Sometimes, a leaking pipe will not pass a hydrostatic test because the leak is the size of a pinhole or very minor due to a rolled gasket.
Because these leaks are so small, pumping the pipes with pressurized water and checking to see if the pressure decreases is not effective because the pressure takes so long to decrease from the minor leak.
To be thorough, you can complete gaseous leak detection on a water system using tracer gas. Because gas escapes a pipe faster than fluid, it’s a better indicator of pinhole leaks or leaks from rolled gaskets.
We’ll explain what gaseous leak detection is and how it can help in identifying even the smallest leaks to avoid overspending and wasting valuable resources.
How Gaseous Leak Detection Works on Water Systems
Gaseous leak detection works a lot like hydrostatic testing in that it uses pressurized gas to locate a leak. Most often, we use a mixture of nitrogen and hydrogen because they are nontoxic and nonflammable, which makes them safe for testing water systems.
We insert the gas through the water lines. If there is even the slightest leak in the pipe, the hydrogen will escape the pipe and make its way to the surface. Since the gas has gone through the surface, we can then use gas detectors to get within about six inches of the leak.
Benefits of Tracer Gas to Find Water System Leaks
When acoustic water leak detection isn’t an option and hydrostatic testing fails to find your leak, using tracer gas is an efficient and effective method for finding leaks. Here are the benefits of this leak detection method.
- Very sensitive to find the smallest system leaks
- Accurate within a few inches to reduce repair expenses
- Prevent larger leaks with timely repair
- Hydrogen moves quickly, which provides fast answers to leak locations
Choosing the Right Leak Detection Method
The best leak detection method will be based on the types of pipes you have and the severity of the leak you’re facing. Instead of seeking out a company that can complete one specific type of leak detection, look to the team of experts who can analyze your water system and recommend the best method based on your needs.
ACS Underground Solutions provides services in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. We’ll locate your leak with near-perfect accuracy to make it simple to repair the issue without causing unnecessary surface damage.
Call our 24/7 phone line at 203-544-7190 for immediate assistance. Or contact us with your questions or underground detection needs.
ACS UNDERGROUND SOLUTIONS | Gaseous Leak Detection Spots Small Water Leaks When Hydrostatic Testing Fails
ACS Underground Solutions has been in business since 1997 and we continue to serve our clients during COVID 19 with the CDC safety guidance put in place. Give ACS Underground Solutions a call at 203-544-7190 to find out more about our services. Our office staff is available Monday-Friday, 8am to 5pm to answer your questions and schedule an appointment. We are a private family owned consulting company with decades of experience and deep expertise in Water Line Leak Detection, Underground Utility Locating with GPR, Underground Storage Tank Locating, Concrete Imaging & Scanning, Drain Pipe Inspections and Infrared Thermal Imaging Services. ACS Underground Solutions serves Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.