Cheapest/best way to detect a leak?

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The pressure on our Vaillant ecotec 630 boiler steadily drops and usually sits at around 0.8 cold / 1.2 hot (after being filled to 1.4 cold a fortnight earlier).

Been told that there must be a leak somewhere. Other than 1 radiator valve which leaks a bit, which I have since closed, I cannot see any visible leaks from the radiators or exposed pipework.

1. I have however noticed that 2/3 of the radiators seem to fill up with air quite quickly (the other 10 are okay). Specifically, the towel radiator in the bathroom (about 1/4 now cold only 2 weeks or so after system filled).
Does this indicate that there is a leak somewhere in the vicinity of these airy radiators? Is there an easy way to find out? Really don't want to have start smashing up my lovely new bathroom tiles!

2. I have heard of leak sealant - is this effective/advisable?

3. Been quoted £380 + vat or £89 per hr for a company to detect the leak using thermal imagery , tracer gas, and sound detection. Sounds quite pricey and something I'd wish to avoid. They say they've never failed to find a leak which exists. Is there a cheaper alternative?

4. The system is newly installed sealed unvented - mostly new pipes - although I should add it was not powerflushed by the builders nor was inhibitor added. (Having inhibitor added and a Spirotech filter installed this week.) Would that have any bearing on the above?

Many thanks ..
 
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Radiators on a pressurised system filling up with air? I don't think so.That is a sign of gassing which would be caused by no inhibitor and no powerflush.
 
Radiators on a pressurised system filling up with air? I don't think so.That is a sign of gassing which would be caused by no inhibitor and no powerflush.

Aha! Sounds promising. So best to wait til after the inhibitor and the Spirotech have been fitted...?
 
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That link was my problem. Not sure about the perfume trick - didn't work for me and I smelt like a tart for a couple of days - seemed to congeal in the towel rad where I placed it.

I'm not a plumber, but talking leaks...

With my leak when the system was hot it was fine. It only leaked when the pipes cooled down. If you have carpets, you can whip them back and look for a damp stain under underlay - laminate's hard. You can try lifting the edge with a steel ruler and beaming a torch under there or having a good sniff. An infra red thermometer might help find a warm patch, if you whack the temp right up (walk barefoot around the place, too), but if it doesn't leak when hot, maybe that won't work.

Obvs check the prv, rad valves and all visible joins. Leak sealer? What have you got to lose? At the worst it'll buy you some time.
 
I use a heat sensitive camera - but you asked the cheapest method which it isn't - however you also asked for the best method...which it is! so??? :confused:
 
have you considered that you may have a faulty pressure vessel or it may just need re-charging.
 
never say never. Although i would say if new or quite new them it is less likely (my fault misread) it should have been checked at time of install. So i doubt it just a thought though and it
Wont have0cost you check. So it was a cheap option? Hope you find it soon.
 
The pressure on our Vaillant ecotec 630 boiler steadily drops and usually sits at around 0.8 cold / 1.2 hot (after being filled to 1.4 cold a fortnight earlier).

Been told that there must be a leak somewhere. Other than 1 radiator valve which leaks a bit, which I have since closed, I cannot see any visible leaks from the radiators or exposed pipework.

1. I have however noticed that 2/3 of the radiators seem to fill up with air quite quickly (the other 10 are okay). Specifically, the towel radiator in the bathroom (about 1/4 now cold only 2 weeks or so after system filled).
Does this indicate that there is a leak somewhere in the vicinity of these airy radiators? Is there an easy way to find out? Really don't want to have start smashing up my lovely new bathroom tiles!

2. I have heard of leak sealant - is this effective/advisable?

3. Been quoted £380 + vat or £89 per hr for a company to detect the leak using thermal imagery , tracer gas, and sound detection. Sounds quite pricey and something I'd wish to avoid. They say they've never failed to find a leak which exists. Is there a cheaper alternative?

4. The system is newly installed sealed unvented - mostly new pipes - although I should add it was not powerflushed by the builders nor was inhibitor added. (Having inhibitor added and a Spirotech filter installed this week.) Would that have any bearing on the above?

Many thanks ..
Hi, Just used it 3 weeksago. Fernox F4. Hasn,t solved my leak, had it years.Just located one on manifold when cold.£15.95 @ Homebase. You may be luckier than me.
 
4. The system is newly installed sealed unvented - mostly new pipes - although I should add it was not powerflushed by the builders nor was inhibitor added. (Having inhibitor added and a Spirotech filter installed this week.) Would that have any bearing on the above?

Many thanks ..

They didn't pressure test it before connecting the boiler, then? :rolleyes:

The air in the rads indicates water getting out and air getting in. The cheapest method is to drain & pressurize the system with air at nmt 0.5 bar and listen for leaks with an ultrasonic leak detector.

It usually won't find leaks under floors or from pipes embedded in screed but works often enough to be effective. If that doesn't work you need a specialist with tracer gas.
 

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