Central Heating Leak Detection in Chetwynd

Symptoms

The property in TF10 is a detached house with a system boiler and gravity-fed heating system. The customer reported a loss of pressure in the heating system, which had prompted them to seek a central heating leak detection investigation to identify and resolve the source of the problem before further damage could occur.

Methods Used

This multi-method approach is standard practice in central heating leak detection — using pressure testing to confirm the fault, tracer gas to locate the source, and acoustic equipment to cross-reference findings. The combination of methods allowed the leak to be identified with confidence despite the acoustic results being inconclusive in isolation.

Investigation Process

1. 1
   System drained and test equipment connected

   On arrival, the heating system was fully drained and test equipment was connected to the return pipe near the boiler to prepare for pressure testing.

2. 2
   Pressure test at 1.5 bar

   The system was pressurised to 1.5 bar, where a pressure drop of 0.1 bar every 30 minutes was recorded, confirming an active leak within the heating system.

3. 3
   Tracer gas introduced and surveyed

   Tracer gas was introduced into the system and a full survey was carried out, with strong indications detected in the hallway leading to the dining room.

4. 4
   Acoustic testing carried out

   Acoustic testing was performed in the identified area to cross-reference the tracer gas findings, though results were not entirely conclusive.

5. 5
   Leak located and repaired

   The leaking section of pipework was identified, cut out, and repaired using a compression isolation valve and a coupler.

6. 6
   Post-repair pressure test

   Following the repair, the system was re-tested at 2.0 bar for one hour, with pressure remaining stable throughout, confirming the leak had been fully resolved.

Result & Outcome

The leak was located in the hallway leading to the dining room, identified primarily through strong tracer gas readings in that area. The leaking section of pipework was cut out and repaired using a compression isolation valve and a coupler, restoring the integrity of the heating system.