DEC - Division of Spill Prevention and Response - Industry Preparedness Program - Storage Tanks

Automatic Line Leak Detection

Learn more about the operation and testing of line leak detectors --> (PDF 64K)
Pressurized Piping Leak Detection How do you tell if you have an automatic line leak detector or a stand-alone sump sensor?
First, open the sump lid of your pressurized piping system.	Second, locate the pump. It is usually red or blue and is between the top of the tank and the piping which leads to the dispenser.

Next, look for the line leak detector. Can you see a mechanical or electronic line leak detector? The mechanical device is threaded into the pump head and has no wiring connections. They usually have a round or hexagonal top and should have a stamped brand name like Red Jacket, EBW, Vaporless, FE Petro or Veeder-Root. Newer models have copper bleed lines attached.
Red Jacket Vaporless	FE Petro

The electronic device is also threaded into the pump head. It is either wireless or hard-wired to the pump electrical system. Common brand names are Incon and Veeder-Root. Veeder-Root	Incon

Oops. If you find no evidence of a line leak detector, your pump probably looks like this. This is an unsafe system and should be retrofitted with a mechanical or electronic line leak detector.

Sump Sensor. If you have double wall piping, you may find a a sump sensor like the two pictured here to the right. However, a sump sensor must be used in combination with a line leak detector.