Central Heating Leak Detection in Hemsby

Symptoms

No visible evidence of a leak was present on arrival. With pressure dropping in the system and no obvious source, this was a case requiring methodical central heating leak detection — working through the property systematically to establish where the loss was occurring beneath a concrete substrate.

Methods Used

To confirm and isolate the leak, the system was connected to a pressure test kit via one of two external drain-off points identified by the customer, both tied into the heating pipework through the external wall. Once the system was drained, tracer gas was introduced throughout the circuit.

The tracer gas detector was used to sweep the floor and pinpoint the precise leak location — a standard and reliable method in central heating leak detection when the pipework is buried beneath concrete.

Investigation Process

1. 1
   Initial Assessment

   The engineer arrived and confirmed no visible evidence of a leak anywhere in the property. The layout was noted: a loft-mounted combi boiler, concrete floors throughout the ground floor, 11 radiators, and a kitchen plinth heater.

2. 2
   Thermal Imaging Survey

   A thermal imaging camera was used to map the heating pipe runs beneath the concrete flooring, giving a clear picture of the circuit layout before any further investigation.

3. 3
   Damp Meter Investigation

   A damp meter was used to check moisture levels across the floor surface. Damp readings were found in two locations: in the kitchen in front of the oven, and in the bathroom beneath the radiator.

4. 4
   Pressure Test Connected

   The customer indicated two external drain-off points connected to the heating pipework. A pressure test kit was attached to one of these points to pressurise the circuit and confirm the presence of a leak.

5. 5
   System Drained and Filled with Tracer Gas

   The heating system was drained down and then filled with tracer gas throughout the circuit in preparation for precise leak location.

6. 6
   Leak Located in Small Bedroom

   The tracer gas detector identified a leak location in the small bedroom. No other leak locations were indicated elsewhere in the circuit.

7. 7
   Floor Exposed and Leak Confirmed

   The carpet and section of concrete floor in the small bedroom were carefully lifted. Two heating pipes were found rubbing against each other at the leak point, with the friction having caused the breach.

8. 8
   Repair Carried Out

   The leaking section of pipework was removed and replaced with new copper pipe and soldered fittings. The system was retested under pressure and passed, confirming the repair was sound.

9. 9
   System Restored

   An inhibitor was added to the heating system, which was then refilled and restored to full working order across the property. The tracer gas detector confirmed no further leak locations were present.

Result & Outcome

An inhibitor was introduced to the system before it was refilled and returned to full working order. The customer was kept informed throughout and the cause of the pressure loss — two pipes in contact beneath the bedroom floor — was clearly explained. The concrete floor in the small bedroom was the only area requiring access.