What is the most common method of leak detection?
You know how frustrating it can be when you have a plumbing leak but can’t figure out where it’s coming from? Finding leaks can be tough! Professional plumbers have access to helpful leak testing technology to help us track down even the sneakiest leaks.
We will take everything into consideration: what kind of leak you’re dealing with, how big your plumbing system is, how much water you’re using, and all the specific details of your problem. Then, we’ll select the most effective method to find out where a pipe is leaking.
Common Leak Detection Methods
Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging lets us see through walls, like having X-ray vision. The plumbers use special thermal cameras that can spot temperature differences caused by water hiding where it shouldn’t be. It’s amazing because we can zero in on hidden leaks without having to tear apart your home.
Video Pipe Inspection
Video pipe inspection involves sending a tiny camera into your pipes. We use a flexible cable with a camera on the end that can snake through your plumbing and show us exactly what’s going on in there. It’s super efficient because we can see the problem directly without having to guess or break anything. No cutting into drywall needed.
Acoustic Equipment
Imagine having super-powered hearing that can pick up the sound of even a very small leak. These specialized microphones can detect water leaking behind walls or underground, and they’re so sensitive they can even hear leaks hidden under your appliances, slab leaks under your foundation, or inside kitchen cabinets.
Soil Probes
This is a leak detector for outdoor areas, like yards or lawns. These devices are like stethoscopes for your yard; they can hear water moving through soil, grass, and rocks. This helps the plumbers know exactly where to dig and how deep they need to go to fix the leak.
Soap Bubble Test
It’s surprisingly simple but really effective to find a gas leak. We just apply a special soap solution to areas we suspect might have a leak, and if there’s gas escaping, it’ll create bubbles. We can make this even more effective by increasing the gas pressure.
Pressure Decay Test
The pressure decay test involves pressurizing gas lines with dry air or nitrogen and then watching the pressure. If the pressure drops faster than it should, there’s a leak somewhere. While this test doesn’t show exactly where the leak is, it tells us if we need to look closer.
Vacuum Decay/Pressure Rise Test
This is like the pressure test in reverse. We reduce the pressure in the pipes and watch for any unexpected increases. If the pressure goes up, that means air is getting in somewhere it shouldn’t.
Refrigerant Sniffers
Refrigerant sniffers are used specifically for cooling systems and can detect even tiny amounts of refrigerant chemicals that might be leaking from your AC or refrigerator. They use trace gases like helium or hydrogen to track down these leaks, which helps prevent energy waste and bigger repairs down the line.
Leaks can be a real headache and cause serious damage if not dealt with quickly. The best method to detect a leak depends on the type of leak you are dealing with, how severe it is, and what strategies have already been tried. We’ll assess your issue and use the appropriate equipment to locate it without having to cause unnecessary damage to your property.
At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Daytona, FL, your Punctual Plumbers team offers professional leak detection. We know all the best ways to detect leaks! If you are dealing with a leak or any other plumbing headache, our expert team is ready to tackle whatever plumbing issues you’re facing.