any tricks

John_224

any tricks for finding a small leak in a slab? I've got radiant tube in a slab with a small leak on the air test after the pour. I'm sure I'm going to go crazy looking for it, I'm open to suggestions.

MikeyB

leak

Hey Joe, in Dan's book "Hydronic Radiant Heating" he tells a couple off stories about how they used to look for leaks, place a cat on the floor, he or she will always go to the warmer spot, and try mopping the floor while the system is on line, the leak will show up as a blotch, might be worth a shot, or a stethascope. Check for leaks under any saw cut control joints

Unknown

Manifold connections?

Soap up all your manifold fittings and make sure it isn't right there. With Wirsbo/Uponor (anyways) you can damage the O rings if you don't lube them before assembly. They will leak small just like you're talking. I've learned to use "plumber's grease" before assembly. Soap all the other extraneous fittings on the manifold as well, including your test gauge connections.

Mike Dunn

What?

Do I even want to know where you got this "plumber's grease"?

Mike Dunn

hot_rod

if you can fined an infrared camera

they work great and almost instantly. It will also show you where all the loops are.

If you go to the Flir website they have rental cameras, or can maybe send you to someone in your area that has one.

I see more and more home inspection companies useing infrared cameras, check with the ones in your area.

Many electric utilities use them also for maintenance on lines and transformers. A local utility sends them out for 100/hr with an operator.

hr

kpc_71

any supplyhouse....

should have that. It is used to put old stlye compression faucets together on the stems. Silicone grease works well too.

Unknown

I'd tell you,,,

but you probably don't want to know. LOL...

(What kpc said)

Jeremy_14

leak

You might not have a leak under the slab. I have installed a number slab radiant systems where I go back weeks later and find the air pressue has dropped or is at 0 psi. A water pressure test has confirmed every time except once that the leak was somewhere around the radiant manifold.