Image courtesy of hurcotech.com
Before you buy a plumbing smoke machine, it’s essential to know what to look for. Below are some crucial features you should look for in a smoke machine. Power Smoker, High-sensitivity flow gauge, Accuracy, and Long life are just a few of the features you should consider. Keep reading to learn more about these features and the pros and cons of each one. This will make choosing a plumbing smoke machine a breeze.
Power Smoker
A plumber using the Power Smoker 2 can better pinpoint the exact location of a leak. Rather than just checking the usual suspects, Tillett uses the machine to identify the exact location of the leak. His company, Tillett Plumbing & Heating, is based in Palmyra, Pennsylvania. Tillett says he has seen the machine work in many instances where other plumbing tools have failed.
The smoke machine takes about 15 to 20 minutes to set up. However, there is no need to spend a lot of time. First, fasten the open end of the duct to the clean-out or building trap vent riser. This prevents smoke from going down the city sewer main. Next, attach the hose from the smoke canister to the power pack or quick-connect valve. Finally, the smoke machine will begin to fill the engine with the resulting smoke.
High-sensitivity Flow Gauge
The sensitivity of the plumbing smoke machine is measured by its flow meter, which is used as a diagnostic tool. It will tell you whether the leak is present or not as soon as the system is filled with smoke. When the ball on the meter rises, the leak is present. If it does not increase, there is no leak. Flow meters can be used for leak detection, seal checking, and other tasks.
The testers have to remove the fuel cap of the EVAP system. They should test the system without fans or wind, as these can cause smoke to be blown around. A test procedure is to remove the fuel cap and fill it with smoke. The solenoid will cycle continuously, and you should watch for intermittent leaks. The meter should rise or fall accordingly. You should change the flow meter and try again if it does not.
Long Life
If you’re thinking about buying a plumbing smoke machine, you’ve probably heard that it’s an expensive purchase. That’s not true, but there are several things you should know about the long-term value of plumbing smoke machines. One of these factors is their ability to detect leaks. In addition to their ability to detect leaks, they help identify if the pipes are clogged or leaking.
Accuracy
A plumbing smoke machine is not a panacea for leaky pipes. However, it does work very well in some situations. It can pinpoint leaky plumbing even when a pipe has multiple hoses and a small amount of air. While a pipe inspection camera can reveal hairline cracks and tuberculation, the smoke machine can be used to detect plumbing problems in more significant buildings. It also uses a halogen spotlight to inspect the engine vacuum plumbing.
All evap-approved plumbing smoke machines feature a sensitive flow gauge, which is essential for the two-minute leak test. The flow gauge looks like a small ball inside a vertical piece of plastic or glass. As the smoke or nitrogen flows, the ball will rise. The higher the movement, the larger the leak. Therefore, the higher the leak, the better. The smoke emitted by an evap-approved smoke machine is also accurate.
Cost
The cost of a plumbing smoke machine can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the professional who performs the test and the severity of the problem. Of course, the more experienced and skilled the contractor is, the higher the cost. A standardized test may cost anywhere from $250 to $300 an hour, though there are ways to negotiate a lower price. You can also request quotes from several companies and read testimonials to find a company that fits your budget and needs.
The cost of a plumbing smoke machine depends on whether it is used for an annual inspection, a leak detection, or a leak investigation. The process of smoke leak detection uses non-toxic artificial smoke, which is safe for use in drains and sewer systems. The smoke will not react with the sewer gases and will not cause an explosion. The technology behind a plumbing smoke machine is old but remains one of the most effective and cost-effective leak detection methods.