Using IR to Locate Water Damage from Plumbing Leaks

Not a thermal pattern one wants to see on the ceiling of their first floor bathroom, especially when there’s a second floor vanity located right above it.

It’s a confirmed moisture problem that I discovered over the weekend which may be related to the drain pipe failing.  The upside: a nice little case study on IR & moisture that I can use for the blog! 

Stay tuned, I’m calling the plumber. 

Infrared Eye for Detecting Leaks

By John P. Monroe, RA
Level III Thermographer, Certification # 49004

Infrared thermography is becoming an increasingly common diagnostic tool for engineers, architects, and building investigators. Used effectively, it can help locate defects in the design and construction of buildings and building systems, saving clients time and money. Below is an example of how I used infrared thermography to help solve a water infiltration problem.

One of my frequent assignments at RAND Engineering & Architecture, PC is conducting leakage evaluations. I was recently assigned a leakage investigation at a college dormitory building in New York City. The building is 15 stories high with a centrally located three-car elevator system. The elevator bulkhead on top of the main roof houses electrical equipment in the front section and mechanical equipment and the elevator cars in the back.

Each dormitory suite has a kitchen and bathroom, and the bathrooms adjoin the rear wall of the elevator shaft, as depicted in the plan to the right.

FLIR introduces Bluetooth MeterLink Technology

FLIR demo of the new Bluetooth MeterLink technology that feeds live moisture or amperage readings into the infrared camera and attaches it to the infrared image automatically.