Thermal Imaging
Thermal Imaging | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Charleston
When a burst pipe or hidden slab leak threatens your Charleston storefront, restaurant, or multi-unit complex, HEP’s thermal imaging technology sees the issue before it becomes a disaster. Using high-resolution infrared cameras, our specialists trace temperature changes behind walls, ceilings, and concrete to pinpoint leaks with remarkable accuracy—no guesswork, no unnecessary demolition, and far less downtime for your team and customers.
Pairing thermal diagnostics with decades of commercial plumbing expertise, we isolate problems fast, repair them right the first time, and document everything for insurance and compliance needs. From preventative scans to urgent after-hours repairs, HEP keeps Charleston businesses flowing smoothly, saving you water, energy, and money—so you can stay focused on running yours.
FAQs
What is thermal imaging plumbing and how is it used in commercial buildings?
Thermal imaging plumbing is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that uses infrared cameras to detect temperature variations inside walls, ceilings, and floors. In commercial buildings, our technicians in Charleston scan supply and drain lines, mechanical rooms, and hard-to-reach areas. Cold or hot spots on the thermal camera reveal hidden leaks, pipe blockages, failing insulation, and moisture intrusion without removing drywall or shutting down operations.
Why should my Charleston business choose thermal imaging over traditional leak detection methods?
Traditional methods often require exploratory demolition or extensive shut-offs, which disrupt tenants, employees, or customers. Thermal imaging is fast, silent, and performed while your facility remains open. It pinpoints problems within inches, reducing repair time, cutting labor and material costs, and helping your company avoid lost revenue from downtime.
Can thermal imaging find leaks behind concrete, tile, or commercial kitchen equipment?
Yes. Infrared cameras visualize heat signatures that migrate through most construction materials, including concrete slab floors and tiled walls. In kitchens, bathrooms, or boiler rooms we scan around equipment and fixtures to identify abnormal temperature patterns caused by leaking hot or cold water lines, steam lines, or hydronic heating loops—even when they’re concealed under heavy finishes or large appliances.
How accurate is the technology and will I still need destructive testing afterward?
Our high-resolution FLIR® cameras detect temperature differences as small as 0.05 °C, allowing us to locate leaks within a 1–2 inch radius. In many cases the precise location can be confirmed with acoustic listening or moisture meters, so only a small access hole (if any) is required to complete repairs. Full-scale demolition is almost never necessary after a thermal scan.
How often should a commercial property schedule a thermal imaging inspection?
For hotels, restaurants, offices, and multi-tenant buildings in Charleston’s humid coastal climate, we recommend an annual thermal survey as part of preventive maintenance. Facilities with older galvanized or cast-iron piping, high water usage, or a history of hidden leaks may benefit from semi-annual scans or targeted inspections after major storms or freeze events.
What does a typical service call include and how much does it cost in Charleston?
A standard commercial service includes a site walk-through, thermal imaging of accessible plumbing runs, moisture verification, a digital report with annotated infrared photos, and repair recommendations. Pricing starts around $350 for small offices and scales by square footage, number of wet rooms, and complexity. We provide firm, up-front quotes and can schedule after-hours or weekend visits to minimize disruption to your business.