With the recent heavy downpours in Singapore, water leaks are surfacing across both residential and commercial properties. Whether it’s a dripping ceiling, unexplained damp patches, or rising water bills, identifying the source of a leak may not be straight forward. Traditional methods to locate water leakage source often involve guesswork and unnecessary damage, but today, advanced leak detection technology allows for non-invasive and precise detection. In this article, we’ll break down three key leak detection technologies—thermal leak detection, ultrasonic leak detection, and borescope detection—and guide you through each method, from the initial enquiry to the detection process of locating water leakage source.
Thermal Leak Detection
How Thermal Leak Detection Works
Thermal imaging uses infrared technology to detect temperature variations on surfaces. Water leaks create specific temperature anomalies, such as cooler patches where water is present or escaping. This technique is particularly effective when tracking hidden leaks in walls, floors, and ceilings to locate water leakage source.
Enquiry to Detection Process
Enquiry: Upon contacting a leak detection company, clients typically describe visible symptoms like water stains, pooling water, or fluctuating utility bills. The technician will ask key questions to determine if thermal imaging is a suitable method based on the signs and shared images or videos.
Thermal Imaging: Using a handheld infrared camera, the technician scans the suspected areas, looking for tell-tale signs of temperature variations. The camera displays real-time thermal images of highlighting cooler (wet) or warmer (dry) areas that help pinpoint the main concentration of dampness.
Analysis and Report: Once the leak is detected, the technician interprets the thermal images and provides a detailed report, including the affected areas and recommendations for repair.
Common Applications
Roofs: Leaks in flat or sloped roofs often go unnoticed until significant damage occurs. Thermal imaging detects moisture beneath roofing materials.
Façade Walls: Thermal imaging can be used to identify moisture penetration without removing sections of the wall across large external walls of buildings and private residentials houses.
Flooring: Subsurface leaks beneath tiles or concrete floors are challenging to detect. Thermal imaging helps to locate these leaks based on the variation in surface temperatures.
Ultrasonic Leak Detection
How Ultrasonic Leak Detection Works
Ultrasonic leak detection uses high-frequency sound waves to identify leaks in pressurized pipes. When water escapes from a pipe, it produces ultrasonic sounds not audible to the human ear. Specialized sensors detect these sound waves, which are then translated into visual data for analysis to help pinpoint the potential leakage point of water leakage.
Enquiry to Detection Process
Enquiry: Clients often report unexplained drops in water pressure, unusual noises in plumbing, or increased water usage. A technician will assess the pipe plans and symptoms to determine whether ultrasonic detection is the best approach, particularly for underground or inaccessible pipes depending on the construct, accessibility and effectiveness.
Onsite Setup: Technicians use ultrasonic detectors and calibrate them based on the type of pipe material (metal, PVC, etc.) and the location of the suspected leak.
Ultrasonic Analysis: The detector is placed along the pipeline or near suspected leak points in attempt to capture ultrasonic sounds generated by water escaping from the leak.
Reporting: Once the suspected leak point is identified, the data is analysed and presented in a report, detailing the exact location and depth of the leak and further actions.
Common Applications
Underground and concealed pipelines: Ultrasonic detection is commonly used for underground or embedded pipes, where excavation is difficult and costly. It is advisable for clients to share pipe line drawings to understand the layout so as to increase the accuracy of detection.
Borescope Detection
How Borescope Detection Works
Borescope detection involves using a small, flexible camera attached to a long cable to inspect hard-to-reach areas. The camera provides a live video feed, allowing technicians to visually assess internal damage or leaks in pipes and cavities.
Enquiry to Detection Process
Enquiry: When clients report water leaks from hidden areas, such as behind walls, within ceilings, or inside riser pipe systems, the technician may recommend borescope detection.
Access Points: The technician will identify a small access point, either through existing openings or by drilling a minimally invasive hole if necessary.
Camera Inspection: The borescope is inserted into the opening, allowing the technician to view the inside of pipes, ducts, or wall cavities in real-time. The camera captures detailed images of cracks, corrosion, ponding of water, etc.
Documentation and Action Plan: After reviewing the footage, the technician will compile a report with images and recommend the next steps for repair. This method may be used in conjunction with other detection technologies to confirm findings.
Common Applications
False ceilings and Risers: In residential and commercial properties, this technique helps in inspecting for leaks in common stack risers, above false ceiling, etc.
Why Advanced Leak Detection Matters
Water leaks left untreated can lead to severe consequences, from property damage to structural issues and even health risks like mould growth. Timely detection and repair not only prevent these problems but also save clients from costly repairs down the line to acuurately locate water leakage source.
Here’s why advanced leak detection technology is essential:
Non-Invasive: Techniques like thermal imaging and ultrasonic detection are non-invasive, allowing technicians to locate leaks without breaking walls or floors.
Cost-Effective: By pinpointing leaks without unnecessary damage, clients save on potential repair costs for areas that are not affected.
How to Choose the Right Method
Choosing the appropriate leak detection method depends on several factors, including:
Type of Property: For commercial properties with complex systems, a combination of thermal imaging and ultrasonic detection may be necessary. Residential properties may benefit more from thermal imaging.
Location of Leak: Surface leaks, like those from roofs or walls, are well suited for thermal imaging, while underground or pressurized pipe leaks are best handled by ultrasonic detection.
Conclusion
At SWC Consultancy Pte Ltd, we specialize in non-invasive, advanced water leak detection methods to locate water leakage source. Whether it’s thermal leak detection for building facades, ultrasonic testing for underground pipelines, or borescope inspections for concealed pipes within risers, our team of experts is equipped to handle any water leakage challenge.
If you’re facing persistent water leakage issues and facing a challenge to locate water leakage source, contact us today to share more information with the team and determine the most appropriate leak detection