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View Full Version : How do I isolate a leak which isn't obvious


Twinlock
Dec 10, 2007, 12:19 AM
I have a pressurized central heating system which is losing pressure every night when cool. From viewing previous questions I am sure I have a leak somewhere in the system as I'm constantly adding water to replace the air. My question is how can I systematically go over the system and isolate the leak? There are no obvious visible signs anywhere above ground. Is it possible to isolate sections of the pipework to find the section with the leak? Or are there damp meters I could buy which would indicate a wet area which isn't visible to the naked eye?

hvac1000
Dec 10, 2007, 04:02 AM
Best way to find any hidden kind of a leak is with a sonar pipe trace tool.
You can add valves all over the place but it will not make a difference because you have no idea how it is piped under the slab or in hidden areas unless you personally know Superman and he will let you use his X-Ray vision. LOL

Do the basics.
Isolate and drain expansion tank unless it is a bladder tank then you cannot do that but you can tap it to see how much water is in it.
Make sure the water is not flowing back into your domestic water system. If you do not have a backflow preventer/check valve put one in.

Look over the inside burner box and all boiler sections inside and outside of the boiler to look for white powder/stain signs of a water leak.Note you will have to strip off the outer casing of the boiler to inspect the outside.

Look at all valves and make sure there are no packing leaks also check around all valves and fittings for signs of a leak.

Now if you do not want to do all this work hire a company that does leaks and has the appropriate expensive electronic tools to eliminate this leak problem.