| Generally speaking electronic leak detection is used for | | | | water shut-off valve, located on the cold water inlet to |
| locating leaks on underground water lines. Leaks | | | | the water heater, can be closed. If the needle again |
| above the slab and under raised foundations (wood | | | | stops moving, it means the leak is on the hot water |
| floors), are not discernible with conventional leak | | | | line. |
| detecting equipment and are better and more | | | | Once it has been determined where the leak is, the |
| economically dealt with by conventional means. | | | | loss of water can be controlled by closing either the |
| Finding the leak | | | | hot water heater shut-off valve, which will still leave |
| Sewer and drain line leaks are best located with | | | | you with the permanent use of cold water, or by |
| sewer cameras. To begin with it should be determined | | | | closing the house shut-off valve, if it is a cold water |
| that there is a leak under a concrete floor, before | | | | leak, which will leave you with no water. If there is not |
| initiating electronic leak detection. Signals are a hot spot | | | | substantial water coming into the dwelling, these valves |
| on the floor, the sound of water running when all | | | | can be re-opened for short term use and then |
| plumbing fixtures are not in use and water coming | | | | re-closed during times of non-use. This allows the |
| from someplace on the floor (ground floor), or at a low | | | | occupants to flush toilets, take showers, wash dishes |
| point on a wall (1st story). Hot water coming from a | | | | and laundry, etc., while the diagnoses and repair |
| cold tap and a water heater that does not shut off, or | | | | process is being implemented. |
| re-ignites quickly, are other signs. At that point one | | | | To perform the leak detection, the pipes are |
| should check the water meter. If the needle is moving | | | | disconnected, usually at the water heater, and |
| and no plumbing fixtures, or bibs, are in use, then there | | | | pressurized with nitrogen. This particular gas is |
| is definitely a leak somewhere. If the main shut-off | | | | excellent for making a "high-pitched" sound that is |
| valve is closed and the meter's needle stops, it | | | | easily detected through a set of high-quality head |
| indicates that the leak is in the house (building). | | | | phones using a sophisticated listening device. Once the |
| Otherwise it is occurring between the meter and the | | | | highest decibel of sound is located, the leak is |
| dwelling. | | | | pin-pointed. Occasionally the sound will transfer through |
| Location of leak | | | | a channel of some kind, usually plastic pipe wrapping |
| Once it is determined that the leak is in the house, the | | | | and the point of discovery may be a few inches or |
| house shut-off valve can be reopened (causing the | | | | feet away, but we have experienced better than 95% |
| meter needle to resume movement) and the hot | | | | accuracy with our electronic leak detection equipment. |