What is Water Leak Detection?
Water leak detection is a specialized process used to find and identify the source of internal or external water leaks in residential or commercial properties.
The goal is to pinpoint the exact location of the leak without causing unnecessary damage or disruption to the surrounding areas.
This process involves locating leaks in plumbing systems, within walls, ceilings and foundations.
Detection can also be done on various types of flooring, including carpets, concrete, wood, vinyl, tile, gravel, grass, soil, and tarmac.
Advanced technologies like tracer gas, acoustic listening devices and thermal imaging cameras are often used in leak detection.
These methods allow our engineers to accurately identify leaks without the need for invasive digging or demolition.
What are the signs of a water leak?
Reduced water pressure: A drop in water pressure often indicates a leak, especially if it's sudden.
Unusually high water bills: If your water bill spikes without a clear reason, it could be due to water constantly leaking and being wasted.
Noticeable water stains on ceilings or walls: This usually signals a leak in the ceiling or in pipes within the walls.
Damp spots or moisture on floors and carpets: This is one of the first things you'll notice if a leak is happening under floors or in walls.
Dripping sounds within walls: If you hear water dripping, especially when there's no obvious source, it's a sign that water may be running somewhere it shouldn’t.
Musty odors and mold growth: Leaks create moisture, which is the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, which often causes a musty smell.
Peeling wallpaper or paint: When moisture seeps behind the walls, it can cause paint to peel or wallpaper to bubble.
Moisture on floors and carpets: Sometimes, leaks are beneath the surface, causing water to seep into the carpet or flooring without being immediately obvious.
How are water leaks detected?
Moisture Meters
A moisture meter detects moisture levels in wood, drywalling and concrete.
Measuring how much water is present in the material can help us determine the extent of the water leak.
There are two main types of moisture meters;
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A pin-type which uses two probes to measure resistance.
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A pinless which uses sensors to detect moisture without leaving holes.
Acoustic Leak Detection
Acoustic leak detection is the method of listening for unique sounds created by escaping fluids - typically water, gas or other pressurized substances. This method uses highly sensitive microphones and sensors to detect the acoustic signals generated by leaks.
When pressurized water or gas escapes through a crack, hole or loose connection, it produces distinct sounds that vary in frequency and intensity depending on factors like pressure, the size of the leak and the material of the surrounding environment (e.g., metal pipes, plastic pipes, or soil).
These sounds are usually inaudible to the human ear but can be picked up by using acoustic leak detection equipment.
Ground microphones are used to pick up sound vibrations from underground pipes or systems buried beneath floors or walls.
Listening sticks are handheld devices used to detect vibrations in specific sections of pipework.
Thermal Imaging Camera
A thermal imaging camera’s identify temperature differences which could indicate the presence of a leak.
When a cold or hot water pipe leaks, the surrounding area will cool down or warm up respectively. These temperature variations can be easily spotted using the camera, even when the pipes are concealed behind walls, ceilings or floors.
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One of the key advantages of this technology is the ability to pinpoint the exact location of a leak without requiring invasive methods such as tearing open surfaces.
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The differences in temperatures are displayed on the screen of the Thermal imaging camera.
A cooler area would indicate a cold water leak, while a warmer area would suggest a hot water pipe leak.
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This method of leak detection is idea for buildings where leaks are hidden in inaccessible or concealed areas.
Dye Testing
Dye testing is used to identify leaks in systems such as pipes, containers and seals.
A colored dye, visible to the naked eye and often enhanced by a UV lamp, is introduced into the system. The dye is allowed to pool, flow or disperse and the system is then carefully inspected for any visible leaks.
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This method is commonly used on;
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Pipes and drains
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Toilets - identifies issues with seals or improper water flow
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Seal Integrity: Checks for breaches or weak points in seals
This is a great method to use when cosmetic damage has already occurred.
Tracer Gas​
Tracer gas method is used in challenging scenarios where other methods have failed.
A safe, non-hazardous mixture of tracer gas is introduced into pipework or systems. This gas is often a mix of hydrogen and nitrogen or helium, chosen for its ability to escape through small openings and its non-reactive properties. Using a sensitive gas detector, engineers scan the surface above the system to identify any escaping gas. The gas detector is capable of detecting minute concentrations of tracer gas, pinpointing the exact location of the leak.
The gas, being lighter than air, naturally rises through cracks or defects in the pipework, making it easier to detect leaks in underground or hard-to-access pipes.
This method is widely used for the following reasons;
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Its reliability in pinpointing leaks (even the smallest of leaks where other methods may have missed)
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No need for destructive testing or digging as equipment is non-invasive.
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The gas mixture is non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
Trace & Access
What is Trace & Access?
Trace and Access is a feature commonly included in home insurance policies.
It provides coverage for hiring experts equipped with specialist tools to locate the source of a leak in your property.
Key points to understand about trace and access;
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Purpose: It covers the cost of identifying and accessing the source of a leak.
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Coverage Variations: The level of coverage can differ between policies, it is essential to check the specifics of your insurance plan.
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Exclusions: While it covers the detection and access of the leak, it does not include the cost of repairing the actual leak and the cost of fixing any damage caused by the leak itself.
For personalized advice or help with your insurance claim, please visit our insurance page.
Water Leak Detection Report
Once the cause of the water leak has been found successfully, we will provide you with a comprehensive report detailing everything that was carried out.
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The report will also include a comprehensive suite of images which highlight the severity of the leak.
We will provide recommendations on how to fix the leak.
Depending on the severity of the leak and your discussion with our engineer the leak may be fixed on the same day. In addition to fixing the leak, there may also be a need to clean and repair any damage caused by the water leak.
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Have you visited our Gap services page to see how we can assist you.