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Leak.ca Technology

Comparison

Thermal vs Acoustic vs GPR: Which Leak Detection Technology Do You Need?

A clear comparison of the three most common leak detection technologies — when to use each and when to combine them.

  • Serving all of BCSince 1999
  • Licensed & insuredWorkSafeBC
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  • 25+ yearsFamily-operated
  • 10,000+ propertiesInspected

Thermal imaging, acoustic correlation, and GPR are our three most-requested technologies. Each has strengths and limitations. Here's how they compare.

Factor Leak.ca Alternative Technologies
Best forMoisture mapping, slab leaks, roof surveysThermal: surface moisture. Acoustic: pressurized pipes. GPR: subsurface targets
Detects water directly?Thermal: yes (temperature differential). Acoustic: yes (sound of escaping water). GPR: no (sees pipes/voids, not water)Only thermal and acoustic detect water directly
Depth capabilityThermal: surface only. Acoustic: up to 15m+ pipe depth. GPR: up to 6m subsurfaceEach excels at different depths
AccuracyThermal: within inches. Acoustic: within 30cm. GPR: within 5-10cm horizontalAll highly accurate in right conditions
Best combined withAcoustic + GPR for slab leaks. Thermal + acoustic for wall/ceiling leaks. GPR + acoustic for underground leaks.Combined approach always outperforms single method

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