Imaging: A thermal imaging camera detects temperature changes and displays a map of temperature variations on a screen. Whether it’s hot or cold, leaking water is typically a different temperature than its surrounding environment. Therefore, a thermography camera can find leaks behind walls, under floorboards, and even within concrete. It can also detect varying amounts of moisture where there shouldn’t be, with minimal disruption and no damage to property.

• Video Pipe Inspection: A video pipe inspection camera allows for leak detection via direct observation. Mounted to a long, flexible fiber optic cable, a small camera is inserted at a faucet, plumbing fixture, or other access point. The device transmits images to a monitor as the camera is moved through the system. If there’s a leak, the plumber can see it along with the cause, such as a hole, break, or disconnection. The location is also recorded so the technician can access the damaged section without unnecessary demolition.

• Acoustic Equipment: A plumber can use microphones and listening discs to determine the location of a water leak. By sensing sound, these devices can detect leaks located behind drywall, appliances, cabinets, and various furnishings in your home. When using a listening disc, a technician with headphones places the disc against a surface. The sound is amplified so one can hear running water, even if it’s underground or under brick concrete, or stone.

• Soil Probes: A drainage or sewer line leak can be difficult to locate. The leak can be in your home or under a lawn or yard. A soil probe lets a plumber hear a leak through grass or rock. The closer the probe is to the leak, the louder the sound. But the device doesn’t only help isolate the location of the problem. It can help determine the type of leak, its depth, and the best repair method.

• Soap Bubble Test: The soap solution is sprayed, brushed, or dabbed onto a suspected damaged part of a gas line. Simple and inexpensive, this leak detection method is highly sensitive. The plumber applies the soap solution to an area that’s potentially leaking. The presence of bubbles indicates a gas leak. Raising the gas pressure saves time and increases the odds of finding the problem.

• Pressure Decay Test: Gas supply lines are pressurized with dry air or nitrogen and internal pressure is monitored over time. A fast drop in pressure means there’s a significant leak. A slower drop in pressure indicates a smaller leak. There’s no leak if the pressure remains the same.

• Vacuum Decay/Pressure Rise Test: The part or line is depressurized. Once the pressure is low and stable enough, a test media is introduced and the resulting increase in pressure is measured. But this process only determines that a leak is present. Identifying the location of the leak requires using other methods.

• Refrigerant Sniffers: If a refrigerant leak is suspected, an instrument called a sniffer can detect the chemicals in the substance. Sniffers often use helium and hydrogen as tracer gases, as they have small molecules that can pass through very small leak points. This technique can be used for an air conditioner, freezer, or other type of refrigeration system.

Hire NEXGEN’s Leak Detection Experts

Our licensed, bonded, and insured plumbers can find a leak no matter where the damage is and whether it’s water, gas, or refrigerant. We use the latest equipment so breaking through walls, floors, or ceilings isn’t necessary. Using proven methods, we can provide leak detection and repair 24/7 and fix the damage promptly and correctly. To receive a free quote and evaluation, call today.