Central Heating Leak Detection in Beith

Symptoms

The property in KA15 is a two-storey building heated by an oil boiler. The customer reported that the central heating system was losing pressure within five to seven hours, pointing to a leak somewhere in the system.

With no visible signs of water escaping at the surface, the source of the pressure loss was not immediately apparent, and a full central heating leak detection investigation was required.

Methods Used

Given the absence of any obvious surface leak, a structured central heating leak detection process was carried out across the property. Pressure testing was used to confirm that the system was indeed failing, establishing a baseline before equipment-led investigation began.

Gas detection and acoustic correlation were then deployed to narrow down the location of the fault, with thermal imaging used to support findings in suspect areas.

Investigation Process

1. 1
   Initial Assessment

   The property in KA15 was assessed and the customer's report of rapid pressure loss was noted. No visible leak was apparent, confirming that further investigation was needed.

2. 2
   PRV and Filling Loop Inspection

   The PRV was found to be slightly passing, and the filling loop had a small drip. Both were identified as contributing factors but not sufficient to account for the reported rate of pressure loss.

3. 3
   Pressure Testing

   A pressure test was carried out on the system and confirmed a failure, validating that a leak was present within the central heating circuit.

4. 4
   Tracer Gas Detection

   Gas detection equipment was used across the property and returned a positive result at the bedroom radiator, focusing the investigation on that area.

5. 5
   Acoustic Correlation

   Acoustic readings were taken in the bedroom radiator area and were consistent with the tracer gas findings, further confirming the leak location.

6. 6
   Thermal Imaging

   Thermal imaging was applied in the identified area to provide additional supporting evidence ahead of access being made.

7. 7
   Access and Discovery

   With the customer's permission, access was made at the bedroom radiator location, where it was found that fittings had been chewed through by rodents.

8. 8
   Repair Carried Out

   The damaged fittings were cut back and repaired using appropriate fittings and inserts to restore the integrity of the pipework.

9. 9
   Retest Confirmed Resolution

   A successful retest was completed following the repair, confirming the system was holding pressure and the leak had been resolved.

Result & Outcome

The leak was traced to the bedroom radiator area, where rodents had chewed through pipe fittings. This was the primary cause of the significant pressure loss the system had been experiencing. The PRV passing and the filling loop drip were secondary issues identified alongside the main fault.