# Leak detection methods used by ADI Leak Detection

ADI Leak Detection's engineers use tracer gas, acoustic listening, leak correlation, thermal imaging, borescope cameras and moisture meters. Each job pairs a trained engineer with the equipment suited to the leak type, with the aim of pinpointing the leak before any floor, wall or ground is opened. The counts show how many of the 221 case studies on this site are tagged with each method in ADI's records, most often tagged first. These tags come from ADI's write-ups and can be broader than the attending engineer's own notes.

## Pressure testing

The engineer isolates a section of pipework, puts it under pressure and watches a gauge. A falling reading confirms that the section is leaking.

- Pressure testing | case studies tagged with this method | 192 of 221

## Tracer gas

The pipe is drained and filled with a safe mix of hydrogen and nitrogen. The gas escapes at the leak and rises through floors, soil or concrete, where a gas detector picks it up.

- Tracer gas | case studies tagged with this method | 167 of 221

## Acoustic correlation

Sensors are placed on the pipe at two points. A correlator compares the leak noise reaching each sensor and works out where between them the leak is.

- Acoustic correlation | case studies tagged with this method | 154 of 221

## Damp meter

A damp meter, also called a moisture meter, measures moisture in walls, floors and ceilings, so the engineer can map where water is spreading and follow it back towards its source.

- Damp meter | case studies tagged with this method | 130 of 221

## Thermal imaging

A thermal camera shows surface temperatures. Heating and hot water pipes show up through walls and floors, and escaping water often shows as a warmer or cooler patch.

- Thermal imaging | case studies tagged with this method | 104 of 221

## Visual inspection

The engineer checks exposed pipework, fittings, appliances, seals and signs of water damage before and during testing.

- Visual inspection | case studies tagged with this method | 100 of 221

## Endoscope camera

A small camera on a flexible cable is passed through a small hole or gap to see inside voids, under floors and behind panels.

- Endoscope camera | case studies tagged with this method | 51 of 221

## Acoustic listening

Listening equipment amplifies the sound water makes as it escapes from a pipe under pressure.

- Acoustic listening | case studies tagged with this method | 39 of 221

## Flow metering

The engineer measures water flowing through the meter while every outlet is off. Any flow means water is escaping somewhere.

- Flow metering | case studies tagged with this method | 26 of 221

## Sectional isolation

Parts of the system are shut off one at a time to narrow down which section is leaking.

- Sectional isolation | case studies tagged with this method | 26 of 221

## Leak dye

Coloured dye is added to the water, for example in a shower tray, drain or pool, to show where the water is getting out.

- Leak dye | case studies tagged with this method | 13 of 221

## Borescope

A narrow inspection camera used to look inside walls, floors and other hidden spaces through a small opening.

- Borescope | case studies tagged with this method | 9 of 221

## Ground microphone

A sensitive microphone placed on the ground above a buried pipe picks up the sound of a leak below.

- Ground microphone | case studies tagged with this method | 8 of 221