Help Finding A Leak Cancel The title field is required!

1. Ryan Reimer

   

   3 posts
   
   1/11/2016 1:01 PM

   I'm about to lose my mind. We have an old hydraulic irrigation system and we know we have a major leak on our half inch hydraulic line. However, there are no visible signs of a leak on the course. We have pumped dye into the system thinking maybe the leak was next to a pond, no luck. The only thing we know to do is to dig up the line and place valves in certain places and narrow it down to a certain area. The problem is, we have no maps that show where the hydraulic line runs. We have a general idea of where it is located and I've used a wire tracer to trace electrical lines, but they aren't always run in the same trench. Anyone have any other ideas?

   
   
   
   
2. Ryan Reimer

   

   3 posts
   
   1/11/2016 1:01 PM

   We tried that as well,pressures varied at each box. No distinct pattern or reason.

   
   
   
   
3. Morozowsky Martin

   
   1/11/2016 1:01 PM

   Pressure gauge check at each satellite box?

   
   
   
   
4. Keith Lamb

   

   3 posts
   
   1/11/2016 2:01 PM

   I'm having the almost the same issue. I've narrowed it down to one area of the golf course by measuring pressure at the feed line for the individual satellites. I know some guys have used the method of pumping propane into the lines and using a gas sniffer to find leak, but I don't have the money to buy one or know anyone to borrow one from. Last time this happened it took about 5 days before the leak surfaced.
   
   I'm considering a couple things at this time. I do have a good idea where my line runs so I was thinking of digging up the line and installing a valve and pressure gauge to confirm that the leak is in the area I think it is. Then I might put some concentrated soap in the line to see if it helps to find it. Not knowing where your lines are makes it so much harder. At least I can drive along where I'm pretty sure the line runs and look for water.
   
   Good luck and hoping someone has a simpler idea. This old system kills me sometimes. At least I got 1.5" of rain Sunday and they are calling for more in a couple days.

   
   
   
   
5. Andy Jorgensen

   

   1 posts
   
   1/11/2016 2:01 PM

   We have two of these. They are a lifesaver when sniffing out hydraulic leaks. We connect a propane tank to the tube in question, and start walking. Alot of times you can hear the gas blowing out of the leak before you sniff it.
   
   For your main hydraulic pipe, I would think you could plumb in a tank at the source, shut off the connections at all satellites, then start walking. These things are pretty sensitive, and as long as you know the general area, you should be able to find it pretty quick.
   
   They had one here when I got here, but when it broke, the labor savings alone was worth justifying a new one. We can find leaks in under 10 minutes with these things.
   
   https://www.grainger.com/product/EXTECH-Combustible-Gas-Detector-2ELP8?s_pp=false&picUrl=//static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/2ELP8_AS01?$smthumb$
   
   Keith, you can always borrow mine!

   
   
   
   
6. Ryan Reimer

   

   3 posts
   
   1/11/2016 2:01 PM

   Do these find leaks if it is located on the edge of a pond under water?

   
   
   
   
7. Andy Jorgensen

   

   1 posts
   
   1/11/2016 2:01 PM

   Ryan C Reimer said: Do these find leaks if it is located on the edge of a pond under water?

   
   
   
   I would assume so, as long as the gas rises. Should be able to sniff it fairly easily.

   
   
   
   
8. Ryan Reimer

   

   3 posts
   
   1/11/2016 2:01 PM

   I'm ordering one right now.
   Thanks, Andy!

   
   
   
   
9. Keith Lamb

   

   3 posts
   
   1/11/2016 2:01 PM

   Andy Jorgensen said: We have two of these. They are a lifesaver when sniffing out hydraulic leaks. We connect a propane tank to the tube in question, and start walking. Alot of times you can hear the gas blowing out of the leak before you sniff it.
   
   For your main hydraulic pipe, I would think you could plumb in a tank at the source, shut off the connections at all satellites, then start walking. These things are pretty sensitive, and as long as you know the general area, you should be able to find it pretty quick.
   
   They had one here when I got here, but when it broke, the labor savings alone was worth justifying a new one. We can find leaks in under 10 minutes with these things.
   
   https://www.grainger.com/product/EXTECH-Combustible-Gas-Detector-2ELP8?s_pp=false&picUrl=//static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/2ELP8_AS01?$smthumb$
   
   Keith, you can always borrow mine!

   
   
   
   I'd feel much better if you came down and showed me how to use it. Just to be sure. I'll buy you lunch.

   
   
   
   
10. Joe Brophy

    

    0 posts
    
    1/12/2016 2:01 PM

    We had a hyd. connection made for the end of our spray hose. put dawn dish soap in the hose, hook it up to the line you want to find leak in,crank up the pressure. It either blew up the hyd. line at the leak or soap suds came up from the ground or water. We found many leaks this way and it is cheap to do.

    
    
    
    
11. Keith Lamb

    

    3 posts
    
    1/13/2016 12:01 PM

    Update. The area I was sure I had the leak runs down 3 holes and dead ends. I dug up the line and installed a ball valve and a pressure gauge in a area before those 3 holes. As suspected, when I shut the ball valve my pressure climbed back to normal (110 psi.) so that confirmed the leak was past that spot. I then shut the hydraulics down and poured a solution of 4 oz. blue dye and 10 oz. dish soap. I then brought the hydraulics back up. I am fortunate that on 90% of the course the power wire and the hydraulic feed all are in the same trench as the mainline. I got out my wire tracer and started tracing the line. Sure enough I came upon a bubbling brew of blue foam coming out of the ground. Of course it was right next to where some idiot had planted a pine tree many years ago. The roots of the tree had pushed the line apart at a glued fitting. All fixed and I'm up and running just in time for some rain the next few days. I am planning on getting the gas detector for future issues.

    
    
    
    
12. Michael Rogers

    

    2 posts
    
    1/15/2016 11:01 AM

    We brought in 2 man team to test for leak yesterday for $900 on a green circuit in front of clubhouse. How much does the gas tank, connection device and detection device cost? They were on site for 4 hours Wednesday and 4 hours Thursday. I think we can buy the gear for $900.
    
    Thanks Michael
    
    Marbella Golf Country Club

    
    
    
    
13. Keith Lamb

    

    3 posts
    
    1/15/2016 12:01 PM

    The gas detector can run anywhere from $50-$300 depending on brand and features. The one Andy suggested runs $149 from Grainger. A 20 lb. tank will costs you around $50 pre-filled. Refills run around $11-15. Then whatever the associated plumbing parts cost. A little bit cheaper than $900.
    
    Although I found my leak through other methods, I will be investing in this set-up very shortly.

    
    
    
    
14. Ryan Reimer

    

    3 posts
    
    1/24/2016 8:01 AM

    Well I can definitely say that it is worth the $$$. At first I had no success, but that was due to a faulty valve on the propane tank. Switched to a different bottle and found the leak within 20 minutes. The half inch line was sheared at a coupling and I am amazed that no water came to the surface. There is a pond about 50 feet away that it was going to. Can't believe we wasted so much effort, time and money on finding this damn leak before trying the propane set up.
    
    Thanks, Andy!

    
    
    
    
15. Andy Jorgensen

    

    1 posts
    
    1/24/2016 12:01 PM

    Ryan C Reimer said: Well I can definitely say that it is worth the $$$. At first I had no success, but that was due to a faulty valve on the propane tank. Switched to a different bottle and found the leak within 20 minutes. The half inch line was sheared at a coupling and I am amazed that no water came to the surface. There is a pond about 50 feet away that it was going to. Can't believe we wasted so much effort, time and money on finding this damn leak before trying the propane set up.
    
    Thanks, Andy!

    
    
    Glad it worked! Great tool to have with hydraulic systems.