Leak Detection

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Leak Detection

🏠 1. Building & Roof Leak Detection

Leaks often appear as stains, damp patches, or blistered paint — but the source is usually not directly above the damage.

🔹 Detection methods:

  • Visual Inspection: Look for cracks, blistering, or loose flashing.
  • Water Hose Test: Spray small roof sections systematically to pinpoint entry.
  • Infrared Thermography: A thermal camera shows cooler (wet) areas under membranes.
  • Electronic Leak Detection (ELD):
    • Uses electric current to trace breaches in membranes.
    • Accurate for flat roofs (PVC, TPO, Bitumen).
  • Tracer Gas Testing: Injects harmless gas (e.g., hydrogen/nitrogen mix); detectors find where it escapes.

🧱 2. Basement & Underground Leak Detection

Leaks below ground can be hidden by soil or concrete.

🔹 Detection methods:

  • Moisture Meter or Hygrometer: Measures dampness inside walls and slabs.
  • Infrared Scanning: Finds cool, damp zones behind walls.
  • Dye Testing: Non-toxic colored dye added to external water; see where it reappears.
  • Pressure Testing: Tests integrity of waterproofing or drainage pipes.
  • Acoustic Leak Detection: Sensitive microphones detect sound of escaping water through concrete.

🚰 3. Plumbing & Pipe Leak Detection

Hidden leaks in walls or under floors cause high water bills or mold.

🔹 Detection methods:

  • Meter Test: Turn off all taps — if the water meter still moves, you have a leak.
  • Acoustic Listening Devices: Detect sound waves from escaping pressurized water.
  • Thermal Imaging: Identifies hot/cold patches from leaking pipes.
  • Tracer Gas or Ultrasonic Detection: Finds leaks without excavation.

🌊 4. Waterproofing Membrane Leak Detection

Used in roofs, balconies, basements, tunnels, and tanks.

🔹 Techniques:

  • Low Voltage ELD (vector mapping):
    • A charged probe detects breaches by measuring current flow through wet insulation.
  • High Voltage ELD (spark testing):
    • Electric current passed over a dry membrane; sparks form where cracks exist.
  • Flood Testing:
    • Flood area with water for 24–48 hours; monitor for leaks below.
    • Simple but time-consuming and risky for interior spaces.

⚙️ 5. Modern Leak Detection Tools

  • Infrared Cameras → thermal differences = hidden moisture.
  • Moisture Mapping Systems → identifies spread of damp.
  • Smart Leak Sensors (IoT) → detect and alert leaks in real time (for plumbing systems).