What devices are used for water leak detection?

Water leaks are common in all types of infrastructure — from residential homes to large commercial facilities — and often originate within the piping system. These leaks can occur for various reasons: poor installation, deterioration over time, high water pressure, or malfunctioning pumps.

However, detecting them often requires more than just visual or audible inspection. Specialized equipment and professional support are needed to find hidden or underground water leaks. Even small leaks can have serious consequences — far beyond a “simple damp patch.” They can lead to flooding, ground collapse, and skyrocketing water bills, among other damages.

How to detect a hidden water leak?

While there are sometimes “clues” — like damp spots or small puddles — in many cases, people don’t realize there’s a hidden leak until the water bill arrives.

As a company specializing in these types of leaks, we know no two leaks are exactly the same. There isn’t always a standard protocol, because a leak in the pipework of a commercial complex differs greatly from one in a home, a rural property, or even a hotel or residential pool.

That’s why at TracerLeak, we focus on finding the exact location of the leak — minimizing costs and offering the best repair alternatives, along with guidance to prevent future leaks. Do you think you may have a leak at home? Contact us!

Tools to locate water leaks

Thanks to technological advances, there are now many methods and tools available to detect leaks hidden meters below the surface.

At TracerLeak, we have over 25 years of experience in the field. We know how each of these tools works, we've tested them in the field, and we know which ones are most effective for each type of leak.

Are you a professional interested in this kind of equipment? We’ll tell you everything you need to know!

1. What devices are used for water leak detection?

2. How to detect a hidden water leak

3. Tools to locate water leaks

1. Geophones

2. Correlators

3. Pre-locators

4. Thermal imaging cameras

5. Video inspection camera

6. Tracer gas

Table of contents

Water leak detection using geophones

A geophone, or listening device, is an instrument that measures and records underground sounds and vibrations. These vibrations travel structurally through the ground to the surface, allowing the technician to identify the source of a water leak.

Depending on the distance of the leak, the size of the break, and the water pressure, the geophone acts as a sound amplifier, transmitting signals to the technician’s headphones. The device can also apply sound filters and visual graphs to fine-tune detection.

Water leak detection using correlators

A correlator, like a geophone, is also a listening device. It consists of two transmitters and a receiver. The transmitters are placed along the suspected section of pipe where the leak may be. Information such as pipe material, distance between transmitters, and other variables is entered into the correlator, which is pre-programmed with the sound velocity for that specific setup.

By correlating the input data, the device provides a visual graph that allows the technician to locate the leak area and estimate the distance to the source.

Water leak detection using pre-locators

Pre-locators are installed on valves or other pipe elements to detect even the slightest noise from water movement or consumption. If the system registers an anomaly, the device sends a notification or alarm and marks the affected zone.

This preliminary information helps leak detection professionals narrow down the area so they can then pinpoint the exact leak location using additional equipment. Modern pre-locators also offer remote monitoring and fast response capabilities in case of a leak.

Water leak detection using thermal imaging cameras

Thermal cameras are highly effective under the right conditions. For water leaks, they are especially useful indoors and for detecting hot water leaks. These devices can identify temperature variations in real time, helping locate potential water loss.

However, their reliability can decrease in outdoor environments, where external factors like sunlight may interfere with surface temperature readings.

Water leak detection video inspection cameras

Video inspection cameras are less commonly used specifically for water leak detection. Their main function is to visually inspect the interior of pipelines. These robotic systems allow a close-up look at the condition of the pipes, identifying cracks or other defects.

Video cameras are particularly useful in stormwater and sewer systems, where they can help identify infiltration from adjacent pipes.

Water leak detection using tracer gas

Tracer gas, such as Formingas, is a less widely known method compared to others listed, but it is very effective for detecting both air and water leaks in closed systems. It is particularly useful for low-pressure systems and those that do not contain water.

Tracer gas can be applied in a wide range of situations: from piping circuits to tanks, including swimming pools, new builds, and other installations.

However, despite being a system used for years, its main limitation is gas supply, which is not always available in all regions. This can make implementation more complex, requiring transportation logistics and specific storage setups.

That said, its popularity is expected to grow thanks to advances like the portable tracer gas generator, which enhances mobility and allows for wider use in various environments.

At TracerLeak we offer the world’s first portable tracer gas generators.
Are you a water leak detection professional who needs to travel for a job but can’t find tracer gas in that city Or perhaps you don’t want to run out of gas mid-job and feel forced to carry heavy, high-pressure cylinders?

Trust TracerLeak as your expert partner to tackle any water leak challenge efficiently. We provide ongoing support and guidance to help you prevent future leaks, avoid rising utility bills, and ultimately preserve water resources.

TracerLeak: Expert guidance and water leak detection