Best Hydrogen Leak Detector (2024 update)

Hydrogen Gas Leak Detectors, also known as hydrogen gas analyzers, are crucial tools for detecting hydrogen gas leaks in underground pipe systems. These specialized leak detection devices are designed to identify the presence of hydrogen gas that escapes from holes or cracks in pipes after a tracer gas has been introduced into the system. By accurately detecting hydrogen gas, these detectors enable technicians to pinpoint the exact location of the leak, allowing for efficient repair and maintenance of the affected pipes. The use of Hydrogen Gas Leak Detectors is essential for ensuring the safety and integrity of underground pipe networks, preventing potentially hazardous situations caused by undetected leaks. Utility companies, plumbers, and maintenance professionals rely on these detectors to maintain the proper functioning of pipe systems and to protect public safety by promptly addressing any leaks that may occur.

Pros	Cons
Hydrogen gas detectors can be used to identify leaks in underground pipes. The mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen used to identify leaks in underground pipes renders it non-toxic and non-flammable. Hydrogen gas detectors can be purchased or rented. Hydrogen leak detectors cost less than $995 and are very sensitive at picking up the smallest hydrogen gas to pinpoint a leak.	Hydrogen gas detectors are a sensitive tool and require care. Hydrogen gas leaks identification is not as popular as other methods, but gaining popularity to the helium gas scarcity. Hydrogen gas detectors do have a limited life and need to be calibrated once per year.

What are the Best Hydrogen Gas Leak Detectors?

There are a number of excellent hydrogen gas leak detectors. The top and most reputable hydrogen gas leak detectors are:

• Forensics Detectors Hydrogen Gas Analyzer
• Yamaha Hydrogen Gas Leak Detectors
• RJM Equipment Hydrogen Gas Detectors
• Sewerin Tracer Gas Hydrogen Detectors

What is Hydrogen Gas?

Hydrogen gas, H2, is a colorless, odorless gas that is extremely light.

Hydrogen molecules are small and light. When released in the air, they quickly rise.  The small light gas molecules enable permeation through concrete, soil, grass and rises to the surface fast that make hydrogen gas a perfect tracer gas for pipe, pipeline, leak, crack and other tracer applications used in conjunction with a Hydrogen Gas Analyzer.

Is Hydrogen Gas Dangerous?

Hydrogen gas is non-toxic, meaning that it is not dangerous for human inhalation. It is, however, flammable and explosive on its own, so it can be dangerous in certain conditions.

How is Hydrogen Gas Detected?

Hydrogen gas can be detected through several different techniques. Some techniques are able to detect both the presence and the concentration of hydrogen. Examples of sensor technologies used to detect hydrogen gas include:

• Electrochemical Sensors
• Best Pick for Pipe H2 tracer gas detection.
• Offers most sensitive at more reasonable price point.
• Gas chromatography
• Too Expensive.
• Very accurate and made for for lab use applications.
• Catalytic bead
• Not sensitive enough for tracer gas leak testing.
• Used for explosive LEL safety.

What is a Hydrogen Leak Detection Test?

Leak detection tests are used to identify tiny holes in underground pipes when homeowners continue to have water problems without knowing the exact source. Trace gas leak detection involves introducing a tracer gas, composed of 5% hydrogen and 95% nitrogen, to the pipes to identify tiny, seemingly invisible holes.

As the hydrogen exits the tiny holes in the underground pipe, the water pipe leak detector, a hydrogen detector, identifies the location of the hole.

Why is Hydrogen Used as a Test Gas for Gas Leak Testing?

In the past, helium gas was actually used for gas leak testing. Nowadays, hydrogen gas is the preferred gas for gas leak testing because it is:

• cheaper
• more sensitive
• requires less service than helium gas
• non-toxic
• can be safely used
• small light gas molecules that enables permeation through concrete, soil, grass and rises to the surface fast
• dilutes in the air (as it is light) allowing for quickly surface identification
• hydrogen is renewable and cheap 

How Do You Detect a Hydrogen Gas Leak?

Hydrogen gas leaks are detected with hydrogen gas detectors.

These tools serve to accomplish pipe leak detection by detecting airborne hydrogen gas. Since hydrogen gas is light, it quickly permeates from the pipe leak, through the soil, and reaches the surface of the ground where it is detected by a hydrogen gas leak detector.

What is the Purpose of Gas Leak Testing?

Gas leak testing is used to detect water leaks in under ground pipes.

When there is not visible water or audible sound coming from the pipe, it can be difficult to find tiny holes - especially when covered with soil, and and many feet in length. Essentially, tracer gas is introduced to the pipe (Hydrogen with Nitrogen Gas) so that if it seeps out through a tiny hole, a hydrogen gas detector can pick up on it and the underground pipe can then be repaired so it no longer experiences leakage.

CASE STUDY: Hydrogen Gas Leak Detection for Commercial Water Leaks

Pacific Leak Locators are expert water leak detection experts in Canada. They use the FD-600-H2 (with probe hood) to detect tracer hydrogen gas. Many of their water leak projects are highlighted on their Instagram Page. A recent project concluded as follows:

So big job today in Burnaby BC for a massive Industrial customer. Unfortunately, the job site is too sensitive, so no photos to share. But we did manage to find both leaks that were causing them to fail their pressure test. Our @forensicsdetectors gas detector was the real hero today 🥇 Heard the best customer quote “should have hired these guys weeks ago”

Why is Nitrogen Gas Used Along with Hydrogen Gas to Find Leaks in Underground Water Pipes?

Nitrogen gas is used in combination with hydrogen gas to find leaks in underground water pipes because the nitrogen serves to stabilize the hydrogen to make it safer to use.

On its own, hydrogen gas can be flammable and explosive, so it gets combined into a mixture with nitrogen gas to make it non-combustible and, thus, safe for people to use in hydrogen gas leak detection.

What is a Hydrogen Gas Detector?

A hydrogen gas detector is a piece of equipment used for underground leak detection. It acts by detecting the injection of hydrogen within underground pipes that may be leaking. The sensor picks up on the presence of hydrogen that is released through tiny holes present in the underground pipes. 

For example, when the Hydrogen Analyzer is used to detect water leaks, hydrogen gas is pressurized into the water lines at appropriate junctions. The hydrogen gas bottles are balanced with nitrogen. A tank setup is shown below going to a job site. Gas is pressured in the line and the operates surveys and scans the suspected area with the hydrogen gas analyzer to pick up any rising hydrogen gas from the ground.

How Does a Hydrogen Gas Detector Work?

Hydrogen gas detectors and hydrogen gas monitors possess a sensory component that recognizes the presence of hydrogen.

When undergoing underground leak detection, these devices pick up on the presence of hydrogen as it is released through tiny holes in the underground pipes after a gaseous mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen is introduced to the pipes.

How Much Does a Hydrogen Gas Detector Cost?

Hydrogen gas detectors do have a range of cost, but they are not cheap. The most expensive can surpass $1,000. Best value for money is the Forensics Detectors Hydrogen Gas Analyzer that comes with a telescopic probe.

What Are the Typical Applications Used for Hydrogen Gas Leak Testing?

The most common application of a hydrogen leakage detector is to identify holes in underground pipes. This pivotal application serves to pinpoint the location of a water leak in pipes located below the surface of the ground, thus allowing for the proper repair of the damaged pipes.

What is the Gas Mixture Used to Source Hydrogen for Gas Leak Testing?

The gas mixture used to source hydrogen for gas leak testing is 5% H2 gas and 95% N2 gas.

How Much Does it Cost to Find an Underground Water Leak?

Underground water leaks that need to be located have a wide range of cost, especially when hiring a professional. Typically, these services can cost $500-$2000. Factors that determine price include equipment used, the severity of the leak, length of pipe, depth of pipe and terrain difficulty.

Who is Responsible for an Underground Water Leak?

The responsibility of an underground water leak is dependent on where the leak is located. If the leak in the underground pipe is on the homeowner's side of the water meter, then it is the homeowner's responsibility to find the leak and repair the leak-- either by doing it themselves or by hiring a contractor. 

If the leak is due to problems on the water meter, then it is the water company's responsibility. In some cases, the water company may still offer to pay for repairing leaks that technically fall into the homeowner's responsibility but this is not guaranteed.

Can an Underground Water Leak Cause a Sinkhole?

Unfortunately, underground water leaks do have the capability to cause a sinkhole. Sinkholes are ultimately caused by water's erosion of soil, so pipes that are continuously leaking water may cause erosion and eventually a sinkhole. 

The potential for sinkholes as a result of water leaks highlights the importance of underground water detection using a hydrogen gas detector. 

Final Words

A hydrogen gas detector, also known as a hydrogen gas monitor, plumbers leak detector, water pipe leak detector, hydrogen leakage detector, underground leak detector, or underground water leak detector, is a vital tool for detecting leaks in underground pipe systems. These detectors are designed to identify the presence of hydrogen gas that escapes from small holes in pipes, which is often introduced as a mixture of 5% hydrogen gas and 95% nitrogen gas. Although hydrogen on its own can be explosive and flammable, when combined with nitrogen, the mixture becomes non-toxic and non-flammable, making it safe for use in leak detection. Hydrogen gas detectors work by sensing the presence of hydrogen that seeps out of underground pipes due to its low density and molecular weight. The gas's light nature allows it to escape through even the smallest holes, making it an ideal tracer gas for pinpointing leaks. By using hydrogen gas detectors, plumbers and maintenance professionals can accurately locate and repair leaks in underground pipe systems, preventing water loss, ensuring the efficient functioning of the infrastructure, and maintaining public safety.

About the Author

Dr. Kos Galatsis ("Dr.Koz") is the President of FORENSICS DETECTORS, where the company operates from the scenic Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles, California. He is a subject matter expert on gas sensor technology, gas detectors, gas meters, and gas analyzers. He has been designing, building, manufacturing and testing toxic gas detection systems for over 20 years.