in

Water Leak Detection Tips for Your Plumbing System

Timely detection of leakages in a plumbing system is extremely important. In addition to financial loss, water leakage from a plumbing system also results in a drop in water pressure. Low water pressure may sometimes lead to equipment damage for boilers or washing machines. This is why it is essential to detect water leakages immediately so that they can be repaired. A number of advanced detection techniques are there to help you prevent your plumbing system from leakages related damages.

Since many years, the only way to detect water leakages in a plumbing system was to carry out visual inspections on a regular basis. However, using this technique, it is only possible to find out burst water pipes. This method can not detect any water leakage that is small. Moreover, this method sometimes require excavations to be done in order to find out the points of leakage. Due to  these demerits, this alternative is hardly used these days to find out water leakages.

Infrared thermal imaging is one of the most used methods at present for leak detection. This technique makes use of thermography, which refers to the use of a measurement camera and infrared imaging to locate and measure the emission of thermal energy from an object. Infrared thermal imaging identifies the temperature difference caused in a plumbing system due to the presence of water. The biggest benefit of this method is that they can even detect moisture sources within a plumbing network that are beyond the reach of moisture meters. This digital technology is the basic platform behind trenchless leak detection in a plumbing system.

Close circuit camera inspection has also emerged now as a popular leak detection technique. This technology is frequently used for routine maintenance of plumbing systems to locate the areas that need immediate attention.

Acoustic leak detection is yet another alternative that was discovered in 1879 by Professor A. M. Mayer. Modern day acoustic profiling involves enhancement of the leakage sound using pipe and ground sensitive microphones. This technology is used more in commercial plumbing applications because of its highly technical requirements.

Gas filling is also used to detect leakages in pipes that are relatively easier to access. This consists of introducing industrial hydrogen into the pipeline and careful inspection of the track using a device that is sensitive to hydrogen. This method, however, may require digging of the premise. Also, this technique is less effective for pipelines that are deep under the ground.

There are many other ways to find out whether your plumbing system has developed a leak. As the homeowner, the best approach for you would be to have your entire system checked by a reputed plumber on a regular basis. Also, contact the plumber immediately if you suspect a leakage in the system.

What do you think?

Written by Anta

Common Septic System Related Problems and their Remedy

Easy Bathroom Remodeling Tips for Your Household