tips for tracking down leaks?

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wkearney99

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Joined
Jan 29, 2006
RO Number
20088
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Anyone have recommendations on some sort of leak detection dye for tracking down a waste system leak? I've checked a number of fittings and have as yet not located the leak. I'm wondering if there's a plumbing and gelcoat safe sort of dye (perhaps using UV light) that'd help find this.
 
Try using one of these: flour; talc; baby powder; chalk. Spread the talc around where you suspect the leak runs then let it sit for as long as you think it needs. Even overnight is ok. It should be easy to see where the talc has gotten wet. When you're all finished, vacuum the talc up.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Shadowcruzr

Add food coloring

Click to expand...


Beat me to it. I had a leak that I knew was from one of two places. Red food coloring indicated place one...Green indicated place 2.
When the bilge pump started pumping red, folks at the marina thought I had Tony Soprano'd something in the bilge. When I told them my dilemma and the logic, the simplicity amazed them. I just went on letting them think I was smart...I'm just cheap!!!!! Total search cost me 78 cents.
 
Flutterby, I'd avoid flour if possible, simply because it is a rich growth medium, and after testing things will grow in/on it. And smell. ( Good for an emergency however ). Chalk, babypowder, talc do not have this problem.

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You mentioned UV. "#1" fluoresces under UV.
 
Isn't there a risk of staining using food coloring? The talc idea may help too, thanks!
 
Hey, Bill, your comments about flour brings up a good point. 'Course if all the flour is vacuumed up after, no problem.
 
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