Detecting a Leak in Your Home's Plumbing

Sep 17, 2012

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To check for leaks in your plumbing pipes, a
professional plumber may use a number of different
leak detection methods, which will be explained, below. Each of these detection methods
has varying levels of sensitivity and effectiveness, and require use of
judgment to determine which method to use.

Water Immersion Bubble Test

One leak detection method that might be used is called the water immersion
bubble test. This technique is somewhat primitive but still serves a purpose.
A pressurized or charged part is immersed into the water tank. When using
this technique, the technician will be looking for any bubbles that are
escaping. The more frequent and larger the size of the bubbles the worse
the leak is likely to be. This leak detection method is limited by sensitivity,
which means it might not work well for very small leaks. This immersion
method is a very economical detection method to use, but it does have
quite a few disadvantages.

Soap Solution Bubble Test

Another method that may be used is called the soap solution bubble test.
Unlike the previous test mentioned, above, this test uses a part that
is sprayed with a soap solution, which allows the technician to see bubbles
that are formed by gas that is escaping from the leak location. This leak
detection method is much more sensitive than the immersion method. The
soap solution test is most effective when the potential leak area is known.
This test can be used to pinpoint a leak in a suspected area.

Pressure Decay Test

The pressure decay test is another leak detection method that we might
use. During this test, your plumber will pressurize your system with high
pressure gas, which normally consists of nitrogen or dry air. The internal
pressure of the system is monitored over a period of time. If we find
that the pressure in the system drops very quickly, this indicates a large leak.

A smaller pressure drop would indicate a much smaller leak. If the pressure
in the system remains constant, this would indicate no leak in the system
or component. This method works well to eliminate any potential technician
errors, and it also runs automatically.

Count on a Professional Plumber

Suspect a plumbing leak in your home? Contact S & D Plumbing, your
Austin Plumbing Professionals, today. With over 30 years experience, we'll
help you determine where your leak is and repair it with the least interruption
possible to your daily routine, to get your
home's plumbing back in proper working order as soon as possible.