The majority of tests we carry out are completely non-invasive. The location of a leak can usually be pinpointed within a few centimetres without exposing underfloor central heating pipes.
Commonly, there are no visible signs of water damage when we investigate central heating leaks. This means two specific tests are vital to an investigation.
Thermal Imaging
Cameras are used to highlight where hot water pipes are located behind/under floors and walls. Temperature gradients between hot water pipes and the space around them are clearly visible.
Sometimes, if a leak is large enough, the hot water pooling beneath a leak will be revealed on the camera. Cool areas detected on the camera can also be an indication of a water leak.
Tracer Gas
The central heating system will need to be drained and filled with a harmless, odourless gas. A sensitive probe is used to detect the gas as it escapes from a leak in the system.The gas is lighter than air and is able to penetrate most floor coverings, including wood, tiles, laminate and carpet. It can even penetrate concrete floors. The detector alerts to where the gas is escaping.
Acoustic Test
When water that’s under pressure escapes from a pipe, it causes tiny vibrations. Our central heating leak detectors are equipped with highly sensitive acoustic tests that amplify these vibrations into sound. The position of a leak can be pinpointed by assessing changes in sound along the pipe.
Insurance companies usually insist on the approach we take in finding a leak when they’re processing a claim. Every investigation carried out by our experts comes with a detailed report. This can be used to support an “escape of water” insurance claim.
