Best Water Leak Detectors | Engineer Supply - EngineerSupply

800.591.8907 M-F 8-5PM EST

21 Years Serving Customers Like You. Buy With Confidence.

Best Water Leak Detectors

BEST-WATER-LEAK-DETECTORS-HDR

A minor leak might not seem like that big of a problem — and it isn’t, until it is. A pesky drip can quickly escalate into a burst pipe if you don’t take the necessary steps to repair the problem and restore your pipes’ integrity. Before you can fix a leak, though, you have to find it — and these are the top five pipe locator tools for doing so.

SubSurface Aqua Trac MU Water Leak Detector

BEST-WATER-LEAK-DETECTORS-Subsurface-Aqua-Trac-MU The SubSurface Aqua Trac MU Water Leak Detector is a top entry on this list thanks to its inclusion of state-of-the-art David Clark headphones. These headphones are designed to be used by pilots, and their remarkable quality makes it easier than ever to hear and locate leaks.

This unit is also uniquely resistant to impact. It is contained in a durable carrying case, and underneath, the unit is chock resistant and waterproof. Its waterproof certification complies with Ingress Protection Level IP68, so you can be sure it’s safe for use in any moist conditions.

SubSurface Aqua Trac PL Water Leak Detector

BEST-WATER-LEAK-DETECTORS-Subsurface-Aqua-Trac-PL The SubSurface Aqua Trac PL Water Leak Detector is just as competitive as the MU counterpart, but it features a few notable differences. The most impressive feature of this unit is its microphone. It is completely lightweight and portable while still offering impeccable audio capture. This feature is coupled with a large backlit display which makes it simple to see the exact location of leaks.

Subsurface Instruments - Water Leak Detector (LD-12)

BEST-WATER-LEAK-DETECTORS-Subsurface-LD12 There are few kits on the water detection market that can match the quality of the Subsurface Instruments - Water Leak Detector (LD-12). In addition to the detector itself, the kit features three accessories that users can use in conjunction with the sensor — a ground plate, a magnet base, and a contact rod. These additional tools allow you to detect leaks even in difficult surroundings such as hydrants, sleets, and meters.

Subsurface Instruments LD-15 Water Leak Detector

BEST-WATER-LEAK-DETECTORS-Subsurface-LD15 Another entry from Subsurface Instruments — the Subsurface Instruments LD-15 Water Leak Detector kit — proves that the brand is one of the industry’s most trusted. Users will appreciate the incredible sensitivity of the sensor. This is due to its Neodymium magnet. The unit’s amplifier offers superior audio quality, too, so that distortion is minimized and its signal is maximized. Best of all, the instrument is completely waterproof, so it can safely be submerged and used in underwater conditions.

SubSurface Instruments Pipe and Cable Locator - PL-G

BEST-WATER-LEAK-DETECTORS-Subsurface-PLG If you need to find a leak that’s buried deep within a pipe, the SubSurface Instruments Pipe and Cable Locator - PL-G is the best tool for the job. This pipe locator unit is specifically designed to detect the nearest pipe and utilize a compass to maintain the right path. The underground pipe locator can also be used with Bluetooth to pair the utility locator with a smartphone app. This allows users to conveniently see leak detection data in real-time on the device they already use. Perhaps the greatest benefit of this tool, though, is its automatic transmitter which is activated when the unit’s cable is connected.

Shop Pipe Locator

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a leak detector work?

BEST-WATER-LEAK-DETECTORS-A

A standard leak detector unit works by monitoring water and measuring its flow rate. If an abnormality is detected, the unit can halt the flow of water and identify the valve or location that the leak stems from.

What is the best method for leak detection?

There are many methods of leak detection that you can use — dyes, pressure testing, and gas inspection are just a few. The best method depends on what kind of leak you are looking for.

Where do I put a leak detector tool?

A leak detector tool should be placed as close to the suspect source of a leak as possible.

How do I measure a leak once I’ve found it?

You can measure a leak in one of three ways—by assessing a change in pressure, by measuring the flow, or by identifying a shift in concentration.

Are leaks dangerous?

Yes, leaks can be incredibly dangerous if they are not addressed promptly. Water leaks are a hazard, but gas and oil leaks can be even more treacherous.

Don’t Let a Leak Wreak Havoc

BEST-WATER-LEAK-DETECTORS-B

When you suspect that you may have a leak on your hands, there’s no time to waste. You need to assess the situation as soon as possible and confirm whether or not a leak is present. Any of the five tools on this list will help you accomplish this. Find the right leak detection tools at Engineer Supply. Call us at (800) 591-8907 or shop online.


Best Pipe Locators

#1: Pipehorn 800HL Dual-Frequency Pipe & Cable Locator

best pipe locator PI Pipehorn 800HL MD840

This dual-frequency underground utility locator is always recommended over Pipehorn’s single-frequency model. Because it has the 9kHz frequency that’s needed to find utility lines buried deeper underground, it has the range you need to find a number of underground pipes and cables. With its superior high-frequency performance, it's one of the best utility location tools in the industry when direct connect isn’t possible. And for the toughest conductors (such as coated iron pipes with insulated joints or street and parking lot lights), nothing else will sweep an area for unmarked utility lines than this utility locator.

#2: Schonstedt REX - Multi-Frequency Pipe & Cable Locator

best pipe locator PI Schonstedt REX Multi-Frequency

This multi-frequency pipe locator by Schonstedt is a great choice for the working professional, because it has the following features:

  • The transmitter is less than 2 inches thick and weighs less than 4 pounds.
  • The entire unit fits easily into a custom storage bag.
  • The receiver and transmitter together weigh under 7 pounds for an ultralight design.
  • The receiver can retract for easier carrying.
  • Capable of 512 Hz, 33 kHz, and 82 kHz frequency detection.
  • Capable of 50/60 Hz passive and 512 Hz sonde detection.
  • The transmitter comes with rechargeable batteries.
This unit is built for utility professionals in the water, sewer, gas, electric, and telecommunication industries.

#3: Pipehorn 800H Single-Frequency Pipe & Cable Locator

best pipe locator PI Pipehorn 800H MD820

With the ability to detect frequencies of up to 480 kHz, this pipe locator can find utility lines that are buried down to 18 feet deep (depending on the type of connection, the condition of the soil, and how well it can conduct the signal). It also has a fast-response signal strength and a sharp audio tone that allows for precision pinpointing. And with a watertight reinforced receiver wand, it's incredibly durable. The transmitter has a high-impact ABS housing that’s bright yellow, so it’s easier to see.

#4: Schonstedt Loki Utilities Multi-Frequency Pipe and Cable Locator

best pipe locator PI Schonstedt LOKI U

This utility locator is perfect for “sweeping” a large area to find buried assets quickly and easily. The Schonstedt Loki has a number of features that support the quick and easy detection of underground utility lines. Some of them include but may not be limited to:

  • The 512 Hz frequency can be used to trace metallic pipes, while the 82 kHz frequency can find hard-to-locate jointed pipes.
  • The simple mode selection matches the device to the signal type you need to locate.
  • The Sonde Mode can find a signal being transmitted by a compatible sonde.
  • The Transmitter Mode can find transmitter signals being imposed on buried utilities.
  • The Power Mode can find the electromagnetic fields being generated by loaded power cables.
  • The Dual Mode simultaneously searches for and identifies transmitter and power signals for quicker sweeps.
  • The ShallowAlert feature will warn you of the possible presence of shallow cables and utility lines in every mode.
  • The NoiseProtect feature allows you to use the device in areas that are electrically noisy.
Be sure to pick yours up at Engineer Supply today!

#5: Schonstedt Loki Contractor Multi-Frequency Pipe and Cable Locator

best pipe locator PI Schonstedt LOKI C

With a receiver that weighs 4.9 pounds and a transmitter that weighs 4.0 pounds, this unit is a lightweight tool that’s perfect for finding pipes, cables, and underground utility lines in large areas. It also has a IP54 rating, which makes it resistant to water and dust. The transmitter has a built-in speaker that generates an audio signal, which can be heard over road traffic. The receiver also has a detachable speaker that can double as an earpiece.

If you’re looking for an underground utility locator to help you find buried pipes and cables, be sure to look at what we have at Engineer Supply.

Please Wait... processing