A specialist tracer gas, composed of an inert mixture of 5% hydrogen and 95% nitrogen, is used to replace the water in the leaking pipework. Under pressure, this gas escapes from the leak and rises through ground or floors.
A sensitive probe pinpoints the leak by detecting trace amounts of the gas, down to just a few parts per million. Gas tracing can be used on all types of pipe leaks, including central heating, underfloor heating, mains, and hot and cold-water systems. This method is highly accurate for locating leaks.
Trace and Access coverage, often included in home insurance, helps cover the costs of detecting a water leak, exposing it for repairs, and repairing any damage caused.
However, this coverage is not guaranteed in every policy, and typically, the cost of repairing the leak itself is not covered – only the trace and access process.
If your policy includes this coverage, you can claim back the cost of detecting and exposing the leak. If not, you can still contract The Leak Detectors to locate and expose the leak but won’t be able to claim from the insurer.
Common Causes of Water Leaks:
– Corroded Pipes: Chemical reactions over time weaken the pipe, leading to leaks.
– Cracked or Burst Pipes: Extreme temperatures can cause pipes to crack or burst when water freezes and thaws.
– Damaged Joints or Seals: Wear, poor installation, or material fatigue can cause leaks at pipe joints and seals.
Tracer gas leak detection is a cutting-edge, non-invasive method used to locate leaks in both internal and external plumbing systems. This technique involves injecting a safe, detectable gas (usually a blend of hydrogen and nitrogen) into the pipes, which then travels through the system and escapes from any leaks, even the smallest ones.
Internal leak detection:
For indoor plumbing, the tracer gas is introduced into the pipe work within your property. The gas passes through hidden leaks behind walls, under floors, or in ceilings. Handheld gas analysers are then used to detect the escaping gas, pinpointing the exact leak location with high precision. This method is particularly useful for locating leaks in hard-to-reach areas, such as concealed pipes or tight spaces, without the need for invasive drilling or demolition.
External leak detection:
For external plumbing, such as underground water pipes, tracer gas is introduced into the buried pipes. The gas rises to the surface at the point of a leak, where it can be detected using advanced gas analysers. This method is ideal for finding leaks in pipes under driveways, lawns, or roads, where traditional digging or excavation methods may be costly or disruptive.
Tracer gas detection for both internal and external leaks is fast, accurate, and minimally invasive, helping to reduce unnecessary damage to your property. It provides a reliable solution for detecting and locating leaks in both residential and commercial plumbing systems, ensuring timely repairs with minimal disruption. tracer gas water leak detection tracer gas detection tracer gas leak detection tracer leak detection acoustic leak detection services leak detection tracer gas acoustic water leak detection leak tracer leak detection