Technologies and Methods
At Southern Leak Detection, our leak detection specialists use a wide array of leak detection methods and equipment to find hidden leaks within your property. This ensures that there is no damage done to your property. Usually, insurance companies push the need to use these non-intrusive methods when they are processing a claim. You'll find that “Trace & access” cover is part of most home insurance policies.
Thermal Imaging Camera
The thermal imaging camera is among the most common piece of leak detection equipment that we use. Also classed as thermography, the camera only picks up on heat as opposed to a picture. This comes in handy when finding concealed pipes that are picked up on infrared radiation and tracking the course of the pipes throughout the property.
At Southern Leak Detection UK we use various types of cameras, all high quality, though thermal imaging detection is a reliable method, we still believe that different methods should be deployed.
At Southern Leak Detection UK we use various types of cameras, all high quality, though thermal imaging detection is a reliable method, we still believe that different methods should be deployed.
Borescope Cameras
Borescope cameras allow our specialists to examine closed or tight spaces, an example of a tight space could be a boiler cupboard or behind a washing machine with limited access. For the borescope camera to fit through walls, small holes may need to be drilled to further investigate. However, they can be filled without difficulty afterwards to avoid damage to your home
Tracer Gas Detection
Among Southern Leak Detection's most popular methods of finding hidden leaks, is tracer gas testing. This involves a mixture of both nitrogen and hydrogen gas where the gas mixture flows out of the damaged area and moves up through the soil to the surface.
Occasionally there are limitations to gas leak detection which involves the traced gas coming out from the breaks. There are 3 examples of this, the first being suspended floorboards. When the gas is released in between the floorboard and the cavity it tends to come out only through the breaks of the floorboards. The breaks being around the edges of the room so if the leak happens to be in the middle of the room the gas detection will seem misleading.
The second limitation is pipe ducting. Ducting can be found embedded around most pipes, this has the same effect as suspended floorboards in that the gas will be traced through one of the breaks where the ducting ends and another joins which could lead to the gas being detected far away from the source of the leak.
The third limitation is a plastic membrane. Often found in wet rooms and showers the membrane acts as a barrier so any water going through the tiles won't affect the concrete on the other side. Just like the previous two limitations, this does mean gas will not penetrate through the membrane and will travel around the plastic sheet until it comes out of a break.
Occasionally there are limitations to gas leak detection which involves the traced gas coming out from the breaks. There are 3 examples of this, the first being suspended floorboards. When the gas is released in between the floorboard and the cavity it tends to come out only through the breaks of the floorboards. The breaks being around the edges of the room so if the leak happens to be in the middle of the room the gas detection will seem misleading.
The second limitation is pipe ducting. Ducting can be found embedded around most pipes, this has the same effect as suspended floorboards in that the gas will be traced through one of the breaks where the ducting ends and another joins which could lead to the gas being detected far away from the source of the leak.
The third limitation is a plastic membrane. Often found in wet rooms and showers the membrane acts as a barrier so any water going through the tiles won't affect the concrete on the other side. Just like the previous two limitations, this does mean gas will not penetrate through the membrane and will travel around the plastic sheet until it comes out of a break.
Moisture Meter
Moisture meters are used as a tool for detecting moisture in building materials and for finding leaks in the structure of the property, even when the source of the leak can't be seen. This is why restoration moisture meters are crucial tools for our engineers.
These readings are conducted by inserting the meter into the building material (this leaves two small holes where each reading is taken). Results establish the amount of excess moisture that’s present. When multiple readings take place, this can determine how moisture is spreading through the walls or ceilings.
These readings are conducted by inserting the meter into the building material (this leaves two small holes where each reading is taken). Results establish the amount of excess moisture that’s present. When multiple readings take place, this can determine how moisture is spreading through the walls or ceilings.
Acoustic Detection
Leak detection is carried out using high-resolution acoustic technology, from world-leading suppliers of leak detection equipment, Southern Leak Detection utilises high tech equipment to locate hidden leaks. It is a listening stick and picks up on sound passing them through a microphone which is then amplified through a machine.
We use a new generation of digital systems, which not only allow us to listen to the leak noise in a broad range, but we can slice the noise up into frequencies to reduce spurious noise like traffic and concentrate on just the leak.
We use a new generation of digital systems, which not only allow us to listen to the leak noise in a broad range, but we can slice the noise up into frequencies to reduce spurious noise like traffic and concentrate on just the leak.
Dye Testing
Dye testing is used to determine the escape of water and hidden leaks in pipework, ceilings, bathrooms, drains and toilets. It can also help find leaks in cavities and basins. The dye we use is non-toxic and water-soluble which usually comes in bright colours.
CCTV Drainage Survey
CCTV drainage surveys use tools similar to a borescope camera which is placed inside a manhole and passed through the pipe system to give off a live feed of the internal works. This records the overall distance and captures footage as it travels through. As well as keeping a record of the overall distance travelled, the engineer can also take pictures giving them a clear and precise reading of the situation.
Pressure Testing
When detecting drops in pressure from a plumbing system, our engineers will place a pressure gauge on specific areas that can be easily isolated. Although multiple detection methods may be introduced to help identify the leak this method is vital to assist in detecting its whereabouts.
