Central Heating Leak Detection in Market Deeping

Symptoms

A slight damp spot remained visible in the previously disturbed area, and various design radiators were installed throughout the property. The ongoing pressure loss and the presence of moisture pointed strongly to an active leak within the heating system, making central heating leak detection the appropriate course of action to pinpoint the fault before any reinstatement work could proceed.

Methods Used

Tracer gas was introduced and the floor area scanned, but no gas was detected at the surface. This initially made pinpointing difficult.

A damp meter was used across the hallway floor and returned a reading of 999 at one specific location. Thermal imaging was also carried out and showed some abnormalities, though nothing conclusive.

Given all the indirect evidence converging on the previously excavated area, and with the customer's agreement, the decision was made to open that section of floor further — which exposed the leak directly.

Investigation Process

1. 1
   System drained and vacuumed

   The heating system was fully drained and residual water vacuumed out to allow clean air pressure testing without interference from standing water in the pipework.

2. 2
   Compressed air introduced

   Compressed air was introduced into the system. An initial pressure test showed no drop, so further vacuum cycles were carried out to remove more residual water.

3. 3
   Pressure drop confirmed

   After additional vacuum cycles, a very small pressure drop was recorded over a 30-minute period, confirming the presence of an active leak within the heating system.

4. 4
   Tracer gas scan carried out

   Tracer gas was introduced and the floor surface scanned across the area, but no gas was detected — the pipe's plastic casing was preventing gas from reaching the surface.

5. 5
   Damp meter reading of 999 in hallway

   A damp meter was used across the hallway floor and returned the maximum reading of 999 at one specific point, identifying the most moisture-affected location.

6. 6
   Thermal imaging performed

   Thermal imaging was carried out and showed some abnormalities in the floor area, though the results were not conclusive on their own.

7. 7
   Further excavation carried out

   With the customer's permission, the previously disturbed area of floor was excavated further, exposing the concealed 15mm heating pipe beneath.

8. 8
   Leaking pipe located

   The excavation revealed a leaking 15mm heating pipe encased in a plastic cover. The surrounding ground was heavily saturated, consistent with a leak that had been ongoing for several months.

9. 9
   Pipe repaired

   A new section of 15mm copper pipe and fittings was fitted, and a small piece of denso tape was applied to protect the pipe.

Result & Outcome

Before the floor can be re-screeded and tiled, the exposed area will need thorough drying given the extent of saturation. A flush of the heating system is also recommended, as the system was found to be significantly dirty — a condition that, left unaddressed, risks causing further problems with the pipework and components over time.