Today I was called to a clients house that cost about $5,000,000, he has a marble tile floor that is a slab on grade residence and there is discolarion to the sheen of the marble in a certain area. Nothing showed up on the thermal infrared camera, but using the protimeter survey master you can plainly see the high mositure where the discoloration is taking place. What I would like to know is what is the best way to determine exactly where the leak is taking place without having to rip up all the tile. Is there a tool out there? Once again it is in the supply line, because with all the water off in the house you can see the water meter move ever so slightly, but its dead center of his house and he is not a fan of removing the tile. Thanks in advance.
The pics don’t really show the sheen or lack of it…very slight, but evident none the less. It was not surface water. I really do think there is a small hole in the PEX plumbing located within the slab of the residence.
I have been successful in turning on the hot water side for about 15 - 20 (some times longer) minutes…mean while I am diagraming the home to determine the plumbing layout… so far it has worked for me. (even when it is a supply line, the heat from the hot water side should effect those water around same)
I would also expect a home that size would have drawings… I would locate them as well as trying to find out who the plumber / contractor was that installed same.
There are no instruments per se that will detect the origination…I went through this last year on several slabs including at a large apartment complex… the method I described above worked for me.
It would probably be better to cool the marble with a fan and due to convection the moisture would show with the IR. If the marble is heated the moisture will also heat and not really be distinct from the surrounding marble.
Russ,
Ultrasound is one way to go. Those leak detectors work great! I had a cold water slab leak and could not find it with my IR called in an ultrasound and they found it in about 10 minutes (almost wanted to by one after that). Also removing one section of tile should not be that difficult. As was statde previously re-routing is also and option.
I had one a couple weeks ago and couldn’t find it with IR. Ultra sound should find it if the water supply line is leaking enough to see the meter moving. Around $1000 for a decent unit.
Just a few questions: How recent is this stain and how old is this floor? Does the stain come and go. Certain marbles if not installed with the correct floor mix or adhesives can cause staining over long periods. Could it be an area where ground water would be a problem?
The stain stays and is now permanent…I will go back on Friday. Thanks for all your help. People taking time out of their lives to help others…gotta love INACHI
