Best Method for finding broken underground steam pipes and dry or wet returns

The Steam Whisperer

I was thinking a thermal imaging camera would be good for this.... any experience would be appreciated.

ratio

I've used a Fluke VT04 with smashing success for the very purpose.

I hear a cat also works.

EBEBRATT-Ed

I have herd the cat story as well, or walk around with bare feet,

Danny Scully

What is your intent here @The Steam Whisperer (Formerly Boilerpro)? Sorry to respond to a question with a question, but my approach has always been, if there's a leak anywhere in the wet return piping, whether it's buried or not, it's time to propose complete replacement with isolation/purge valves (obviously every job has its variables, but you get the idea). Then again, you may just be asking to ask.

SWEI

A thermal imager works wonders for this. We found a leaking hot water pipe in a slab last year that had stumped multiple contractors over a 20-year period.

Mark Eatherton

I've used just about every type of leak detection there is, and infrared seems to have the highest return on the investment.

The only other "guaranteed" method, is helium leak detection, and it's fairly expensive. Plus you'd have to figure out how to block the escape of all means of escape.

ME

The Steam Whisperer

It sounds like I have another reason to buy a new tool.... an IR camera. Any other recommendations for models useful for a variety of uses...ie checking traps etc. Also, I agree, Dan, that the complete lines should be replaced. HOwever, you know how that is....you can talk until your blue in the face and not get anywhere in many cases. Also, how well do the cameras work on really low temperature return lines ? We've upgraded a number of 2 pipe systems to orifice plates and the returns run very cool....like 80 to 100F?

The Steam Whisperer

And Mark, never heard of helium testing, but that could get challenging capping all the connections.

Canucker

@The Steam Whisperer I recommend getting yourself one of these for Christmas. I use mine a lot because I always have it on hand
http://www.gsmarena.com/cat_s60-7928.php

Grallert

I've been using a Flir One for my Iphone with an extension adapter. I use it to see failing f&ts traps etc. It's been a handy tool for me. And it doesn't break the budget.

Mark Eatherton

I have a Fluke. I paid $5K for mine, but I think they are half that amount now. It also comes with a nice software suite for producing professional quality reports. May not be necessary, but handy if and when you do. Lots of options out there...

http://a.fluke.com/IG-NA-TI-2015-USEN-TI-5REASONS-PPC-LP-1-A?lcid=5601a4f1-fe03-e511-acc1-a4badb1ddeb8&lls=200006&lrpf=TI&lpid=42A17CE9-048B-E411-8EBA-A4BADB1DDEB8&llr=1&plt=100000012&redir=http://en-us.fluke.com/products/contests-and-promotions/thank-you-ti-5-reasons.html&scl=3235&utm_campaign=/UI/Search-Branded-General-Terms-Relaunch-Exact&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_domain=c&utm_content=sitelink&gclid=CKv4l4Cb3dACFQW5wAodKBIN5w

ME

Sailah

I really want one of those CAT smartphones.

I do like my FLIR E4 very much but it's not a cheap date.

BobC

The cat smartphone is a little dear also, How about the Flir 1 attachment for Iphone or android phones, that can be had for a little over $200 if you look around.

Bob

Grallert

This from my Flir One. It's a good intro to IR I think. though I have no experience with the higher end tools. Its very helpful for my purpose.

Sailah

Here's a screenshot of my E4 that was upgraded to E8 specs

Canucker

By the time you get the phone and add the flir attachment, you aren't far from the price of the Cat S60. Now drop your phone from 6 feet high onto concrete and then go toss it in a pool. Think it'll still work? I know that Cat phone will. That's the difference in price. Not worth it for someone that doesn't need it but if you do... priceless

Sailah

Canucker said:

By the time you get the phone and add the flir attachment, you aren't far from the price of the Cat S60. Now drop your phone from 6 feet high onto concrete and then go toss it in a pool. Think it'll still work? I know that Cat phone will. That's the difference in price. Not worth it for someone that doesn't need it but if you do... priceless

That's kinda the way I look at it. There aren't free phones anymore, any of the newer class phones are $500+. I do think thermal imaging is a great tool. I use my FLIR all the time and would probably use the CAT phone even more because it would be on me. The FLIR has its own briefcase and not really pocketable. But I believe the imager in the FLIR 1 is the same as in the CAT phone.

I need a new phone anyways had mine for years so maybe I'll spring for it.

ttekushan_3

Confirmed. A cat will work.