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That hidden pinhole leak almost cost us a shutdown
I was checking an old boiler and overlooked a small leak in a tough spot. This caused a gradual loss of pressure that might have led to serious issues. What methods do you use to find leaks in areas that are hard to reach?
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blairwhite6mo ago
Yikes, that sounds like a close call. How do you even begin to check for those tiny leaks in tight spots? Like, do you use a stethoscope to listen for hissing, or maybe add dye to the water? I've heard of using a thermal camera too, but those can be pricey. What's your go-to method when you suspect a leak but can't see it?
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jakefox6mo ago
Wait thermal cameras cost that much? I usually just shut everything off and listen real close for the hiss.
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cole3626mo ago
A buddy of mine had a similar scare with a pipe behind a wall. He ended up using soapy water in a spray bottle on all the joints he could reach. The tiny leak made a bunch of bubbles right away. It's a cheap trick but it saved him from tearing out drywall. He said listening didn't work because the leak was too slow to hiss. Sometimes the old ways are still the best for those hidden spots.
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