Internal Cold Mains Leak Detection in Stafford

Symptoms

With damage spread across two separate rooms, the cause was not immediately clear. Internal leak detection was required to methodically narrow down whether the source was the supply pipework, the heating system, or the waste drainage from the bathroom above.

A structured investigation was needed to trace the moisture back to its origin without unnecessary damage to the fabric of the building.

Methods Used

With the pressure test indicating a fault in the pipework, tracer gas was introduced and the property was inspected systematically. Gas was detected in the upstairs bathroom by the toilet, directing attention to the pipework routed through that area.

An endoscope camera was used to inspect inside the boxing to locate the pipe run without unnecessary opening up. A flood and dye test was also carried out to the upstairs bathroom sink, bath and toilet, with the soil pipe inspected for dye — no dye was found, ruling out any waste pipe contribution to the damage.

This complete approach is what internal leak detection requires when moisture is presenting across multiple rooms.

Investigation Process

1. 1
   Moisture Survey

   Moisture readings were taken across the walls and ceiling of the kitchen and the downstairs bedroom. High levels of moisture were confirmed on both the kitchen wall and the bedroom wall.

2. 2
   Thermal Imaging Survey

   A thermal CCTV survey was carried out on the bedroom wall and the kitchen wall. Cold anomalies were identified, consistent with water present behind the wall surfaces.

3. 3
   Pressure Test

   A pressure test was performed on the internal pipework. The test failed, confirming an active leak within the supply pipework.

4. 4
   Tracer Gas Test

   Tracer gas was introduced to the pipework and the property was inspected. Gas was detected in the upstairs bathroom by the toilet, indicating the leak was in the pipework running through or near that area.

5. 5
   Endoscope Inspection

   An endoscope camera was used to inspect the inside of the boxing to identify the exact route and position of the hidden pipework before making access.

6. 6
   Access and Repair

   Access was made to the kitchen wall and the leaking copper pipe was exposed. A repair was carried out using two 15mm straight speed fit couplings and a piece of 15mm plastic pipe.

7. 7
   Flood and Dye Test

   A flood and dye test was carried out to the upstairs bathroom sink, bath and toilet, with the soil pipe inspected for dye water. No dye was found, confirming no leaks were present on the waste pipes from the bathroom above.

Result & Outcome

As is often the case with internal leak detection, the damage presented across multiple areas — the kitchen wall, ceiling and bedroom wall — but originated from a single point. The affected walls will now need to go through a drying and restoration programme, and the boxing that was opened to gain access will need to be reinstated.