Leak Detection

Water leak detection – who we work for

We deliver leak detection services for many different customers across a range of commercial, industrial, and domestic sectors.

These include insurance companies, loss adjusters, insurance brokers, commercial businesses, property landlords, public organisations, and directly for home owners.

Leak detection – the Catalyst approach

We provide a national leak detection and water pipe tracing service through our network of carefully selected and continuously quality-check water service specialists.

This allows us to precisely select the right expertise to address the escape of water problems our customers face, anywhere in the UK.

Our in-house specialists project manage each leak detection job every step of the way. This way we give our customers a high quality, transparent and competitively priced service.

Our leak detection services

Water pipes are usually hidden from view, often under or within the walls and floors of buildings. This means effective water leak detection requires a combination of experience, expertise and the application of advanced diagnostic technologies.

Thermal imaging

Our engineers use sophisticated thermal imaging cameras to locate leaks in hot water pipes. The infrared inspection cameras are sensitive enough to identify the location of leaks, even beneath concrete, and moisture than cannot be reached with moisture meters.

Thermal imaging cameras can also be used to inspect large areas of a building very quickly, identifying temperature changes across a structure that could be a sign of a leak. They also help detect leaks in central heating and underfloor heating systems.

Tracer gas analysis

We can look for leaks by introducing gas into the water pipe, in a process called tracer gas analysis. The gas escapes from the buried pipe at the point of the leak and rises to the surface, even through asphalt and concrete, where it is picked up by highly-sensitive gas sensors.

The gas used is hydrogen, combined safely with inert nitrogen. Tracer gas analysis can accurately and quickly locate a leak along a long run of water pipe, preventing the need for costly excavation.

Correlation leak detection

Correlation leak detection uses very sensitive devices that identify the frequency of the sound made by a leak. Two correlation detectors are used to pinpoint the location of the leak.

They do this by comparing the signal delay, sensor distance and the sound velocity, identifying the most likely location of the source of the sound made by the leak.

Dye leak detection

Our leak detection engineers can use a simple non-toxic water soluble dye to trace the flow of water through a system and where it is escaping. The method can be used to identify leaks in domestic and commercial water systems, and in swimming pools.

Damp meter detection

Catalyst engineers are also often called in to investigate cases of damp, using damp meters. These can be used to detect all damp and condensation problems, which may be associated with water leaks.

Types of damp our water engineers investigate include: penetrating damp, caused by water seeping through walls; condensation damp, caused by moist air; and rising damp, caused by ground water.

Inspection cameras

Our leak detection engineers use a range of digital inspection cameras to look into pipes and hard to reach locations looking for pipe damage itself or the tell-tale signs of escaping water.

These include ‘look and see’ mini cameras on flexible probes for looking into cavities and behind pipework.

6 signs of an internal water leak

1. Mould growth
   Surfaces may not appear damp, but if you detect mould developing where it shouldn’t, you could have a leak.
2. Drop in water pressure
   If taps run more slowly or the shower is not as powerful, water may be being diverted due to a water leak.
3. Foul smells
   This is a problem that can be caused by water leaks. Water escaping from water pipes can become contaminated with mould and mildew, creating a bad smell.
4. Rumbling or hissing noises
   Strange sounds inside your home, even clanging and grinding noises, can be caused by water escaping from an underground pipe.
5. Damp or wet floors, ceilings or walls
   Water may take days or weeks to emerge, so it may be a sign of a long-standing problem that risks causing serious hidden damage.
6. Cracked walls and floors
   Water leaks can cause foundations to shift, leading to cracking in walls and floors. Also look out for cracks in concrete drives or paved paths.

Find out more about Catalyst’s Leak Detection services.
Call: 0800 870 8080 Email: [email protected]