Concealed pipe leaks can cause serious problems in home, business, and industrial settings, leading to water wastage, property damage, and costly repairs. In this blog, we’ll explore on the various tell-tale signs of concealed pipe leaks and the cutting-edge technologies available for detecting concealed pipe leaks, from Thermal Leak Detection and Ultrasonic Leak Detection.
Why does concealed pipe leaks occur?
Concealed water pipe leaks can occur due to various factors, including aging infrastructure, improper installation, poor workmanship, pipe corrosion, ground settlement, and natural wear and tear. In Singapore’s hot and humid climate, pipes can degrade at a faster rate. Additionally, the dense urban environment and underground piping networks in Singapore increase the likelihood of concealed leaks, as pipes may be buried beneath roads, buildings, or landscaping, making them difficult to access and inspect.
Tell-tale signs of concealed pipe leaks
Detecting potential tell-tale signs of concealed pipe leaks earlier on and addressing them promptly with the help of advanced technology and water leak detection specialists’ expertise can minimize further damage, conserve water resources, and maintain the integrity of the property’s plumbing system in the long run.
Decreased water pressure
A noticeable decrease in water pressure throughout the property can indicate a leak in the water supply pipe line. Given the extensiveness of concealed pipe lines in a property, clients can engage water pressure tests as a step-by-step approach to isolate and narrow down the respective pipe line sections before engaging the Ultrasonic Leak Detection to further pinpoint the potential water leak point/s.
Increased water bills
Sudden spikes in water bills could indicate a hidden water leak within your property. While some leaks may be visible or audible, such as dripping faucets or running toilets, others may go unnoticed, particularly if they are concealed behind walls or underground below soil and plants. Monitoring your water usage and comparing it to previous bills can help identify abnormal spikes that may be indicative of a leak. If you suspect a leak but cannot locate its source, reach out to us to learn more about how our Ultrasonic Leak Detection, coupled with thorough investigation, can assist in detecting concealed leakages.
Constant dampness or moisture
Constant and persistent dampness or moisture in walls, ceilings, floors, or cabinets, especially near plumbing fixtures or pipes, may signal water leakage. For instance, in bathrooms, if there is constant water seepage along the bottom wall-and-floor joint of the shower area, homeowners can conduct a simple test by wiping off water and observing if it returns quickly. Turning off the valve supplying the suspected pipe and running the tap to empty the pipes can further confirm a concealed leak if the oozing stops.
Musty Odours
Musty or mouldy odours, especially in enclosed spaces such as wardrobes or rooms with poor ventilation, may indicate the presence of hidden water leakage.
Foundation or ground settlement
Cracks or settling in a building’s foundation can stem from soil erosion due to leaks in underground pipes. This issue is prevalent in commercial and industrial areas, aggravated by heavy vehicles traveling over roads where underground water supply pipes are located. Over time, ground vibrations can dislodge the pipes, leading to water leaks.
Puddles or wet spots
Constant presence of puddles or wet spots in areas where they shouldn’t be, such as walkways, driveways or in the middle of a tiled pavement, etc., may signify a potential concealed leak in the underground pipe line.
Running or dripping water sounds
Audible sounds of running water, hissing, or dripping behind walls, ceilings, or floors are one potential tell-tale sign of a concealed pipe leak. However, often there are no visible signs of water, such as puddles or wet wall surfaces, which makes tracing the exact source a complex process.
Detection techniques for concealed pipe leaks
With the help of the appropriate leak detection techniques, coupled with guidance from an experienced water leakage specialist, detecting concealed pipe leak is made easier:
Thermal LeakDetect™
Thermal imaging works for concealed pipe leaks by detecting temperature differences caused by water leakage. When water escapes from a pipe, it typically has a different temperature than its surroundings. Thermal imaging cameras detect these temperature variations, allowing water leak detection specialists to identify the potential location of the leak. This method is effective for locating concealed leaks behind walls or beneath floors as the cameras can capture thermal anomalies that may not be visible to the naked eye.
An important note to understand about thermal imaging is that it does not act like X-rays to penetrate through wall or ceiling structures. X-rays are capable of penetrating materials, and the image produced reveals the internal structure of the object, including any abnormalities or defects. On the other hand, thermal imaging works by detecting the infrared radiation (heat) emitted by objects. Thermal cameras capture this radiation and create a visual representation of temperature variations, where warmer objects appear brighter and cooler objects appear darker. Thermal imaging does not penetrate materials like X-rays do but rather detects surface temperatures and temperature gradients.
Ultrasonic LeakDetect™
Ultrasonic leak detection works for concealed pipe leaks by using high-frequency sound waves to locate the source of leaks. When water escapes from a pipe, it creates ultrasonic vibrations that are beyond the range of human hearing. Ultrasonic leak detectors pick up these sound emissions and amplify them, allowing technicians to pinpoint the exact location of the leak. This method is effective for detecting concealed leaks behind walls, under floors, or underground, as the detectors can isolate the sound of escaping water and assist in narrowing down the potential leak points. The ultrasonic leak detector has a detection depth range of up to five meters, depending on factors such as the pipe material, soil composition, and the size of the leak.
Resolve your concealed pipe leak concerns
Finding hidden pipe leaks in homes, businesses, and industries is often a complex process that requires time, effort, as well as the right technology and expertise. Although various concealed water leakage cases require customized approaches and diagnosis, by leveraging ever-advancing technologies, it can take us a step further in detecting concealed water pipe leaks in a scientific and non-guesswork method. Contact us and share your concealed pipe leak concerns today.