Central Heating Leak Detection in Haverhill

Symptoms

The boiler pressure had dropped to zero and was losing pressure quickly enough that the heating system could not be run for any meaningful period. Visible signs of a problem were already present in the outbuilding: slight water damage could be seen in the middle of the area between the first two radiators, and the skirting board in that area was coming away from the wall — both consistent with a slow underground leak over a period of time.

Central heating leak detection was the appropriate course of action given the symptoms and the concealed nature of the pipework.

Methods Used

This multi-method approach is standard practice in central heating leak detection where pipework is buried and inaccessible. Each technique was used in sequence to build confidence in the identified area before any physical investigation was carried out.

The sandstone slabs were lifted carefully and the pipework was exposed, confirming the findings before any repair work began.

Investigation Process

1. 1
   System drained down

   The central heating system was fully drained using the drain-off point near the boiler in the garage.

2. 2
   Tracer gas introduced

   Tracer gas was connected to the pipework via the filling loop next to the boiler and allowed to pressurise the system.

3. 3
   Gas and damp readings detected

   Tracer gas readings were detected in the area between the first two radiators, with damp meter readings confirming elevated moisture in the same zone.

4. 4
   Acoustic microphone used

   The acoustic microphone picked up a leak noise in the same area, confirming the location before any slabs were lifted.

5. 5
   Slabs lifted

   The sandstone slabs were lifted intact without breaking them, exposing the buried pipework beneath.

6. 6
   Leak confirmed and pipe inspected

   The pipework was found to be in poor condition with a visible hole causing the leak, consistent with the findings from all three detection methods.

7. 7
   Temporary repair carried out

   The leaking section of pipe was cut out and replaced using 22mm compression fittings and 22mm plastic pipework, as the condition of the existing pipework made a soldered repair impractical on the day.

8. 8
   Pressure test passed

   A further pressure test was carried out after the repair and the system held pressure.

9. 9
   Boiler topped up

   The boiler was refilled and a separate engineer was arranged to reinstate the boiler to full operation.

Result & Outcome

The longer-term recommendation is to cut out the pipework in the affected area and replace it with 22mm copper with soldered fittings, which will provide a more durable solution. The sandstone slabs can then be relaid. The boiler will require an engineer visit to be fully reinstated.