Keeping Home Fires Burning - Page 2

Lehmann points out that steel piping originally had a protective coating on it, and over time the coating wore out, "leaving the steel bare to the concrete. It rusted away, so it had a lifespan. Copper was a better material, so we're still able to work with it."

But how does a homeowner go about actually pinpointing the location of a leak? For guidance with this step, we consulted leak-detection expert Christian Macaulay of American Leak Detection.

"The process is to isolate the leaking line," Macaulay says. "Once isolated, tracer gas is induced into the line. When that gas reaches the leak, the leak is located by using sonic equipment, usually getting within inches of the leak itself."

In order to accomplish this, three leak detection devices are commonly used to trace radiant heat leaks: the ultrasonic listening device, the helium molecular analyzer, and thermal imaging. Each plays a special role in tracking down leaks.

"We first listen and confirm the leak location sonically," Macaulay explains. "But sometimes leaks don't generate sound, and at that point we try to 'sniff out' the leaks [with the analyzer]." The thermal imaging camera, he adds, "is good for mapping out radiant heat lines, but is limited in its effectiveness in locating leaks."

Once a leak's location is identified, the process to repair the leak can get underway. Step by step, our experts discuss every aspect of radiant heat repair, options, and even how to determine when the time has come to abandon a failed system.

Radiant heating is often a topic of discussion among Eichler owners, and it makes sense because there's nothing like it. You can't beat the cozy comfort of radiant heat—and you certainly can't ask for a more reliable and less obtrusive mid-century modern heating system.

For a sneak preview of the brand-new Fall '23 issue of CA-Modern, and a look at 'Joint of No Return,' click here.

As mentioned in a recent 'On the Homefront,' Fall '23 will be the last issue of our CA-Modern print magazine. For 2024 and beyond, look for us at Eichler Network Online, where our world of publishing will continue.