I have lost loop pressure for my geothermal. It looks like it was hit when I was having a tile run from the house to the creek. The previous owner told me where the loop was and the digging was away from that, but it looks like the loop went farther than I thought. Person doing the digging didn't notice hitting anything. I need to come up with a way to try to find the leak. I have a idea where it might have been hit and it was suggested to dig there and hook a garden hose to the loop at the unit and see if I can see water. My idea was to wait until the ground is good and soggy and pump air in the loop and look for bubbles.The area where the loop is gets very soggy when it rains and sometimes floods. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks
Food colouring Food colouring may help. The gas detector guys can do it, but for the DIY, you'll likely be doing a combination of the aforementioned.
I think your best DIY solution is to dig SLOWLY with a shovel at the area you believe to have possibly hit the line/loop. When found dry the area very well and turn the pump back on and look for leaks. A spray bottle with soap and water will do wonders for leak detection. Best of luck!
Ouch Actions like this is why I take tons of pictures every time I am responsible for the dig. Since we are having the wettest Ohio weather on record I do not think even adding dye to the water will help. I think that air might work, but bubbles are bubbles. I would use a tracer gas to try and find the area of the leak. First I would use air and see how big the leak is. Then go to a tracer gas and a detector to find the probable area. It is winter and this could take awhile. Weigh your costs. It might be cheaper to start over. I am in Sheffield Lake, OH, and could lend a hand if needed. Mark
We went to gps locating a year ago and never looked back. Hey Mark, are you at least taking digital photos or using an old kodachrome? Eric
with the little bit of snow we have on the ground I am wondering if i run hot water thru the loop if it will show up as a thawed spot at the leak. Also a buddy has a thermal imaging camera that might be able to pick it up.
I have found radiant floor loops in floors doing what you describe, using an infrared point and shoot thermometer. They are inexpensive at the auto parts stores. Mark
after 45 min. of hot water running thru loop it started to come up to ground level. buddy came out and we dug it up and found the break.
