Leak detection and repair in heating circuit

In the wind

Hi folks, we installed a new heating system about two years ago in our house but we kept the old microbore copper piping because we didn’t have the time to replace it before we moved in.

We have had a small leak somewhere in the downstairs circuit ever since, but we have been patching this with inhibitor/leak preventer fluid since we noticed it first.

Unfortunately, in the last week the circuit is no longer holding pressure and needs to be topped up every single morning before the heat will come on.

we are looking for recommendations for accurate and reliable leak detector service providers in the Midlands area. Also, if anyone has advice on detecting and repairing under floor leaks, that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks all in advance.

In the wind

PS...the microbore may or may not be the source of the problem, I just mentioned it for Context.

greasepalm

https://www.google.com/search?client=opera&q=finding+leak+in+central+heating+system&sourceid=opera&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:e197b522,vid:KHogrs_OkxM

In the wind

Thanks @greasepalm , I'll give that a shot.

"Smells like a tart's boudoir" 😂😁😂😁

The Continental Op

With you loosing that much water you need to go "tart sniffing" straight away.

Outside where the flue comes out would be where I'd start. If you aren't seeing any obvious damp/wet spots inside it could be a leak in the boiler and all the water is going out the flue.

In the wind

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120054987#Comment_120054987

Interesting, I'd never have considered the boiler as the leak source. 🙏👍

In the wind

75ml of Lady Glamor edt by Lidl deployed.

Let's see...

The Continental Op

Another place to check for the great smell of Lidl perfume is the condensate pipe or at least the drain it runs into.

https://boilerhut.co.uk/what-is-a-condensate-pipe/

greasepalm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120055376#Comment_120055376

Do those pipes leak much as many drops of water

The Continental Op

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120055677#Comment_120055677

Don't think they do, but the OP is losing a lot of water by the sounds of it and its one place he wouldn't notice the water disappearing.

In the wind

So I added the perfume to the system & did notice a smell in one location which I had not suspected. I have a FLIR camera so I intend to scan that area to see if it looks different from other pipe run areas.

I've asked the Plumber to kick off the leak detection assessment but he's gone silent so I'll do as much investigation as I can while waiting. I hope it's just one leak in one location.

Insurance question: If the location is correct, I'll need to lift Hallway tiles & Kango concrete to access the site. Would house insurance typically cover such exploratory & repair works? I know it depends on the precise policy but in general?

Appreciate any experience with a similar situation with insurance providers.

In the wind

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120055376#Comment_120055376

No smell noted but thanks for the pointer. 🙏