Finding Central Heating Pipes

[ScotchBros]

Hi Everyone,

I've lived in my flat for 25 years but have no idea where my central heating pipes go.

My downstairs neighbour is claiming that a water leak is from me but it is in an area where I don't think there is any of my piping - I think its their mains pipe.

I have tried crawling across the floor feeling for warm patches but there is 20cm of ash insulation between floors - it's an old tenement building - so feeling for hot spots isn't effective.

Rather than tear up the floorboards etc. is there any easy way I can detect where my pipes go? They are copper.

Thank you in advance for your help.

SB

 

[ShaunCorbs]

What boiler do you have ?

 

[ScotchBros]

My boiler is a Glow-worm Micron and does 30FF sound right for the capacity?

 

[Deleted member 32524]

think that is open vent system? No pressure gauge on boiler? If not then it could be your heating pipes as you would never know about the leak. Water takes the easiest route and where it appears may not be the source. Only way I can think of to find it without lifting boards is to call in a specialist. They use a gas to fill empty pipes and use a sniffer to find the leak.

 

[ScotchBros]

Thanks Duncan - there is no pressure guage on the boiler. Noted on the specialist. Is that something my wonderful plumber could do or do I need a specialist company?

 

[Deleted member 32524]

If he had the equipment he can. It's very expensive kit and probably not the type of thing a plumber invests in. That us what they specialise in so they spend the money on the kit. Might be able to hire it though.

 

[ScotchBros]

Thanks Duncan.

I'll ask him

 

[AMGasServices]

If you’re insured let the insurance company deal with it.

Thermal imaging camera may assist in tracing pipes but as stated above it’s an expensive piece of it.

 

[ScotchBros]

Hi AMGas,
If I was rock-solid sure the water was coming from me, I'd have no hesitation in going to my insurance co.

It may be cheaper to get my tame builder to lift the floorboards then go to the insurer.

Thank you for your advice.
SB

 

[Chuck]

Hi AMGas,
If I was rock-solid sure the water was coming from me, I'd have no hesitation in going to my insurance co.

I think you should consult your insurer regardless of whether you are sure or not. Your neighbour has accused you of damaging their property, which is a potential claim against your insurance. Your insurer should certainly be able to give guidance on how you need to proceed.

 

[Scott_D]

Get the flat below to make a home in their ceiling below the leak and see what it is

 

[Pickwickpick]

Get the flat below to make a home in their ceiling below the leak and see what it is

Worth a try although worth pointing out that that there is no guarantee the leak is directly above the damp area on downstairs ceiling, water and humidity can follow some convuluted journeys!