A pipeline leak can be disastrous for your home or business. Undetected leaks can linger for weeks and months, wreaking havoc on both your property and your wallet. Luckily, Feehan Plumbing & Heating has an arsenal of different hi-tech methods on the truck to get your leak found and fixed fast.
- Infrared Detection: Accurate and expedient method of detecting and locating underground pipeline leaks. When a pipeline leak allows a fluid, such as water, to form an emergent plume, it has a thermal conductance different from the dry soil or excavated material surrounding the pipe. The plumes will show up ‘red’ on the infrared scanner pinpointing the exact leak site(s).
- Smoke Testing: Smoke tests force artificial, non-hazardous smoke through your pipelines to find the source of leaks. Pipelines not being tested are blocked at both ends to track the leak back to the source. Smoke is then propelled into the pipes with powerful fans. If the pipes are leak-free, no smoke will escape. However, if they are leaking, smoke will escape at the leak sites in the form of small plumes. Our technicians will mark these plumes with small flags or markers to designate which sections of pipes will require replacement or repair.
- Acoustic Emission Detection: Liquids escaping from leaks in underground pipelines make soft, yet distinct sounds that can be difficult to track with an unaided ear. Luckily, these almost imperceptible sounds still leave an acoustic “fingerprint” or signal that can successfully be located with acoustic sensors. When a leak does occur, a resulting low-frequency acoustic signal is detected, analyzed, and ultimately repaired.
- Video Detection: One of the most accurate, straightforward methods of pipeline leak detection available today. A small camera is attached to a long tether which is then pulled through your pipeline to check for leaks. This method provides real-time images of your pipes’ interior so that we can visually inspect and track the leak site(s).
If you have recently noticed water spots on your walls or ceilings, abnormally soft spots in your grass or soil, an excess of puddle water or the oppressive stench of foul odors, mold or mildew in and around your property, it’s time to call Feehan Plumbing & Heating, Chester County’s leak detection experts!