Detecting Radiant Heat & Pipe Failures with Thermal Imaging

If you’ve ever dealt with a hidden leak or failing radiant heating system, you know how challenging it can be to locate the source without tearing up floors or walls. That’s where thermal imaging technology comes in. At ACS Underground Solutions, we use advanced infrared cameras to pinpoint temperature anomalies that indicate leaks, pipe failures, and inefficiencies in radiant heating systems — all without invasive digging or demolition.

Whether you’re a homeowner noticing a sudden drop in water pressure or a facility manager facing unexplained energy loss, thermal imaging provides a fast, accurate, and non-destructive solution. Let’s explore how it works, what it can detect, and why it’s become one of the most reliable diagnostic tools for plumbing and heating systems in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey.

Understanding Thermal Imaging Technology

Thermal imaging, also known as infrared thermography, is a technology that captures temperature differences on a surface. Every object emits infrared radiation — essentially heat energy — that can be detected by an infrared camera. These cameras translate that data into a visual “heat map,” where different colors represent varying temperatures.

In plumbing and heating diagnostics, this allows trained technicians to “see” hidden issues behind walls, floors, and ceilings. For example, a radiant heating pipe carrying hot water will show up as a bright, warm line on the thermal image. If there’s a break, leak, or blockage, the temperature pattern changes, revealing the precise location of the problem.

ACS Underground Solutions uses state-of-the-art infrared cameras capable of detecting temperature variations as small as 0.1°C, making it possible to identify even the most subtle leaks or system failures.

How Thermal Imaging Detects Radiant Heat Leaks

Radiant heating systems are popular for their comfort and energy efficiency, but when something goes wrong — such as a broken pipe under a tile or concrete floor — the repair process can be complicated. Traditional methods often involve guesswork and destructive testing. Thermal imaging eliminates that guesswork entirely.

Here’s how ACS Underground Solutions uses infrared technology to diagnose radiant heat issues:

Step 1: Initial System Activation — The radiant heating system is turned on and allowed to reach operating temperature. Warm water circulates through the pipes beneath the surface.
Step 2: Infrared Scanning — Our technicians scan the floor with a handheld thermal imaging camera. The camera captures the heat distribution pattern across the surface.
Step 3: Temperature Pattern Analysis — Areas with consistent heat lines indicate normal flow. Cold or irregular areas may suggest air pockets, blockages, or pipe breaks.
Step 4: Leak Localization — The exact location of the anomaly is marked for repair, minimizing unnecessary damage to flooring or concrete.

This process is quick, precise, and non-invasive. Most inspections can be completed in under an hour, depending on the size of the system.

Identifying Pipe Failures with Infrared Technology

Pipe failures can occur for many reasons — corrosion, freezing, pressure fluctuations, or shifting foundations. Locating the exact point of failure can be difficult when pipes are buried underground, within slabs, or behind walls. Thermal imaging helps identify these failures efficiently by highlighting temperature differences caused by escaping water or steam.

For instance:

Hot water leaks appear as localized warm spots surrounded by cooler areas.
Cold water leaks may show up as cooler spots on an otherwise warm surface.
Steam line leaks often create a concentrated area of high heat near the break.

When combined with other leak detection tools — such as acoustic listening devices and tracer gas systems — thermal imaging provides a powerful diagnostic advantage. At ACS Underground Solutions, we often integrate multiple technologies to ensure the most accurate results possible, especially for commercial or industrial facilities.

Common Applications for Thermal Imaging Leak Detection

Thermal imaging isn’t just for radiant heat systems. It can be applied in a variety of residential, commercial, and municipal settings, including:

Hydronic radiant floor heating leaks
Hot and cold water line failures
Steam pipe leaks
Concealed plumbing system leaks
Roof moisture detection
Energy loss and insulation inefficiency detection

In large buildings or older infrastructure, thermal imaging is often used alongside utility locating and concrete scanning services to provide a complete picture of what’s happening behind the scenes.

Benefits of Using Thermal Imaging for Leak Detection

Thermal imaging offers numerous advantages over traditional leak detection methods:

Non-Invasive: No need to break floors or walls to locate leaks.
Fast & Accurate: Identifies problem areas within minutes.
Cost-Effective: Saves money on unnecessary repairs and downtime.
Environmentally Friendly: Reduces waste by minimizing demolition.
Versatile: Works on all pipe materials — copper, PEX, steel, and PVC.

Additionally, thermal imaging can detect developing problems before they escalate, such as small leaks or insulation gaps, allowing for proactive maintenance and prevention of costly water damage.

Real-World Example: Radiant Heat Leak Under Concrete

One of our clients in Fairfield County, CT, experienced a significant drop in heating efficiency and noticed a cool zone in one corner of their tiled kitchen floor. Traditional inspection would have required removing large sections of flooring to find the issue.

Using our FLIR thermal imaging camera, we scanned the area and identified an exact spot where the radiant heat line had ruptured beneath the slab. The repair was completed in a single day — with minimal disruption and zero guesswork.

This case demonstrates why thermal imaging has become a go-to diagnostic tool for homeowners and contractors across the tri-state area.

Why Choose ACS Underground Solutions for Thermal Imaging Services?

At ACS Underground Solutions, we combine cutting-edge technology with decades of field experience to deliver precise, reliable results. Our certified technicians are trained in advanced thermal imaging techniques and use the latest infrared cameras to ensure pinpoint accuracy.

We proudly serve Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, offering a full range of subsurface diagnostic services, including:

Our mission is simple: to help clients detect and resolve hidden issues before they become major problems — efficiently, affordably, and accurately.

Cost of Thermal Imaging Leak Detection

While pricing varies based on the scope of the inspection and property size, most thermal imaging inspections in the tri-state area cost between $350 and $850. Commercial properties or complex radiant systems may require additional scanning time and analysis.

At ACS Underground Solutions, we provide upfront, transparent quotes with no hidden fees. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions with accurate data and clear visual reports.

Tips for Homeowners and Facility Managers

To get the most accurate results from your thermal imaging inspection, consider the following tips:

Run your heating system for at least 30–60 minutes before the inspection so heat patterns are visible.
Keep floors clear of rugs or furniture that may insulate the surface and obscure readings.
Schedule routine scans — especially before winter — to identify potential issues early.
Document your system layout to make future inspections faster and more efficient.

Proactive inspections can prevent extensive damage and extend the lifespan of your radiant heating and plumbing systems.

Service Areas

ACS Underground Solutions offers thermal imaging leak detection services throughout:

Connecticut (Fairfield County, New Haven County, Hartford County)
Westchester County and NYC Metro Area
New Jersey (Bergen County, Essex County, and surrounding areas)

Whether you’re managing a commercial building, school, hospital, or residential property, our team is equipped to handle projects of any scale with precision and professionalism.

FAQs About Thermal Imaging Leak Detection

Question: What types of leaks can thermal imaging detect?

Answer: Thermal imaging can identify leaks in radiant heating systems, domestic water lines, steam lines, roof membranes, and even structural moisture areas. It works by detecting subtle temperature differences caused by water escaping from pipes or heating lines.

Question: Is thermal imaging safe for all types of flooring?

Answer: Yes. Infrared scanning is completely non-invasive and safe for all flooring types, including tile, wood, laminate, and concrete. It doesn’t emit any radiation or cause damage to surfaces.

Question: How long does a typical thermal imaging inspection take?

Answer: Most residential inspections take about 45–90 minutes, depending on the property size and the number of areas scanned. Larger commercial spaces may take longer.

Question: Do I need to prepare my home before the inspection?

Answer: Yes — we recommend running your heating system to full operating temperature and clearing the floor of obstacles like rugs or heavy furniture. This ensures clear thermal readings and accurate analysis.

Question: How accurate is thermal imaging for locating leaks?

Answer: When performed by trained professionals using high-resolution infrared cameras, thermal imaging can locate leaks with an accuracy of just a few inches. It’s one of the most precise non-destructive diagnostic methods available today.

Don’t let a hidden leak or failing radiant heat system damage your property or waste energy. The experts at ACS Underground Solutions are ready to help you identify problems quickly and efficiently using cutting-edge thermal imaging technology.

Call today: 203-544-7190
Email: service@acsunderground.com
Visit: www.acsunderground.com/services/thermal-imaging/

ACS Underground Solutions — The Tri-State Area’s leader in thermal imaging leak detection, radiant heat diagnostics, and underground utility locating services.