Tracer Gas Leak Detection in British Columbia

Tracer gas leak detection is one of the most accurate methods available for locating leaks in pipes and building systems that are not under pressure or where the leak is too small to generate detectable acoustic emissions. The technique involves introducing a safe, non-toxic, non-flammable tracer gas — typically a nitrogen-hydrogen mixture (5% hydrogen, 95% nitrogen) or helium — into the system being tested and then using sensitive gas detectors to trace the gas to its escape point. This method is particularly valuable for detecting leaks in drain lines, vent pipes, membrane roofing, and building envelope assemblies where water does not flow under pressure.

At LeakInspection.ca, we employ tracer gas testing for a range of BC applications. For plumbing systems, we can test both water supply lines and DWV (drain-waste-vent) systems. The gas follows the same path that water or sewage would take but is detectable at extremely low concentrations — our hydrogen sensors can detect concentrations as low as 5 parts per million. For flat roofs and below-grade waterproofing membranes, we introduce tracer gas beneath the membrane and scan the surface with a sniffer to identify breach points that may be invisible to the naked eye.

The procedure requires the system to be sealed and then pressurised with the tracer gas. As the gas escapes through any breach, it migrates through building materials, soil, or air spaces to the surface, where our detectors pinpoint its origin. Because hydrogen is the lightest element, it rises quickly through overburden materials, making detection faster than with heavier gases. The entire process is environmentally benign — the hydrogen-nitrogen mix is non-toxic and naturally occurring in the atmosphere. Detailed documentation of gas readings and leak point locations is provided in our inspection reports for insurance and repair purposes.