Case Study
Central Heating Leak Detection in Slough
Vaillant Combi Boiler Losing Pressure Rapidly
Thermal Imaging, Tracer Gas and Acoustic Detection were used to investigate the symptoms and confirm the cause: hairline cracks found in heating pipework.
Google Reviews ★★★★★ 5.0 Rating 70+ Reviews Read Reviews- ✓ Leak Source Identified
- ✓ Hairline Cracks Confirmed
- ✓ Targeted Repair Enabled
- ✓ Heating Pressure Restored
The Challenge
Vaillant Combi Boiler Losing Pressure Rapidly
The homeowner had a Vaillant combi boiler losing pressure rapidly, dropping around 1 bar every 30 minutes. Pressure loss at this rate usually indicates a significant issue within the sealed central heating circuit and requires specialist leak detection rather than repeated top-ups.
- ✓ Vaillant combi boiler losing 1 bar every 30 minutes
- ✓ Rapid pressure loss affecting the sealed heating circuit
- ✓ Specialist central heating leak detection required
Investigation
Investigation Evidence
Selected photos and videos from the investigation sequence showing the evidence-led approach used on site.
Investigation
Central Heating Circuit Leak Investigation
This level of pressure loss suggested water was escaping from the sealed central heating pipework. The investigation focused on identifying the source of pressure loss so the repair could be targeted rather than exploratory.
Heating Pressure Loss Assessment
The Vaillant combi boiler was losing around 1 bar every 30 minutes, indicating significant water loss from the sealed heating circuit.
The investigation treated the rapid pressure drop as a central heating leak symptom rather than a routine top-up issue.
This focused testing on the heating pipework responsible for the pressure loss.
MethodHeating Pipework Confirmation
The suspected leak needed to be confirmed so repair could be targeted to the failed pipework section.
Several hairline cracks were found along the heating pipework.
The cracks explained why water was escaping quickly enough to make the boiler lose pressure repeatedly.
Findings
Hairline Cracks Found In Heating Pipework
Several hairline cracks were found along the pipework. These cracks allowed water to escape from the heating circuit, causing the boiler pressure to drop repeatedly.
- Several hairline cracks identified along the pipework
- Escaping water linked to rapid pressure loss
- Leak source confirmed for targeted repair
Outcome
Leak Source Identified And Confirmed
- ✓ Leak Source Identified
- ✓ Hairline Cracks Confirmed
- ✓ Targeted Repair Enabled
- ✓ Heating Pressure Restored
The leak source was identified and confirmed, allowing targeted repair work to be completed and normal heating system pressure to be restored.
Investigation Insights
What This Investigation Shows
- ✓Rapid boiler pressure loss can indicate a significant escape of water from the sealed heating circuit.
- ✓Hairline cracks can create repeated pressure drops even when the pipe failure is not visible at first.
- ✓Confirming the failed pipework section allowed repair work to be targeted rather than exploratory.
Local Coverage
Leak Detection In Slough
This investigation was completed in Slough, Berkshire.
We regularly carry out leak detection investigations across Slough and surrounding areas.
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