SNIFFER430 is the ultimate water leak detector for small diameter water pipes. It operates using the hydrogen tracer gas leak detection technique. A hydrogen tracer gas (5% hydrogen and 95% nitrogen mixture) is injected into examined piping (underground, underfloor or other) under small pressure. Afterwards, inspection is performed to detect the area where the gas is escaping from a pinhole, crack or a leaking joint. Water leak detection using hydrogen tracer gas is especially suited for small diameter water lines in houses, gardens, air condition lines and others. Leaks are readily detected deep underground (3-4 meters), under ceramic or wooden floors or under concrete. In some cases, small drillings are performed on concrete to allow better gas passage.

The main advantages of Sniffer430 water leak detector and hydrogen tracer gas equipment in general compared to acoustic water leak detection equipment are:

1. SNIFFER430 detects even small leaks that do not produce friction/turbulent flow.

2. SNIFFER430 is not limited to any type of piping materials (metal, plastic, composite and etc.).

3. SNIFFER430 can effectively detect leaks even under small pressure levels below 1 bar.

For in-home water leak detection, Sniffer 430 provides multiple advantages compared to thermal camera leak inspections. These include:

1. SNIFFER430 detects real source of leak. Thermal cameras detects hot/cold spots where water accumulated while the real leak source can be at significant distance.

2. SNIFFER430 leak detection is not limited in wet, high moisture or areas with reflecting ceramic tiles.

3. Unlike thermal camera, SNIFFER430 detect leaks which are not necessary in eye contact, for example if leaks are located behind kitchen cabinet.

Possible limitations of hydrogen tracer gas water leak detection equipment are:

1. You need a tracer gas for examination and pipe should be shut off and pressurized by the gas.

   Click Here for information on finding Hydrogen Tracer Gas for Water Leaks Detection in your local area.

2. Impractical to test large diameter pipes because of large volumes of gas needed.

   Click Here to learn about the volume and process of using of Hydrogen Tracer Gas.

To summarize:  

The SNIFFER430 water leak detector offers a precise, fast, and reliable solution for detecting water leaks underground, under slab, outdoor, and indoor plumbing applications Its hydrogen tracer gas technology ensures accurate results where acoustic and thermal water leak detection equipment fall short. While it requires a hydrogen tracer gas supply, its ability to locate leaks quickly and very precisely makes it an essential tool for professionals in plumbing and leak detection.