The short answer
How It Works
Thermal cameras, also called infrared cameras, measure the heat given off by surfaces. Every object emits infrared radiation, and the camera turns that radiation into a color image. Warmer areas appear in one color range, while cooler areas show up in another.
When water leaks, it changes the temperature of the material it soaks into. For example, a pipe carrying cold water can cool the surrounding drywall, while a hot water line can warm it. The camera picks up these subtle differences, making the leak visible as a distinct shape or patch on the screen.
- Detects temperature differences on walls, floors, and ceilings
- Helps locate moisture without opening up surfaces
- Useful for finding hidden leaks behind finished materials
- Works well when the temperature difference is clear
- Can also reveal missing insulation or air drafts
What the Camera Shows
The image from a thermal camera is not a direct photo of water. Instead, it shows temperature patterns. A wet area often appears cooler than the dry material around it, especially if the water comes from a cold supply line or if evaporation is cooling the surface.
The pros interpret these patterns along with other clues like stains, warping, or musty smells. A thermal scan gives a good starting point, but it does not tell you the exact size of the leak or the source. You may need further investigation to confirm what the camera reveals.
When to Use Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging is especially useful for finding leaks that are not visible. It can help spot plumbing leaks behind walls, roof leaks in the ceiling, or moisture from an HVAC system. If you suspect a leak but cannot see the source, a thermal scan can narrow down the area.
The right time to scan is when there is a clear temperature difference between the water and the surface. For example, running cold water through pipes on a warm day makes the leak more obvious. In humid climates, surfaces may stay warm, but a thermal camera can still detect cooler wet spots.
Limits of Thermal Cameras
Thermal cameras do not see through solid materials. They only read the surface temperature. If a leak is deep inside a thick wall or under a concrete slab, the temperature change may be too small to detect from the outside.
Also, other heat sources can confuse the image. Sunlight heating a wall, a nearby appliance, or poor insulation can create false signals. The pros account for these factors by scanning at different times and comparing the images. Thermal imaging is a helpful tool, but it is not a complete answer on its own.
What to Do After a Scan
If a thermal scan suggests a leak, the next step is to confirm it. You might need to open a small section of drywall or use a moisture meter to verify the wet area. The pros can also check the source, such as a pipe fitting or roof flashing.
Once you know where the leak is, you can address the cause. A plumber can fix a broken pipe, or a roofer can repair flashing. After the leak stops, you may need water damage cleanup to dry the area and prevent mold. If you live in Daytona Beach, keep your shutoff valve location written down so you can stop water quickly.
- Confirm with a moisture meter or visual inspection
- Fix the source, like a pipe or roof issue
- Dry the area thoroughly to avoid mold
- Document the damage for your insurance claim
- Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Check your policy to see what is covered.
Water damage does not wait
Phones are answered 24/7 for Daytona Beach and nearby communities.
Call Now (386) 272-5697Frequently asked questions
Can a thermal camera find leaks in concrete floors?
Sometimes, but it depends on the depth and temperature difference. A slab leak may not show up if the water is deep or the concrete is thick. The pros might use other tools, like acoustic listening devices, to help locate the leak.
Do I need to empty my cabinets for a thermal scan?
It helps to clear areas you suspect. The camera reads surface temperatures, so objects blocking the wall or floor can hide the leak. Move furniture, boxes, and stored items away from the area to give the pros a clear view.
Will thermal imaging work if the leak is behind tile?
Yes, in many cases. Tile conducts heat well, so temperature differences from moisture underneath can show through. The success depends on how much water is present and how different the temperature is from the surrounding tile.