Some water leaks are so small, silent, or deep underground that even the most advanced tools can’t detect them.
Enter tracer gas leak detection—a cutting-edge method used when all else fails.
Here’s what tracer gas detection is, how it works, and when it’s the best choice for finding hidden leaks.
💨 What Is Tracer Gas Leak Detection?
Tracer gas detection involves introducing a safe, non-toxic gas mixture (usually hydrogen and nitrogen) into your plumbing system. This gas is lighter than air and quickly escapes through even the tiniest pinhole leaks.
We then use a sensitive gas detector to scan the area above the pipes. If gas is detected, we know exactly where the leak is.
🔍 Why Use Tracer Gas?
Most standard leak detection methods (like acoustic or thermal imaging) rely on sound, heat, or moisture—but they can sometimes miss:
- Very small leaks
- Leaks in long pipe runs
- Leaks buried under soil or slab
- Dry systems (like irrigation lines or pool lines that aren’t currently filled with water)
Tracer gas is so sensitive, it can find leaks other tools miss.
✅ Benefits of Tracer Gas Leak Detection
- Highly Accurate: Finds even micro-leaks invisible to other methods
- Non-Destructive: No need to open walls or dig blindly
- Safe & Eco-Friendly: The gas used is completely harmless to people, pets, and plumbing
- Works on All Pipe Materials: Copper, PVC, PEX, galvanized, and more
- Fast & Reliable: Results in minutes, not hours
🚿 When to Use Tracer Gas Leak Detection
This method is ideal for:
- Underground plumbing leaks
- Pool and spa plumbing systems
- Hidden leaks in radiant heating
- Large or complex plumbing systems
- Situations where other tests failed
👷♂️ Advanced Leak Detection, Done Right
At First Class Leak Detection, tracer gas is part of our multi-tool approach. We combine it with acoustic tools to find the exact source of your leak—no guessing, no unnecessary damage.
Can’t find the source of a leak? Let us solve the mystery once and for all.
732-253-4900
