Leak Detection with Tracer Gas
Tracer gas to locate leaks that do not make a sound: plastic pipes, underfloor heating, buried or unpressurised sections and pool circuits. The section is emptied, charged with the gas and its escape is traced at the surface.
If we do not locate the leak, we do not charge for the diagnosis.
What does the service consist of?
How it works
Tracer gas is a mixture of tracing gases introduced into the emptied pipe with a pressurisation unit and regulator; the gas escapes through the break and a handheld detector picks it up at the surface, where the concentration is highest directly above the leak. Its composition, operating pressure and safety measures are set by the technician according to the product and the applicable regulations.
First the section is isolated and drained by opening the low points; if water remains trapped it is expelled with compressed air, because the gas has to fill the entire pipe. Then it is slowly pressurised, with the pressure controlled on a gauge and adjusted to the type of pipe.
The technician traces the route with the handheld detector; where there is a leak, the detector gives an audible and visual signal, and the position is refined by seeking the peak concentration.
Main applications
- Swimming pools: buried pressure-side and suction-side pipework.
- Heating: underfloor heating circuits and radiators.
- Buildings: buried general networks and service pipes.
- Fire protection networks: buried sections that can be isolated and emptied.
When we choose it and its limits
We choose it when the leak does not sound to the geophone: plastic pipes, underfloor heating, buried sections or sections without pressure. It requires being able to empty the section, a point to inject through (a tap or a bleed valve will do) and a surface through which the gas can escape.
The gas can travel along joints or voids and emerge somewhat displaced from the real point; very impermeable surfaces or wind outdoors make the reading harder, which is why it is confirmed with a second technique before marking.
On very long service pipes without an intermediate outlet, the gas can lose pressure and dilute before filling the whole run; pressurising an old or fragile installation requires great care, and in some cases another method is preferable.
It does not locate leaks in the shell of a pool basin: only in the circuit pipework that has been emptied.
- Written technical report when the service requires it
- Free phone assessment and no-obligation quote
Main advantages
- Leaks the geophone cannot hear: plastic, underfloor heating and buried or unpressurised sections.
- Tracing the whole run: the complete route is followed, not just one point.
- Confirmation of the point: before marking it for the opening.
How We Work, Step by Step
- 1
Isolate and empty the section
Shutting off valves, draining through the low points and expelling the trapped water.
- 2
Charge with gas
Connection of the regulator and slow, controlled pressurisation with a gauge.
- 3
Trace the route
Following the pipe run with the handheld detector.
- 4
Peak concentration and marking
Search for the point of highest concentration, confirmation with another technique where appropriate, and marking for the opening.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Service areas
We work in the provinces of Valencia, Alicante, Murcia, Albacete and Almería. For other areas, please ask us.