Not knowing pipes have cracks or holes in them could cause damage or injury. Loose joints could be fatal if gas seeps out from them. Leak detection equipment can save money and lives.

Identifying pipe problems happpens using various methods depending on the scenario. Different types of leak detection provide one of these seven functions:

1. Fast and accurate leak location

A gyroscope with an accelerometer and a magnetometer is one that provides precise leak identification at a rate of about .11 liters per minute provided the conditions for testing are right. This system involves use of magnetic fields and ball movements to detect leaks.

2. Identification of vulnerabilities where leaks could form

Imaging devices that detect leaks could also provide pictures of areas where pipes and joints are worn. This might work along with an electromagnetic sensor and a tracking module to pinpoint defects and record pipeline data.

3. Tracking and data reporting

Some electronic pipe leak detection equipment offers data collection capabilities. Information about plumbing recorded is often downloaded for further analysis. In addition to finding holes, corrosion and dents might be found this way.

4. Discovery of holes sent by signal

Some types of devices that detect leaks have a ball that is drawn to a hole. Then, this device plugs that hole and notifies the operator of the hole with a signal.

5. Finding and repairing leaks

Using materials dropped into liquid that turn into solids, it not only identifies the leaks but repairs the pipes. It typically works on copper, polyurethane and lead pipes that measure water mains from 15mm to 90mm in diameter and being tested on other pipe sizes.

6. Use of pressure testing

This may be done using robotic sensors, some of which conform to different diameters of pipes. This often entails usage of mapping analysis in finding holes leaking substances at up to a little less than 3.8 liters per minute.

7. Thermal leakage detection

This may be used to find sulfur hexafluoride leaks. A gas leak detector working along with an infrared camera is said to improve SF6 identification accuracy over a sniffer and does not require equipment shutdown.

Leak detection equipment often is used on major industrial sites. However, any home or business that wants to protect the people inside and the building can use them. Inspections are often scheduled using various means of finding corrosion, dents, cracks or holes if equipment is not available on site.