Selecting the best leak detection equipment
Although I didnt have to resort to my third method, it consists of an ultrasonic leak detector like the type used to locate leaks in refrigerant or compressed gas systems. It requires you to pump compressed air or
Although I didn’t have to resort to my
third method, it consists of an ultrasonic leak detector like the type used to
locate leaks in refrigerant or compressed gas systems. It requires you to pump
compressed air or another denser gas such as carbon dioxide into the system;
this produces a high-pitched squeal when it escapes from the pipe
I have seen people using this method and a
conventional engine-type stethoscope to locate leaks. You can spend a lot of
time on your hands and knees for naught. Most of the new electronic leak
detectors have extension handles on them to keep the operator in an upright and
comfortable position
The only problem with this type of device
is that you typically have 4 in. of sound-deadening concrete between you and
the leak. While it doesn’t work perfectly in every case, it can come in handy as
a backup method if all else fails.
Although I’ve never personally used this
last method, I understand that you can charge the system with a benign gas,
such as helium, nitrogen or carbon dioxide. Using a gas-sniffing type of
detector, you can locate the leak through the concrete. Since I’ve never used
it, I’m not sure of the accuracy of this system.
HOW TO CHOOSE AN EXPERIENCED LEAK DETECTION
SPECIALIST
Leak detection is a critical service that
home and building owners can utilize to detect problems in their plumbing, HVAC
systems, and sewer lines. An experienced leak detection specialist can
specifically identify and isolate problems in your home without needing to
completely excavate and damage your property, saving you time, headaches, and
money.
On the other hand, taking a chance on a new
or inexperienced leak detection service could end up costing you hundreds of
dollars if they make a mistake. Taking a stethoscope to a wall is a far cry
from a professional’s tool bag of high-tech thermal, smoke, and electronic leak
detection devices. Ask about the company’s equipment and process or their
strategy for finding your suspected type of leak.
Furthermore, an experienced specialist will
have an extensive list of references that they’d be willing to share with you
before starting service. Beware any service that hesitates to show you their
references or testimonials. Companies that don’t provide them probably have bad
references or are a brand new business without any notable experience.
Clearwater Leak Detection has extensive
experience serving the entire Puget Sound region with the latest leak detection
techniques and technology. With thermal imagery, smoke machine leak detectors,
and the ability to fix most leaks on-site and in a timely fashion, we can get
your problem solved and restore your property to normal status once again.
WATER LEAK DETECTION SERVICES AND SLAB LEAK
REPAIR
Water leaks from pipes, plumbing fixtures
and fittings are a significant source of wasted water for many households.
Without early leak detection and leak repair, ongoing water leaks can cause
significant water damage. Roto-Rooter specializes in water leak detection and
water leak repairs. Our team has all the water leak detection and slab leak
repair equipment necessary to perform accurate and timely electronic leak
detection and repair. We can locate and diagnose the source of water leaks and
advise homeowners on a variety of leak repair options. From leaks in your slab
to leaks in your pipes, we’ve got you covered
Slab leak detection and repair requires an
experienced plumbing expert and a careful, thorough process using modern tools
like specialized leak detection equipment. Slab leak detection services are
conducted by Roto-Rooter’s expert technicians, who will find and repair slab
leaks with minimal destruction to your property.
A slab leak happens when the pipes in the
water and sewer lines beneath your home break, crack or burst. The leak is not
actually in the slab, but in the pipes beneath it. Because it is underground,
the source of a slab leak is not visible to the naked eye
Rather, there are several common signs that
suggest you have a slab leak in your home:
The sound of running water when all water
is turned off
A spinning water meter, even though no water
is running inside or outside your home
Cracks in your walls or flooring
Mildew or noticeable moisture under carpets
or flooring
The smell of sewage could indicate a break
in the sewer or a drain line
A recent bug problem due to added ground
moisture
Higher-than-average water bills
Best water leak detectors for smart homes
Fire might be a homeowner’s greatest fear,
but any insurance company will tell you that water is the far more common cause
of property damage, even if you don’t live in an area subject to flooding. And
it can come from many sources: A failing water heater, a burst pipe, a broken
supply line under your sink, a clogged toilet, or even a split hose connected
to your washing machine.
Just as it’s essential to have a smoke
detector in each of your home’s bedrooms and common areas, you’d be wise to
install leak detectors in places where water damage could start: The laundry
room, water heater closet, the bathroom, under your kitchen sink, and so on.
Leak alerts are arguably less important for renters, but it’s something
landlords might want to consider—although that raises the issue of how the
sensors would connect to the internet. More on that later.
In addition to detecting and nearly
instantaneously alerting you to the presence of water in locations it shouldn’t
be, this sensor will also monitor the relative humidity of the space around its
installation (warning you of conditions with the potential to spur mold growth)
and ambient temperature (prompting you to take action if cold weather might
freeze your water pipes). If you have one installed, it will also trigger a Flo
by Moen Smart Water Shutoff to turn off your main water supply to reduce the
damage an uncontrolled leak can cause. It’s our new top pick in this category.
Best smart water leak detector
The Flo by Moen Smart Water Detector
monitors for the presence water in locations it shouldn’t be (from a leaky
supply line, appliance, or drain pipe), tracks ambient temperatures and can
warn you of freezing conditions that could lead to a burst water pipe, and
reports ambient humidity and raises an alarm if the air becomes so moist that
it could lead to to the growth of mold. You’ll get the most benefit from the
device if you also own the Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff, which can
automatically turn off your water supply in an emergency, but it’s a great
smart home device even if you don’t.
Runner-up
This was a tough call, because the
Utilitech Water Leak Detector has some major downsides. Its battery life only
lasts for a year, and the sensor must be mounted on a wall or other vertical
surface, making setup a hassle and limiting your placement options.
Best HVAC Refrigerant Leak Detectors
Refrigerant leak detectors are an HVAC
technician’s best friend. Your ability to diagnose and rectify a problem within
a refrigeration system is a vital skill.
You will need the very best tools to accomplish one the challenging
aspects of the job, detecting refrigerant leaks.
Leak Detection Methods
As an HVAC technician, you are probably
aware of the several methods you can use for leak detection. Knowing which
method to use in each set of circumstances is the making of a skilled
technician.
Common Refrigeration Leak Detection
Methods:
Simple soap and water – Applying soapy
water to a suspected leak alerts you to the leak with the formation of bubbles.
Simple and straightforward to use and no specialist tools required.
Ultraviolet Dyes – Adding a UV dye to a
system and using UV light to look for leaks is ingenious. Should be used with care
because the presence of UV dye may affect system performance.
Electronic Detection Methods – Use
electronic tools correctly and in the right context and you are on your way to
becoming a leak detection whizz.
How to Choose a Leak Detector
It is essential that you choose the best
refrigerant leak detector that suits your requirements. But what are the
qualities that you should look for before selecting a product?
Works Fast
A device that works fast is considered the
best leak detector as it allows you to reach different locations to check on
leaks quickly. You should look for detectors with little warm-up time, quality
sensors, and instantaneous time response