Water leaks can cause significant damage to a building and its infrastructure. According to research, small water leaks can waste up to 91 billion gallons of water daily. Yes, you read that correctly.
Tracer gas testing has proven to be one of the most reliable and cost-effective methods for identifying and locating water leaks. It uses non-toxic, harmless gases like helium, nitrogen or sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).
These gases pass through the system and trace the path of the water to pinpoint potential leakage points. This method is used regularly in industrial settings due to its accuracy rate, which can be as high as 95%.
This post provides tips for identifying and locating water leaks using tracer gas and how tracer gas leak detection specialists can help.
What is Tracer Gas Testing for Leak Detection?
Today, tracer gas testing is becoming an increasingly popular choice for leak detection. Tracer gas testing is a non-destructive test that involves injecting a gas into an enclosed space and monitoring the air to detect any leaks in the system.
This leak detection method can be used in numerous industries and applications, such as HVAC systems, medical facilities, food processing plants, and other industrial and commercial spaces.
Tracer gas leak detection specialists have an effective way of detecting small leaks which may otherwise go undetected. They often use a combination of tests, such as visual inspections or pressurization tests. Leak detection specialists have the knowledge and experience to ensure accurate and reliable results.
Is Tracer Gas Safe?
Tracer Gas Leak Detection is becoming increasingly popular as a safe and efficient tool for detecting issues in water pipes: The gas used comprises 95% Nitrogen and 5% Hydrogen, both completely safe.
After the leak detection work has been completed, the water pipes are filled with water, eliminating residual gas. And since it was accepted for usage in water pipework – it looks like we have ourselves a winner here.
How does Tracer Gas Work?
Tracer Gas Leak Detection is an increasingly popular method that expert tracer gas leak detection specialists have used for years. By utilizing Hydrogen, the smallest particle known to man, Tracer Gas Leak Detection pinpoints the tiniest leaks, allowing for swift and cost-effective resolution.
This is because the Tracer Gas specialists inject the Tracer Gas through the pipework system. They then search for elevated levels of Hydrogen with specialized sniffer devices. Utilizing their experience and expertise, they can quickly spot even minuscule leaks and ameliorate them before more serious problems arise.
Benefits of Tracer Gas Testing
- Tracer gas testing is a cost-effective way to identify and locate leaks in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
- Tracer gas testing helps reduce energy costs by minimizing the amount of conditioned air lost through unknown areas.
- The use of tracer gas allows HVAC engineers to pinpoint specifically where repairs are needed before any major changes are made to the system.
- Utilizing tracer gas testing minimizes the risk of costly repairs or systems replacements.
- Through tracer gas testing, safety hazards can be easily detected and addressed. This includes combustible or toxic gases that may otherwise go undetected.
Tips to Identify and Locate Water Leaks Using Tracer Gas
In the UK, water leaks are a significant problem, with many homeowners not even aware of an undetected leak until it has caused significant damage.
Fortunately, tracer gas is a simple way to identify and locate any water leaks in your home. Here are our top tips for avoiding costly repairs by using tracer gas to find where your water is going:
- Check Your Home Right Away – If you suspect you have a hidden water leak in your home, don’t wait too long to investigate. The sooner it’s identified, the better. Tracer gas is an effective way to pinpoint unseen sources of water loss so that they can be quickly and efficiently fixed.
- Start With Visual Inspections – Tracer gas isn’t always necessary immediately if you’re just looking for visible signs of a leaky pipe or fixture. Before calling in professional help, look closely around your home for possible sources of leakage – persistent damp patches in walls or floors could indicate an issue underneath.
- Introduce Tracers – When visual inspections come up empty-handed, and you know that something could still be happening beneath the surface. Introducing tracer gases is the next step in your search. These harmless chemical compounds work by detecting airborne particles from escaping gases that may indicate a hidden water leak somewhere within the area being tested. I doubt most people own these machines, expert tracer gas leak detection specialists are always a call away.
- Go Digital – While traditional tracers are effective at finding leaks within confined spaces like homes and businesses, advanced digital technologies have recently been developed. They give users even greater accuracy when locating these elusive problems quickly and easily. Investing in a company with one of these systems will ensure that expensive repairs aren’t needed, thanks to quicker leak detection times.
- Get Professional Help – If all else fails and you still can’t figure out where your troublesome water leak might come from, enlisting professional help is key. A certified ADI leak technician can use specialized equipment tracers to pinpoint precisely where any troubled areas lie while minimizing disruption during their investigations, only providing quick solutions when needed most.
Tracer Gas Leak Detector Devices
The tracer gas leak detection device is necessary for anyone identifying water leaks. It comes as a ‘sniffer‘, which can detect and show the strength of any gas passing through it. From tiny particles that otherwise wouldn’t be noticeable in underground or wall/ceiling leaks to much more apparent concentrations you may find outside.
There are two common types of leak detection:
- Mass flow detectors
- Mass spectrometry
Mass flow testing is a method that involves heating air with a tiny sensor and measuring the temperature change as a function of mass flow. The sea level pressure has been taken into account for accurate results. This test method isn’t affected drastically by temperature fluctuations, although it does respond more slowly to changes in higher leak rates.
Mass spectrometry is an alternative option for testing and is highly sensitive, reaching down to 10-11 sccs of helium leakage. The equipment used for this method can be costly. Operating and maintaining the equipment also adds to the expense, while the procedure itself takes time. Despite these downsides, mass spectrometry offers high accuracy in terms of detecting leaks quantitatively.
Also Read: Common Water Leakage Problem That You Shouldn’t Ignore
Get in Touch with Tracer Gas Leak Detection Specialists
Identifying and repairing water leaks quickly and efficiently is paramount to any home or business owner. Taking action against water leaks can not only help protect your home, but it can also help preserve the environment. Fortunately, with tracer gas, finding hidden water leaks has become simpler and more successful.
Utilizing this innovative approach from a reliable company such as ADI Leak Detection can save you time and money while helping preserve your property. With their attention to detail and dedication to customer satisfaction, they are the go-to choice for water leak identification and repair.