Hot Water System Leak Detection in Blandford Forum

Symptoms

With moisture continuing to spread and no obvious source identified after the condensate repair, a professional hot water leak detection survey was arranged. The central heating system was holding steady, pointing toward the cold or hot water supply pipework as the likely source of the ongoing damage.

Methods Used

With the system pressurised, an electronic gas sensor was used to monitor the property for escaping gas. Large concentrations were detected at the utility room floor.

Access was made through the tile work and into the concrete slab, exposing the leak source on the hot water pipe. Leak dye was applied to the pipe to confirm the location, and opening the hot water within the property caused the leak to worsen — verifying the finding.

This type of hot water leak detection, combining tracer gas with dye confirmation, is well suited to concealed pipework beneath solid floors.

Investigation Process

1. 1
   Moisture Mapping

   A damp meter survey was carried out across the affected rooms, finding elevated moisture readings throughout.

2. 2
   Thermal Imaging Survey

   Thermal imaging traced the pipework network beneath the property but found no anomalies indicating a leak location.

3. 3
   Water Meter Inspection

   The water meter was inspected and found to be moving with no water in use, confirming an active leak on the supply pipework.

4. 4
   Tracer Gas Introduction

   Tracer gas was introduced into the internal pipework through the garden tap in the garage and the system was pressurised to 2 bar.

5. 5
   Electronic Gas Sensor Monitoring

   The property was monitored using an electronic gas sensor, with large amounts of escaping gas detected at the utility room floor.

6. 6
   Floor Access and Leak Exposure

   Tiles and the concrete slab were accessed in the utility room, exposing the hot water pipe and the leak source beneath the floor.

7. 7
   Dye Confirmation

   Leak dye was applied to the pipe and the hot water supply was opened, causing the leak to worsen and confirming the exact location.

Result & Outcome

For a hot water leak detection case of this nature, pinpointing the leak beneath a solid floor to a precise location means remedial work can be targeted rather than speculative. The recommendations now in place cover full strip out of the affected rooms, installation of a drying programme, and reinstatement once the structure has dried. Repair to the exposed pipe section using 15mm plastic fittings and pipe can be carried out as part of that process.