Water can be destructive, whether it is a leak or rapture from the main pipe. Unfortunately, many homes have water pipes running inside the walls, beneath the floorboard or above the ceiling.
When water leaks from the pipes, it can cause structural wood components to warp. This can result in cosmetic damage on the walls and lumps under the carpet. The problem can be worse if the leak is overhead. It can cause the ceiling to collapse, destroying everything beneath.
As a homeowner, you can prevent these situations to occur if you become proactive. This way, you will be able to deal with small issues before they become catastrophic. The best way to stay proactive in your house is by buying a thermal imaging camera.
Here are some of the best thermal cameras for water leaks
i. FLIR MR 176 with a moisture meter
This is a comprehensive device that comes with an imaging meter, temperature meter and humidity sensor.
After you have identified the general area of the leak, the external pin probe will enable you to get more details. This makes it an ideal tool for general home use.
Although it is lightweight at 11.4 oz, it is still a sturdy device. The good news is that it comes with a carry case with extra storage spaces.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Sufficient measurement ranges
- FLIR reporting technology
Cons
- Poor sensors
ii. FLIR TG 165
The FLIR TG 165 thermal imaging camera is a compact device that comes with a moisture pen. It comes with a nice branded protective casing for easier portability.
One of the most noticeable features is the flashlight included in the moisture pen. This is a handy feature that will enable you to use it even in lowlight conditions.
It is reasonably accurate and sensitive such that you can detect issues from a distance. The captured images can be stored in the Micro SD card or downloaded via the USB port.
Pros
- User friendly
- Easy to use
- Numerous applications
- Flashlight
Cons
- Does not feature a visual camera
iii. Flir C2
The FLIR C2 is lightweight and compact which makes it extremely portable. It can even fit in your pocket like a phone.
Apart from displaying the results on the screen, it also produces audible indications where various ranges are assigned to specific sounds.
The pen features a rugged design, which means it can be used in heavy applications. In addition, it has an LED spotlight that doubles as a flashlight that you can use in dark conditions.
Pros
- Auto power-off to save energy
- Decent resolution
- Accurate
- Durable
Cons
- Lags during calibrations
iv. HTI HT-18 thermal imaging camera
Thermal imaging cameras are handy devices for everyday use. However, some of them are beyond reach to homeowners and small business owners. This is the reason why the HTI launched the HT-18.
The HT-18 is an affordable device with premium features that can only be found in high-end models. It provides high quality thermal images, which are crucial for accurate inspections.
Pros
- High resolution imagery
- 5 color palettes
- 3GB in-built memory
- Lightweight
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- Irreplaceable battery
Conclusion
Identifying the leaks can be time consuming and labor-intensive when the system is concealed in the walls, beneath the floor or in the ceiling. Conventional inspections methods may require you to dig up the floor or chip the walls to get the leaking pipes. This method is very costly in terms of materials and labor. However, a thermal imaging camera is a cost-effective and efficient way to address these problems. We choose the FLIR MR 176 to be our top choice because it is easy to use and comes with sufficient measurement range.
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