TRACER GAS SURVEY

If you’re searching for the most effective way to detect leaks without floors or walls being torn up, here’s why tracer gas is widely regarded as one of the best techniques in modern leak detection.

 

What Exactly Are Tracer Gas Surveys?

 

A tracer gas survey involves injecting a harmless, non-toxic gas (typically a blend of hydrogen and nitrogen) into the pipe or system that’s believed to have a leak. 

 

The gas travels through the network, and if there’s a leak, it escapes and rises to the surface. Our technicians then use sensitive gas detectors to pinpoint the exact location of the leak.

 

Because hydrogen is the lightest and smallest molecule, it seeps through even the tiniest cracks and rises quickly. That makes it perfect for detecting even the smallest leaks.

 

Unparalleled Accuracy

 

Unlike other techniques, which only suggest the general area of the leak, tracer gas can detect the precise location. That means no guesswork, no exploratory drilling, and no unnecessary damage to your home or business.

 

Thermal imaging depends on temperature differences, which can be affected by insulation, ambient temperature, or surface coverings. Acoustic testing, meanwhile, relies on hearing the sound of escaping fluid; this can be drowned out by background noise, especially in busy towns or cities.

 

Tracer gas eliminates such issues. If there’s a leak, it shows up exactly where it is. No more, no less.

 

No Damage, No Disruption

 

One of the main concerns is worries about how disruptive detecting a leak will be. Nobody wants their walls ripped open or floor boards being lifted, unless absolutely necessary.

 

Fortunately, tracer gas rises through soil, concrete, tarmac and other building materials without damaging them. Surveys can therefore be carried out without lifting a single tile. That makes it ideal for sensitive environments like hospitals, schools, listed buildings, and high-traffic commercial spaces.

 

In most cases, tracer gas surveys leave no trace behind. Just accurate results and peace of mind.

 

Works Where Other Methods Fail

 

Tracer Gas Beats Challenging Environments

 

Some leaks are nearly impossible to find using traditional tools. For example:

 

• Plastic pipes don’t carry sound well, so detecting them using acoustics is often unreliable.

• Warm or ambient environments mask thermal differences, meaning thermal imaging is also often ineffective.

• Insulated or buried pipes may be inaccessible or hidden from view.

 

Tracer gas doesn’t care about these obstacles. It ensures that it finds the fastest way out of the system, straight through the path of the leak, regardless of the material or the environment.

 

It also works with all types of systems: central heating, underfloor heating, mains water, and even swimming pools!

 

Fast Results for Faster Fixes

 

Whether it’s an underfloor pipe leaking in a home, or a major issue in a commercial unit, every minute counts. Leaks can cause water damage, mould, structural problems, and rising costs. Insurance claims can drag on, and in businesses, downtime can mean lost revenue.

 

Tracer gas surveys are quick to deploy, easy to interpret, and produce fast results, often within the same visit. That means our repair team can get to work immediately, so it takes less time and costs less to fix.