Locating leaks with tracer gas
Are you in the leak detection business and looking for more effective methods? In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using tracer gas to detect water and gas leaks in buried pipes and systems. Learn what tracer gas is, how it works, and why it’s one of the preferred techniques among industry professionals.
EL BLOG DE FUGAS DE AGUA
7/29/20243 min read
Are you a leak detection specialist just getting started with tracer gas?
Have you begun using this technique to detect water leaks but can’t find tracer gas in your city?
Whether you're a seasoned expert, new to the field, or simply someone who wants to stay informed, detecting leaks in water pipes and underground systems is essential for maintaining infrastructure in homes, buildings, residential areas, public spaces, and entire communities — and for preventing significant water loss.
Among the various techniques used in the field, tracer gas is one of the most effective and widely used by experienced professionals.
At TracerLeak, we’ve been using this method for over 20 years, making us one of the pioneering companies in the field nationwide. Keep reading to learn more about how it works!
Table of contents
Locating water leaks with tracer gas
What is tracer gas?
If we’re talking about the technique itself, tracer gas is a detection method used to identify leaks in water pipes and systems. However, if your question is “What kind of gas is tracer gas?” — here’s the answer.
The term tracer gas generally refers to both the technique and the gas mixture used to detect failures in water networks and loss of tightness in various systems. While helium can be used, the most common mixture is known as Formingas, which typically consists of hydrogen — the smallest molecule in the universe — and nitrogen.
This combination is chosen because hydrogen’s unique ability to escape through even the tiniest leaks makes it highly effective, while nitrogen acts as the carrier gas.
That said, there are still concerns about the safety of this gas mixture.
Since hydrogen is flammable, the tracer gas blend is prepared with a hydrogen concentration below the lower explosive limit, making it completely safe to use when applied according to the recommended safety guidelines.
We currently offer a TracerLeak device capable of generating tracer gas on-site, wherever it is needed. This means maximum convenience and safety during transport, immediate availability of tracer gas without relying on external suppliers, and significant cost savings — adding real value to your business.
How does tracer gas work?
The gas mixture described earlier is injected into the pipe or system to be inspected. Due to its low density, the gas flows through the circuit and, in the event of a leak, escapes into the surrounding soil or air and rises to the surface.
Using appropriate equipment — such as gas detectors equipped with sensitive sensors — technicians can then identify the exact location of the leak by measuring the tracer gas concentration at the surface.
Types of leaks detectable with tracer was
Tracer gas has a wide range of applications, as it can be used in any hollow system that can be filled or ventilated from two points. This makes it especially useful in the following cases:
Underground pipelines
Water supply pipes
Connections and joints
Heating and cooling systems
Tanks and reservoirs
Pools and spas
Irrigation systems
Water distribution networks
Greywater and wastewater systems
Fire protection networks
Leak tightness testing
At our company, we have the experience and capabilities to detect all types of water leaks, whether in pools, residential, or commercial piping systems. So, if you suspect your pool is losing water without explanation or you've noticed a sudden increase in your water bill, don’t hesitate to contact our technicians.
Equipment Used to Detect Leaks with Tracer Gas
Having tracer gas is not enough to detect a water leak; specialized equipment is also required to locate and measure gas concentration in the surrounding area. This includes gas sensors and extraction systems.
The tracer gas method is often used in combination with other leak detection tools such as ultrasound devices, thermal imaging cameras, and more.
These tools, when operated by trained technicians, allow for accurate leak detection in a wide variety of systems and environments.
For more information on other techniques and devices used in water leak detection, visit our blog: What Devices Are Used for Water Leak Detection?
Bottle-free tracer gas
If tracer gas technology is already innovative, imagine being able to generate the tracer gas directly at the worksite — exactly where you need to inject it — without the hassle of transporting and handling pressurized gas cylinders (which can exceed 200 bar).
This technology uses compact and portable devices that produce tracer gas on site, offering a safer and more efficient solution for professionals in the field. This approach not only reduces the risks associated with handling gas bottles, but also improves mobility and makes it easier to access hard-to-reach areas. It also facilitates transportation and significantly reduces operational costs.
At TracerLeak, we offer our clients a smarter, safer, and more efficient way to detect leaks. What are you waiting for? Discover our solutions — contact us today and take your business to the next level.
