After a hydrostatic test has been performed, the second step of the leak repair process would be to get a leak isolation done on the property. A leak isolation is how plumbers can determine where, how many, and how big leaks are. Because there are two different systems, there are two different processes of finding the leak.

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DOMESTIC SYSTEM LEAK LOCATION

The first step in performing this test is to shut off the water on the sprinkler system if applicable as well as turn off the water supply to the house either at the city meter or at the intermediate valve. At this time the plumbers need to determine if it is on the hot water lines or the cold water lines under the house. After turning off the water supply, air is pumped through the lines in order to push any remaining water out so that the plumbers may use a special piece of equipment called a ‘Geophone’. This is used to listen for any escaping air or water as it leaves the house. Air is much better for detecting leaks because it whistles or hisses when it escapes.

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SANITARY SYSTEM LEAK LOCATION

This part of the leak location involves a hydrostatic process of elimination by breaking the system down into smaller parts using a series of different size test balls and air hoses. Once the section(s) of the house’s sanitary system is determined to have a leak or leaks, the next step in this process is to run a sewer camera to see if the leaks can be visually inspected. Please note that this particular test makes use of a double sweep cleanout, a leak isolation will not be as accurate without it.