It would be impossible for a failure at a section of main condenser water riser to go unnoticed for more than a few minutes. A blown off fitting at even a 1 in. medium pressure line would produce hundreds of gallons of water - causing it to be quickly located and addressed. In contrast, much smaller leaks, depending upon their location and severity, can produce severe secondary problems that can easily avoid detection. In certain instances, a smaller leak can actually create greater damage than one which is much larger.

     A leak at a threaded connection, often the very first sign of a pipe corrosion condition, may exist for years prior to producing enough water to signal a problem. Often located behind walls, in shaftways, under floors, and above ceilings, thread joint failures can slowly leak water into area surroundings to corrode other piping systems, metal supports, electrical services, and other equipment. The extent of the damage is usually detected only once the leak extends past its immediate area and into the view of others.

     Just what extent of damage occurs is often related to where the leak exists and how far the water travels. A small leak at a vertical riser, and especially where the shaft is open floor to floor, can produce extensive damage for hundreds of feet as the leak slowly descends the pipe. In contrast, piping shaftways having a firestop at each floor will typically show signs at that floor as the water expands on that level only.

     If the pipe is insulated, the insulation material will often collect the water to the point where it is completely waterlogged, thereby producing an exterior pipe corrosion problem along its entire outer surface. Even a small to moderate leak at one location can saturate multiple floors of piping to produce an extensive degree of outer wall loss. Given enough travel, it will evaporate along its path and still not produce a tell tale indication.

     Leaking pipe at a vertical riser often deteriorates the steel pipe supports at the floors to the extent of making them virtually worthless. This creates added stress on existing supports, and increases the threat of pipe separation - especially if the pipe is joined by a means other than welding.

     An extremely common problem exists where a leak occurs over an electrical service panel or conduit. Given the typically thin gauge of such enclosures, a few years of constant moisture is all that is necessary to produce a penetration through the metal - allowing water to contact the energized electrical components, and to eventually short the wiring.

     Some common problems related to water leaks are presented below, and help to underscore the often unseen or unexpected threat which water can bring:

     In most cases, secondary corrosion problems only exist where the wrong combination of factors occur - either because they are overlooked, or occur in a hidden environment and out of view. A minor drip allowed to continue might not mean anything in an open area of a floor drain, but will produce significant damage within an enclosed space.

     A pipe with wet insulation may not be any threat at the roof level cooling tower, but where it exists in a dark damp environment such as a fan room, raises the potential to grow and distribute mold spores throughout the entire facility. Prompt attention to maintenance is always recommended.

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