Water leakage inspection method

Abstract

Efficiently and accurately detect water leakage points. 【Solution】A first injection step of injecting a fluorescent liquid having mutually different fluorescent colors for each inlet through two or more inlets of a pipe arranged in a building into the pipe; a fluorescent liquid that is different from any of the fluorescent colors of the fluorescent liquids injected into the pipe from two or more inlets and that is also different from the fluorescent color of a mixed liquid obtained by mixing at least a part of the fluorescent liquids injected into the pipe from two or more inlets, is sprayed on a selected location of the building; a determination step of determining whether or not there is a water leakage hole in at least a part of a plurality of partial pipes constituting the pipe based on the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid derived from water leakage when the fluorescent liquid derived from water leakage is found at any location of the building, and further determining whether or not there is a water leakage path from the selected location to the location where the fluorescent color derived from water leakage is found.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for inspecting water leakage.

Background Art

[0002] The water supply or drainage pipes installed in a building may develop leakage holes due to aging or the like. In such a case, the water leaking from the leakage hole may reach the floor of the building structure below the pipe, the ceiling of the building structure on the lower floor, or the ceiling or wall of the room, resulting in significant damage. Also, if there are cracks in the veranda or bathroom floor of the building, the water that has entered the building through the crack may reach the floor of the building structure, the ceiling of the building structure on the lower floor, or the ceiling or wall of the room, resulting in significant damage.

[0003] The construction worker who has received a report from the occupant repairs the leakage hole or crack. However, before that, it is necessary to stop the water flow and drain the water from the pipe, and then identify the leakage location. The leakage location may be a leakage hole in the pipe or a crack in the veranda or bathroom floor.

[0004] However, the pipe is installed in a narrow, dark space between the floor of the building structure and the floor of the room, and there are obstacles. Also, since the leakage hole is small, it is difficult for the construction worker to find the leakage hole by visually inspecting the pipe. Also, it may be difficult to even determine whether the leakage location is a leakage hole in the pipe or a crack in the veranda or bathroom floor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for inspecting rain leakage in a building using a plurality of types of luminescent inspection liquids having mutually different emission colors. According to this method, based on the emission color, the correspondence relationship between the defective location (rainwater intrusion location) and the seepage location can be grasped. Also, according to this method, when seepage of the luminescent inspection liquid is confirmed only from one location and the emission color thereof is a mixed color, the confluence of the intrusion paths can be confirmed. However , special In the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the liquid leaking from the water leakage hole in the pipe is discovered at the seepage location, it is difficult to specify from which water leakage hole in the pipe the liquid has leaked

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a water leakage inspection method capable of efficiently and accurately detecting a water leakage location

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] According to the present invention, a first injection step of injecting a fluorescent liquid having mutually different fluorescent colors for each inlet into the pipe via two or more inlets of the pipe arranged in a building, and different from any of the fluorescent colors of the fluorescent liquids injected into the pipe from the two or more inlets, and also different from the fluorescent color of a mixed liquid obtained by mixing at least a part of the fluorescent liquids injected into the pipe from the two or more inlets, a spraying step of spraying a fluorescent liquid having a fluorescent color onto a selected location of the building, and when a fluorescent liquid derived from water leakage is discovered at any location of the building, based on the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid derived from water leakage, determining whether there is a water leakage hole in at least a part of a plurality of partial pipes constituting the pipe, and further determining whether there is a water leakage path from the selected location to the location where the fluorescent color derived from water leakage is discovered, a water leakage inspection method is provided

Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, a water leakage location can be efficiently and accurately detected

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail.

[0014] [First Embodiment]

[0015] FIG. 1(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a building in which a pipe to be inspected for water leakage and a washroom are arranged in the first embodiment. As the building, for example, a high-rise apartment building or a mid-rise or low-rise apartment building is assumed, but a detached house may also be used. The portion indicated by reference numeral 101 corresponds to a column or a wall in the building structure. The portion indicated by reference numeral 102 corresponds to a floor in the building structure. Reference numeral 102a indicates the floor of the building structure, and reference numeral 102b indicates the ceiling of the building structure. Reference numeral 104 indicates the wall of room 103, reference numeral 105 indicates the floor of the room, and 106 indicates the ceiling of the room.

[0016] FIG. 1(b) is a conceptual perspective view showing a pipe set or the like arranged in the region indicated by the broken line frame 107 in FIG. 1(a) (the region sandwiched between the floor 102a of the building structure and the floor 105 of the room).

[0017] As the pipe set for sewage, a normal pipe set 111 for sewage and a pipe set 112 for wastewater are arranged. The pipe set 111 corresponds to drainage from around the sink, drainage from around the bathtub, drainage from around the washbasin, and drainage from around the washing machine. The pipe set 112 corresponds to wastewater from around the toilet.

[0018] Referring to FIGS. 1(b) and 2(a), the pipe set 111 has a plurality of partial pipes S1 to S7. Drainage flows into the partial pipe S1 through the drain port E1. Drainage flows into the partial pipe S2 through the drain port E2. Drainage flows into the partial pipe S4 through the drain port E4. Drainage flows into the partial pipe S6 through the drain port E6.

[0019] The partial pipe S1 and the partial pipe S2 merge into one partial pipe S3 at the joint J3. The partial pipe S3 and the partial pipe S4 merge into one partial pipe S5 at the joint J5. The partial pipe S5 and the partial pipe S6 merge into one partial pipe S7 at the joint J7. The outlet of the partial pipe S7 communicates with a pipe 115 extending vertically along the column or wall of the building structure.

[0020] Here, the joints J3, J5, and J7 may be independent of the partial pipes, or may be part of any of the partial pipes. For example, the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7 may be a single partial pipe, and the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6 may be connected to the side of this single pipe. Even in such a case, conceptually, the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7 exist.

[0021] Sewage flows into the pipe S8 included in the pipe set 112 through the drain port E8. The pipe S8 communicates with a pipe 116 extending in the vertical direction along the column or wall of the housing.

[0022] For example, drainage from the kitchen plumbing flows into the drain port E1. For example, drainage from the bathroom plumbing flows into the drain port E2. For example, drainage from the washing machine plumbing flows into the drain port E3. Although not shown as such in Fig. 1(b), drainage from the bathtub 113 and the wash area 114 of the bath flows into the drain port E6.

[0023] Figs. 1(a) and 1(b) show a state where a water leakage hole has occurred in the pipe set 111 or the pipe set 112, or a crack has occurred in the washroom 114, and liquid pools 121, 122, 123, or 124 due to water leakage have occurred on the floor 102a of the housing body, the ceiling 102b of the housing body on the lower floor, the ceiling 106 of the lower floor room, or the ceiling and wall of the lower floor room. Based on the positions where the liquid pools 121, 122, 123, or 124 exist, it is difficult to confirm whether water leakage has occurred in the pipe set 111, whether a crack has occurred in the washroom 114, or whether water leakage has occurred in the pipe set 112. Also, if it is assumed that water leakage has occurred in the pipe set 111, it is difficult to confirm which part of the pipe set 111 has a water leakage hole based on the positions where the liquid pools 121, 122, 123, or 124 exist. That is, based on the positions where the liquid pools 121, 122, 123, or 124 exist, it is difficult to confirm which part of the piping has a water leakage hole. In the following description, when referring to the liquid pool 121, it refers to the liquid pool 121, 122, 123, or 124, or any liquid pool generated by water leakage, including liquid pools that are difficult to discover. Also, when referring to the liquid pool 121, although it is different from the general definition, in the present invention, it also includes the flowing fluorescent liquid.

[0024] The construction worker who has received a report from a resident or the like who has discovered water leakage conducts a water leakage inspection method prior to repairing the water leakage. In the water leakage inspection method, the construction worker inspects the pipe set 111, the pipe set 112, and the washroom 114 to identify the location where the water leakage is caused. However, this may also be done by a person other than the construction worker. For example, a person specializing in inspection may do it.

[0025] In the water leakage inspection method according to the present embodiment, a plurality of types of fluorescent liquids having a plurality of mutually different fluorescent colors are used to identify the location where the water leakage is caused.

[0026] Referring to Figs. 2(a) to 2(c), the outline of the water leakage inspection method according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0027] Referring to Fig. 2(a), in the first inspection, the construction worker injects a fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color into the pipe from the drain E1. Also, the construction worker injects a fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color into the pipe from the drain E2.

[0028] As a result, a fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S1. Also, a fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S2. Further, since the fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color and the fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color are mixed at the joint J3, a fluorescent liquid with a yellow fluorescent color flows through the partial pipes S3, S5, and S7.

[0029] Also, the construction worker sprays a fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color on the washroom 114. Here, the drain E6 is blocked so that the fluorescent liquid sprayed on the washroom 114 does not flow into the drain E6.

[0030] No fluorescent liquid flows through the partial pipes S4 and S6.

[0031] Therefore, if there is a leak hole H1 in the partial pipe S1, the fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color leaks from the leak hole H1.

[0032] If there is a leak hole H2 in the partial pipe S2, the fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color leaks from the leak hole H2.

[0033] If there is a leak hole H3 in the partial pipe S3, the fluorescent liquid with a yellow fluorescent color leaks from the leak hole H3.

[0034] If there is a leak hole H5 in the partial pipe S5, the fluorescent liquid with a yellow fluorescent color leaks from the leak hole H5.

[0035] If there is a leak hole H7 in the partial pipe S7, the fluorescent liquid with a yellow fluorescent color leaks from the leak hole H7.

[0036] If there is a crack H9 in the washroom 114, the fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color flows into the house from the crack H9.

[0037] When a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is mixed with a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color, a fluorescent liquid having a magenta (M) fluorescent color is produced.

[0038] When a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is mixed with a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color, a fluorescent liquid having a cyan (C) fluorescent color is produced.

[0039] When a fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color is mixed with a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color, a fluorescent liquid having a white (W) fluorescent color is produced.

[0040] Therefore, when a liquid pool 121 of a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is discovered, it is determined that there is a water leakage hole H1 in the partial pipe S1.

[0041] When a liquid pool 121 of a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is discovered, it is determined that there is a water leakage hole H2 in the partial pipe S2.

[0042] When a liquid pool 121 of a fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color is discovered, it is determined that there is a water leakage hole Hi (i = 2, 5, or 7) in any one of the partial pipes S2, S5, and S7.

[0043] When a liquid pool 121 of a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is discovered, it is determined that there is a crack H9 in the washbasin 114.

[0044] When a liquid pool 121 of a fluorescent liquid having a magenta fluorescent color is discovered, it is determined that there is a water leakage hole H1 in the partial pipe S1 and there is a crack H9 in the washbasin 114.

[0045] When a liquid pool 121 of a fluorescent liquid having a cyan fluorescent color is discovered, it is determined that there is a water leakage hole H2 in the partial pipe S2 and there is a crack H9 in the washbasin 114.

[0046] When a liquid pool 121 of a fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color is discovered, it is determined that there is a water leakage hole Hi (i = 2, 5, or 7) in any one of the partial pipes S2, S5, and S7 and there is a crack H9 in the washbasin 114.

[0047] If it is determined that the water leakage holes H1 or H2 exist, the inspection is terminated.

[0048] If it is determined in the first inspection that there is a water leakage hole Hi (i = 2, 5, or 7) in any of the partial pipes S2, S5, and S7, a first type of second inspection is performed to narrow down the partial pipe where the water leakage hole exists.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 2(b), in the first type of second inspection, a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from the drain port E2. Also, a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from the drain port E4. Further, a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from the drain port E6.

[0050] As a result, the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows through the partial pipes S2 and S3. Also, the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S4. Further, since the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color and the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color are mixed at the joint J5, the fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S5.

[0051] Furthermore, the fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S6. Further, since the fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color and the fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color are mixed at the joint J7, the fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S7.

[0052] Therefore, if there is a water leakage hole H3 in the partial pipe S3, the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color leaks from the water leakage hole H3. Note that it has been confirmed in the first inspection that there is no water leakage hole H2 in the partial pipe S2 through which the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows in the first type of second inspection.

[0053] If there is a water leakage hole H5 in the partial pipe S5, the fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color leaks from the water leakage hole H5.

[0054] If there is a water leakage hole H7 in the partial pipe S7, the fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color leaks from the water leakage hole H7.

[0055] In this way, by the first type of secondary inspection, the partial pipes where the water leakage holes exist can be narrowed down from the partial pipes S3, S5, and S7.

[0056] When it is determined that there is no water leakage hole in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, since there may be a water leakage hole Hi (i = 4 or 6) in either of the partial pipes S4 and S6, the second type of secondary inspection is performed on these partial pipes.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 2(c), in the second type of secondary inspection, a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from the drain port E4. Also, a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from the drain port E6.

[0058] As a result, the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows through the partial pipes S4 and S5. Also, the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S6. Further, since the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color and the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color are mixed at the joint J7, the fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S7.

[0059] Therefore, when there is a water leakage hole H4 in the partial pipe S4, the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color leaks from the water leakage hole H4. It should be noted that it has been confirmed in the first inspection that there is no water leakage hole H5 in the partial pipe S5 through which the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows in the first type of secondary inspection.

[0060] When there is a water leakage hole H6 in the partial pipe S6, the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color leaks from the water leakage hole H6.

[0061] In this way, it is possible to determine whether there is a water leakage hole in the partial pipe S4 or S6 by the second type of secondary inspection.

[0062] Next, an explanation will be given as to in what cases a liquid pool 121 of a fluorescent liquid having what fluorescent color can be found.

[0063] When FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) are read together, in the case where there is no crack in the washroom 114, it is possible to know which part of the partial piping has a leakage hole and which color of fluorescent liquid can be detected. Also, in the case where there is a crack in the washroom 114, it is possible to know which part of the partial piping has a leakage hole and which color of fluorescent liquid can be detected. Further, in the case where there is a crack in the washroom 114 and there is no leakage hole in any of the partial pipings, it is possible to know which color of fluorescent liquid can be detected.

[0064] FIGS. 4 to 7 cover all combinations of the presence or absence of leakage holes in each partial piping and the presence or absence of cracks in the washroom 114 in the first inspection using the marking method shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b). However, it is assumed that the maximum number of leakage holes in the piping is 1. Also, it is further assumed that a crack may exist in the washroom 114 regardless of the presence or absence of leakage holes in each partial piping.

[0065] FIG. 4(a) shows that when there is no leakage hole or crack, no liquid accumulation due to water leakage is found.

[0066] FIG. 4(b) shows that when there is no leakage hole and there is a crack, there may be a liquid accumulation of a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color.

[0067] FIG. 4(c) shows that when there is a leakage hole in the partial piping S1 and there is no crack, there may be a liquid accumulation of a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color.

[0068] FIG. 4(d) shows that when there is a leakage hole in the partial piping S2 and there is no crack, there may be a liquid accumulation of a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color.

[0069] Figure 4(d) shows that when there is a water leakage hole in the partial pipe S3, S5, or S7 and there is no crack, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a yellow fluorescent color may be discovered. Also, it is indicated by 2nd that a second inspection of the first type is necessary.

[0070] Figure 5(a) shows that when there is a water leakage hole and a crack in the partial pipe S1, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color and a pool of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color may be discovered. The descriptions of Figure 5(b) and Figure 5(c) are omitted.

[0071] Figure 5(d) shows that when there is a water leakage hole and a crack in the partial pipe S1, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color, and a pool of fluorescent liquid with a magenta fluorescent color may be discovered. The descriptions of Figure 5(e) and Figure 5(f) are omitted.

[0072] Figure 6(a) shows that when there is a water leakage hole and a crack in the partial pipe S1, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color and a pool of fluorescent liquid with a magenta fluorescent color may be discovered, but a pool of fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color may not be discovered. The descriptions of Figure 6(b) and Figure 6(c) are omitted.

[0073] Figure 6(d) shows that when there is a water leakage hole and a crack in the partial pipe S1, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color and a pool of fluorescent liquid with a magenta fluorescent color may be discovered, but a pool of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color may not be discovered. The descriptions of Figure 6(e) and Figure 6(f) are omitted.

[0074] Figure 7(a) shows that when there is a water leakage hole and a crack in the partial pipe S1, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a magenta fluorescent color may be discovered, but a pool of fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color and a pool of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color may not be discovered. The descriptions of Figure 7(b) and Figure 7(c) are omitted.

[0075] Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the water leakage inspection method according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0076] In S801, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is detected. Here, "detecting a fluorescent liquid" means detecting a pool of the fluorescent liquid. Further, it also includes detecting a fluorescent liquid that is flowing due to water leakage.

[0077] If the result in S801 is NO, in S803, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of a blue fluorescent color and another fluorescent color (specifically, magenta, cyan, or white) is detected. Here, a fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of a blue fluorescent color and another fluorescent color is a fluorescent liquid of a blue fluorescent liquid and a fluorescent liquid of another color.

[0078] If the result in S801 is YES, and if the result in S801 is NO and the result in S803 is YES, in S805, it is determined that there is a crack H9 in the washroom 114.

[0079] Next, in S807, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is detected.

[0080] If the result in S807 is NO, in S809, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of a red fluorescent color and another fluorescent color (specifically, magenta) is detected.

[0081] If the result in S807 is YES, and if the result in S807 is NO and the result in S809 is YES, in S811, it is determined that there is a water leakage hole in the partial pipe S1.

[0082] Next, in S813, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is detected.

[0083] If the result in S813 is NO, in S815, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of a green fluorescent color and another fluorescent color (specifically, cyan) is detected.

[0084] If the result at S813 is YES, or if the result at S813 is NO and the result at S815 is YES, then at S817, it is determined that there is a water leakage hole in the partial pipe S2.

[0085] Next, at S819, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color is detected.

[0086] If the result at S819 is NO, then at S821, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of a yellow fluorescent color and another fluorescent color is detected.

[0087] If the result at S819 is YES, or if the result at S819 is NO and the result at S821 is YES, then at S823, it is determined that there is a water leakage hole in the partial pipe S3, S5, or S7.

[0088] Next, at S825, it is determined whether it has been determined that there is a water leakage hole in the partial pipe S1 or S2. If so (YES at S825), bypass S827 to S831 and proceed with the process to S833. That is, bypass the secondary inspection (do not execute it).

[0089] If it is determined at S825 that there is no water leakage hole in the partial pipe S1 or S2 (NO at S825), proceed with the process to S827.

[0090] At S827, it is confirmed whether it has been determined that there is a water leakage hole in the partial pipe S3, S5, or S7.

[0091] If it is confirmed at S827 that it has been determined that there is a water leakage hole in the partial pipe S3, S5, or S7 (YES at S827), then at S829, it is investigated in which of the partial pipes S3, S5, and S7 there is a water leakage hole. That is, the first type of secondary inspection is executed. After executing S829, proceed with the process to S833.

[0092] When it is confirmed in S827 that it is not determined that there is a water leakage hole in the partial pipe S3, S5, or S7 (NO in S827), in S831, it is examined whether there is a water leakage hole in either of the partial pipes S4 and S6. That is, the second type of secondary inspection is executed. After executing S831, the process proceeds to S833.

[0093] In S833, it is determined whether the crack H9 of the washroom 114 is found. If it is YES in S833, the process ends.

[0094] If it is NO in S833, in S835, it is determined whether a water leakage hole in the pipe is found. If it is YES in S835, the process ends.

[0095] If it is NO in S837, in S837, other causes of water leakage are investigated.

[0096] [Second Embodiment]

[0097] The second embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment, but the order of the partial pipes to be investigated is different.

[0098] With reference to FIGS. 11(a) to 11(c), the outline of the water leakage inspection method according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 11(a), in the first inspection, the construction worker injects a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color into the pipe from the drain port E4. Also, the construction worker injects a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color into the pipe from the drain port E6.

[0100] As a result, the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows through the partial pipes S4 and S5. Also, the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S6. Further, since the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color and the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color are mixed at the joint J7, the fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S7.

[0101] Also, the construction worker sprays a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color onto the washing area 114. Here, the drain outlet E6 is blocked so that the fluorescent liquid sprayed onto the washing area 114 does not flow into the drain outlet E6.

[0102] The fluorescent liquid does not flow through the partial pipes S1, S2, and S3.

[0103] Therefore, when there is a leakage hole H4 in the partial pipe S4, the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color leaks from the leakage hole H1.

[0104] When there is a leakage hole H5 in the partial pipe S5, the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color leaks from the leakage hole H5.

[0105] When there is a leakage hole H6 in the partial pipe S6, the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color leaks from the leakage hole H6.

[0106] When there is a leakage hole H7 in the partial pipe S7, the fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color leaks from the leakage hole H5.

[0107] When there is a crack H9 in the washing area 114, the fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color flows into the house from the crack H9.

[0108] When the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is mixed with the fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color, a fluorescent liquid having a magenta (M) fluorescent color is produced.

[0109] When the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is mixed with the fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color, a fluorescent liquid having a cyan (C) fluorescent color is produced.

[0110] When the fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color is mixed with the fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color, a fluorescent liquid having a white (W) fluorescent color is produced.

[0111] Therefore, when a liquid pool 121 of the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is discovered, it is determined that there is a leakage hole Hi (i = 4 or 5) in either the partial pipe S4 or S5.

[0112] When a pool 121 of a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is discovered, it is determined that there is a water leakage hole H6 in the partial pipe S6.

[0113] When a pool 121 of a fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color is discovered, it is determined that there is a water leakage hole H7 in the partial pipe S7.

[0114] When a pool 121 of a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is discovered, it is determined that there is a crack H9 in the washroom 114.

[0115] When a pool 121 of a fluorescent liquid having a magenta fluorescent color is discovered, it is determined that there is a water leakage hole Hi (i = 4 or 5) in either of the partial pipes S4 and S5, and there is a crack H9 in the washroom 114.

[0116] When a pool 121 of a fluorescent liquid having a cyan fluorescent color is discovered, it is determined that there is a water leakage hole H6 in the partial pipe S6, and there is a crack H9 in the washroom 114.

[0117] When a pool 121 of a fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color is discovered, it is determined that there is a water leakage hole H7 in the partial pipe S7, and there is a crack H9 in the washroom 114.

[0118] When it is determined that there is a water leakage hole H6 or H7, the inspection is terminated.

[0119] When it is determined in the first inspection that there is a water leakage hole Hi (i = 4 or 5) in either of the partial pipes S4 and S5, a first - type second inspection is performed to narrow down the partial pipe where the water leakage hole exists.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 10(b), in the first - type second inspection, a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from the drain port E2. Also, a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from the drain port E4.

[0121] As a result, a fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color flows through the partial pipes S2 and S3. Also, a fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S4. Furthermore, since the fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color and the fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color are mixed at the joint J5, a fluorescent liquid with a yellow fluorescent color flows through the partial pipes S5 and S7.

[0122] Therefore, when there is a leak hole H4 in the partial pipe S4, the fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color leaks from the leak hole H4.

[0123] When there is a leak hole H5 in the partial pipe S5, the fluorescent liquid with a yellow fluorescent color leaks from the leak hole H5. It should be noted that it has been confirmed in the first inspection that there is no leak hole H7 in the partial pipe S7 through which the fluorescent liquid with a yellow fluorescent color flows in the second inspection of the first type.

[0124] In this way, the partial pipes with leak holes can be narrowed down to the partial pipes S4 and S5 by the second inspection of the first type.

[0125] If it is determined that there is no leak hole in any of the partial pipes S4, S5, S6, and S7, there may be a leak hole Hi (i = 1, 2, or 3) in any of the partial pipes S1, S2, and S3. Therefore, a second inspection of the second type is performed on these partial pipes.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 10(c), in the second inspection of the second type, a fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from the drain port E1. Also, a fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from the drain port E2.

[0127] As a result, a fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S1. Also, a fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S2. Furthermore, since the fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color and the fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color are mixed at the joint J3, a fluorescent liquid with a yellow fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S3.

[0128] Therefore, when there is a leak hole H1 in the partial pipe S1, the fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color leaks out from the leak hole H1.

[0129] When there is a leak hole H2 in the partial pipe S2, the fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color leaks out from the leak hole H2.

[0130] When there is a leak hole H3 in the partial pipe S3, the fluorescent liquid with a yellow fluorescent color leaks out from the leak hole H3. It should be noted that it has been confirmed in the first inspection that there is no leak hole H7 in the partial pipes S5 and S7 through which the fluorescent liquid with a yellow fluorescent color flows in the second inspection of the second type.

[0131] In this way, it is possible to determine whether there is a leak hole in the partial pipes S1, S2, or S3 by the second inspection of the second type.

[0132] Next, an explanation will be given about in what cases a liquid pool 121 of a fluorescent liquid with what fluorescent color can be found.

[0133] In the first second inspection, as shown in Fig. 11(a), the fluorescent liquid may be flowed. Although detailed explanations are omitted, when there is a leak hole H4 in the partial pipe S4, the fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color leaks out from the leak hole H4. When there is a leak hole H5 in the partial pipe S5, the fluorescent liquid with a white fluorescent color leaks out from the leak hole H5.

[0134] In the second second inspection, as shown in Fig. 11(c), the fluorescent liquid may be flowed. Although detailed explanations are omitted, when there is a leak hole H1 in the partial pipe S1, the fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color leaks out from the leak hole H1. When there is a leak hole H2 in the partial pipe S2, the fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color leaks out from the leak hole H2. When there is a leak hole H3 in the partial pipe S3, the fluorescent liquid with a yellow fluorescent color leaks out from the leak hole H3.

[0135] When FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b) are read together, it is possible to know which color of fluorescent liquid can be found if there is a leak hole in any partial pipe when there is no crack in the washbasin 114. Also, when there is a crack in the washbasin 114, it is possible to know which color of fluorescent liquid can be found if there is a leak hole in any partial pipe. Furthermore, when there is a crack in the washbasin 114 and there is no leak hole in any partial pipe, it is possible to know which color of fluorescent liquid can be found.

[0136] FIGS. 13 to 16 cover all combinations of the presence or absence of leak holes in each partial pipe and the presence or absence of cracks in the washbasin 114 in the first inspection using the marking method shown in FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b). However, it is assumed that the maximum number of leak holes in the pipe is 1. Also, it is further assumed that a crack may exist in the washbasin 114 regardless of the presence or absence of leak holes in each partial pipe.

[0137] FIGS. 13 to 16 cover all combinations of the presence or absence of leak holes in each partial pipe and the presence or absence of cracks in the washbasin 114 using the marking method shown in FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b). However, it is assumed that the maximum number of leak holes in the pipe is 1. Also, it is further assumed that a crack may exist in the washbasin 114 regardless of the presence or absence of leak holes in each partial pipe.

[0138] FIG. 13(a) shows that no liquid pool due to water leakage is found when there is neither a leak hole nor a crack.

[0139] FIG. 13(b) shows that there may be a liquid pool of fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color when there is no leak hole but there is a crack.

[0140] Figure 13(c) shows that when there is a leakage hole in either of the partial pipes S4 and S5 and there is no crack, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color may be discovered. Also, it is indicated by 2nd that a second inspection of the first type is necessary.

[0141] Figure 13(d) shows that when there is a leakage hole in the partial pipe S6 and there is no crack, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color may be discovered.

[0142] Figure 13(d) shows that when there is a leakage hole in the partial pipe S7 and there is no crack, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a yellow fluorescent color may be discovered.

[0143] Figure 14(a) shows that when there is a leakage hole in either of the partial pipes S4 and S5 and there is a crack, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color and a pool of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color may be discovered. The descriptions of Figures 14(b) and 14(c) are omitted.

[0144] Figure 14(d) shows that when there is a leakage hole in either of the partial pipes S4 and S5 and there is a crack, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color, and a pool of fluorescent liquid with a magenta fluorescent color may be discovered. The descriptions of Figures 14(e) and 14(f) are omitted.

[0145] Figure 15(a) shows that when there is a leakage hole in either of the partial pipes S4 and S5 and there is a crack, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color and a pool of fluorescent liquid with a magenta fluorescent color may be discovered, but it is possible that a pool of fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color is not discovered. The descriptions of Figures 15(b) and 15(c) are omitted.

[0146] FIG. 15(d) shows that when there is a water leakage hole and a crack in either of the partial pipes S4 and S5, pools of fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color and pools of fluorescent liquid with a magenta fluorescent color may be found, but it is possible that no pool of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color is found. The descriptions of FIGS. 15(e) and 15(f) are omitted.

[0147] FIG. 16(a) shows that when there is a water leakage hole and a crack in either of the partial pipes S4 and S5, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a magenta fluorescent color may be found, but it is possible that no pool of fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color and no pool of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color are found. The descriptions of FIGS. 16(b) and 16(c) are omitted.

[0148] Next, with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, a description of the water leakage inspection method according to the present embodiment will be given.

[0149] In S1701, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is found. Here, "finding a fluorescent liquid" means finding a pool of the fluorescent liquid. It also includes finding the fluorescent liquid in a state of flowing due to water leakage.

[0150] If NO in S1701, in S1703, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of a blue fluorescent color and another fluorescent color (specifically, magenta, cyan, or white) is found. Here, the fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of a blue fluorescent color and another fluorescent color is a fluorescent liquid of a blue fluorescent liquid and a fluorescent liquid of another color.

[0151] If YES in S1701, or if NO in S1701 and YES in S1703, in S1705, it is determined that there is a crack H9 in the washroom 114.

[0152] Next, in S1707, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is found.

[0153] In the case of NO in S1707, in S1709, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of red fluorescent color and other fluorescent colors (specifically magenta) is discovered.

[0154] In the case of YES in S1707, and in the case of NO in S1707 and YES in S1709, in S1711, it is determined that there is a water leakage hole in either the partial pipes S4 or S5.

[0155] Next, in S1713, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is discovered.

[0156] In the case of NO in S1713, in S1715, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of green fluorescent color and other fluorescent colors (specifically cyan) is discovered.

[0157] In the case of YES in S1713, and in the case of NO in S1713 and YES in S1715, in S1717, it is determined that there is a water leakage hole in the partial pipe S6.

[0158] Next, in S1719, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color is discovered.

[0159] In the case of NO in S1719, in S1721, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of yellow fluorescent color and other fluorescent colors (specifically white) is discovered.

[0160] In the case of YES in S1719, and in the case of NO in S1719 and YES in S1721, in S1723, it is determined that there is a water leakage hole in the partial pipe S7.

[0161] Next, in S1725, it is discriminated whether it is determined that there is a water leakage hole in the partial pipe S6 or S7. If so (YES in S1725), bypass S1727 to S1731 and proceed with the process to S1733. That is, bypass the second inspection (do not execute it).

[0162] If it is determined that there is no water leakage hole in the partial pipe S6 or S7 at S1725 (NO at S1725), the process proceeds to S1727.

[0163] At S1727, check whether it is determined that there is a water leakage hole in the partial pipe S4 or S5.

[0164] If it is confirmed at S1727 that it is determined that there is a water leakage hole in the partial pipe S4 or S5 (YES at S1727), at S1729, check in which of the partial pipes S4 and S5 there is a water leakage hole. That is, perform the second inspection of the first type. After executing S1729, the process proceeds to S1733.

[0165] If it is confirmed at S1727 that it is not determined that there is a water leakage hole in the partial pipe S4 or S5 (NO at S1727), at S1731, check whether there is a water leakage hole in any of the partial pipes S1, S2, and S3. That is, perform the second inspection of the second type. After executing S1731, the process proceeds to S1733.

[0166] At S1733, determine whether the crack H9 in the washroom 114 is found. If it is YES at S1733, the process ends.

[0167] If it is NO at S1733, at S1735, determine whether a water leakage hole in the pipe is found. If it is YES at S1735, the process ends.

[0168] If it is NO at S1737, at S837, investigate other causes of water leakage.

[0169] [Third Embodiment]

[0170] FIG. 19(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a building in which a pipe to be inspected for water leakage, a washroom 114, and a veranda 1001 are arranged in the third embodiment. FIG. 19(b) is a conceptual perspective view showing a pipe set and the like arranged in a region (a region sandwiched between the floor 102a of the building body and the floor 105 of the room) indicated by a broken line frame 107 in FIG. 19(a).

[0171] In this embodiment, the pipe 111, the washroom 114, and the veranda 1001 are taken as inspection targets.

[0172] In the water leakage inspection method according to this embodiment, a plurality of types of fluorescent liquids having a plurality of mutually different fluorescent colors are used to identify the location where water leakage occurs.

[0173] With reference to FIGS. 20, 21(a), and 20(b), the outline of the water leakage inspection method according to this embodiment will be described.

[0174] Referring to FIG. 20(a), in the first inspection, the worker injects a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color into the pipe from the drain port E1. As a result, the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows through the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7.

[0175] Also, the worker sprays a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color on the washroom 114. Here, the drain port E6 is blocked so that the fluorescent liquid sprayed on the washroom 114 does not flow into the drain port E6.

[0176] Furthermore, the worker sprays a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color on the veranda 1001. Here, the drain port E11 is blocked so that the fluorescent liquid sprayed on the veranda 1001 does not flow into the drain port E11.

[0177] The fluorescent liquid does not flow through the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6.

[0178] Therefore, if there is a leakage hole Hi (i = 1, 3, 5, or 7) in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color leaks from the leakage hole Hi.

[0179] When there is a crack H9 in the washroom 114, a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color flows into the house from the crack H9.

[0180] When there is a crack H10 in the veranda 1001, a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color flows into the house from the crack H9.

[0181] When a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color and a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color are mixed, a fluorescent liquid having a magenta (M) fluorescent color is produced.

[0182] When a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color and a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color are mixed, a fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color is produced.

[0183] When a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color and a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color are mixed, a fluorescent liquid having a cyan fluorescent color is produced.

[0184] When a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color, a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color, and a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color are mixed, a fluorescent liquid having a white (W) fluorescent color is produced.

[0185] Therefore, when a liquid pool 121 of a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is discovered, it is determined that there is a water leakage hole Hi (i = 1, 3, 5, or 7) in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7.

[0186] When a liquid pool 121 of a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is discovered, it is determined that there is a crack H9 in the washroom 114.

[0187] When a liquid pool 121 of a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is discovered, it is determined that there is a crack H10 in the veranda 1001.

[0188] When a liquid pool 121 of a fluorescent liquid having a magenta fluorescent color is discovered, it is determined that there is a water leakage hole Hi (i = 1, 3, 5, or 7) in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, and there is a crack H9 in the washroom 114.

[0189] When a liquid pool 121 of a fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color is discovered, it is determined that there is a water leakage hole Hi (i = 1, 3, 5, or 7) in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, and there is a crack H10 on the veranda 1001.

[0190] When a liquid pool 121 of a fluorescent liquid having a cyan fluorescent color is discovered, it is determined that there is a crack H9 in the washroom 114 and there is a crack H10 on the veranda 1001.

[0191] When a liquid pool 121 of a fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color is discovered, it is determined that there is a water leakage hole Hi (i = 1, 3, 5, or 7) in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, there is a crack H9 in the washroom 114, and there is a crack H10 on the veranda 1001.

[0192] When it is determined in the first inspection that there is a water leakage hole Hi (i = 2, 5, or 7) in any of the partial pipes S2, S5, and S7, a first - type second inspection is carried out to narrow down the partial pipe where the water leakage hole exists.

[0193] Referring to FIG. 21(a), in the first - type second inspection, a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from the drain port E2. Also, a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from the drain port E4. Further, a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from the drain port E6.

[0194] As a result, a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows through the partial pipes S2 and S3. Also, a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S4. Further, since a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color and a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color are mixed at the joint J5, a fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S5.

[0195] Furthermore, a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S6. Furthermore, since the fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color and the fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color are mixed at the joint J7, a fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S7.

[0196] Therefore, when there is a water leakage hole H3 in the partial pipe S3, the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color leaks from the water leakage hole H3. It is assumed that there is no water leakage hole H2 in the partial pipe S2 through which the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows in the first type of secondary inspection. This is because it is assumed that there is at most one water leakage hole, and the water leakage hole is narrowed down to be in any one of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7.

[0197] When there is a water leakage hole H5 in the partial pipe S5, the fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color leaks from the water leakage hole H5.

[0198] When there is a water leakage hole H7 in the partial pipe S7, the fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color leaks from the water leakage hole H7.

[0199] When there is a water leakage hole H1 in the partial pipe S1, no water leakage occurs. This is because it is assumed that there is at most one water leakage hole, and the water leakage hole is narrowed down to be in any one of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7. Therefore, when an inspection as shown in Fig. 21(a) is performed and no water leakage occurs, it may be determined that there is no water leakage hole H1 in the partial pipe S1, but for safety, an inspection may be performed to confirm that there is no water leakage hole H1 in the partial pipe S1. For example, inject a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color from the drain port E1 and inject a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color from the drain port E2. Then, it is only necessary to check whether there is a leakage of the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color.

[0200] In this way, the partial pipes in which there are water leakage holes can be narrowed down from the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7 by the first type of secondary inspection.

[0201] When it is determined that there is no leakage hole in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, there may be a leakage hole Hi (i = 2, 4, or 6) in any of the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6. Therefore, a second type of secondary inspection is performed on these partial pipes.

[0202] Referring to FIG. 21(b), in the second type of secondary inspection, a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from the drain port E2. Also, a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from the drain port E4. Further, a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from the drain port E6.

[0203] As a result, the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows through the partial pipes S2 and S3. Also, the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S4. Further, since the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color and the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color are mixed at the joint J5, the fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S5.

[0204] The fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S6. Further, since the fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color and the fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color are mixed at the joint J7, the fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S7.

[0205] Therefore, when there is a leakage hole H2 in the partial pipe S2, the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color leaks from the leakage hole H2. It should be noted that it has been confirmed in the first inspection that there is no leakage hole H3 in the partial pipe S3 through which the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows in the first type of secondary inspection.

[0206] When there is a leakage hole H4 in the partial pipe S4, the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color leaks from the leakage hole H4.

[0207] When there is a leakage hole H6 in the partial pipe S6, the fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color leaks from the leakage hole H6.

[0208] In this way, it is possible to determine whether there is a water leakage hole in the partial pipes S2, S4, or S6 by the second type of secondary inspection.

[0209] Next, an explanation will be given regarding in what cases a liquid pool 121 of a fluorescent liquid having what fluorescent color can be found.

[0210] When FIGS. 22(a) and 22(b) are read together, it is possible to know which fluorescent color of fluorescent liquid can be found according to the combination of the presence or absence of cracks in the washroom 114, the presence or absence of cracks in the veranda 1001, and the partial pipe where the water leakage hole exists.

[0211] FIGS. 23 to 30 cover all combinations of the presence or absence of water leakage holes in each partial pipe, the presence or absence of cracks in the washroom 114, and the presence or absence of cracks in the veranda 1001 in the first inspection using the marking method shown in FIGS. 22(a) and 22(b). However, it is assumed that the maximum number of water leakage holes in the pipe is 1. Further, it is further assumed that cracks may exist in the washroom 114 regardless of the presence or absence of water leakage holes in each partial pipe. Further, it is further assumed that cracks may exist in the veranda 1001 regardless of the presence or absence of water leakage holes in each partial pipe. Further, the case where there are no water leakage holes and no cracks is excluded.

[0212] FIG. 23(a) shows that when there is a water leakage hole in any of the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6, but there is no water leakage hole in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, there is no crack in the washroom 114, and there is no crack in the veranda 1001, no liquid pool due to water leakage is found. Also, it shows that a second type of secondary inspection is required for the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6.

[0213] Figure 23(b) shows that when there is a leak hole in any of the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6, but there is no leak hole in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, and there is a crack in the washroom 114 but no crack in the veranda 1001, there may be a pool of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color.

[0214] Figure 23(c) shows that when there is a leak hole in any of the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6, but there is no leak hole in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, and there is no crack in the washroom 114 but there is a crack in the veranda 1001, there may be a pool of fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color.

[0215] Figure 23(d) shows that when there is no leak hole in any of the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6, there is a water leak in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, and there is no crack in the washroom 114 but no crack in the veranda 1001, there may be a pool of fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color.

[0216] Figure 23(e) shows that when there is a leak hole in any of the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6, but there is no leak hole in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, and there is a crack in the washroom 114 and there is a crack in the veranda 1001, there may be a pool of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color and a pool of fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color.

[0217] Figure 23(f) shows that when there is a leak hole in any of the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6, but there is no leak hole in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, and there is a crack in the washroom 114 and there is a crack in the veranda 1001, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color may be found, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color may be found, and a pool of fluorescent liquid with a cyan fluorescent color may be found.

[0218] FIG. 23(g) shows that when there is a leakage hole in any of the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6, there is no leakage hole in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, there is a crack in the washroom 114, and there is a crack in the veranda 1001, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color may not be found, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color may be found, and a pool of fluorescent liquid with a cyan fluorescent color may be found.

[0219] FIG. 23(h) shows that when there is a leakage hole in any of the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6, there is no leakage hole in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, there is a crack in the washroom 114, and there is a crack in the veranda 1001, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color may be found, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color may not be found, and a pool of fluorescent liquid with a cyan fluorescent color may be found.

[0220] FIG. 23(i) shows that when there is a leakage hole in any of the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6, there is no leakage hole in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, there is a crack in the washroom 114, and there is a crack in the veranda 1001, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color may not be found, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color may not be found, and a pool of fluorescent liquid with a cyan fluorescent color may be found.

[0221] FIG. 29(i) shows that when there is no leakage hole in any of the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6, there is water leakage in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, there is a crack in the washroom 114, and there is a crack in the veranda 1001, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a magenta fluorescent color, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a cyan fluorescent color, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a yellow fluorescent color, and a pool of fluorescent liquid with a white fluorescent color may be found.

[0222] Among FIGS. 23 to 30, the figures not described above can be read in the same way, so the descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0223] Next, with reference to FIGS. 31 and 32, a water leakage inspection method according to this embodiment will be described.

[0224] In S3101, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is found. Here, "finding a fluorescent liquid" means finding a liquid pool of the fluorescent liquid. Also included is finding the fluorescent liquid flowing due to water leakage.

[0225] If NO in S3101, in S3103, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of a blue fluorescent color and another fluorescent color (specifically, magenta, cyan, or white) is found. Here, the fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of a blue fluorescent color and another fluorescent color is a fluorescent liquid of a blue fluorescent liquid and a fluorescent liquid of another color.

[0226] If YES in S3101, and if NO in S3101 and YES in S3103, in S3105, it is determined that there is a crack H9 in the washroom 114.

[0227] Next, in S3107, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is found.

[0228] If NO in S3107, in S3109, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of a green fluorescent color and another fluorescent color (specifically, cyan, yellow, or white) is found.

[0229] If YES in S3107, and if NO in S3107 and YES in S3109, in S3111, it is determined that there is a crack H10 in the veranda 1001.

[0230] Next, in S3113, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is found.

[0231] In the case of NO in S3113, in S3115, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of red fluorescent color and other fluorescent colors (specifically, magenta, yellow, or white) is discovered.

[0232] In the case of YES in S3113, and in the case of NO in S3113 and YES in S3115, in S3117, it is determined that there is a leakage hole in any of the partially piped water passages (specifically, partial pipes S1, S3, S5, or S7).

[0233] Next, in S3119, only the pipes are inspected. Here, if it is determined in S3117 that there is a leakage hole in partial pipes S1, S3, S5, or S7, an inspection for narrowing down the partial pipes with leakage holes from partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7 is performed. This inspection is, for example, the inspection described with reference to FIG. 21(a). If it is determined in S3117 that there is no leakage hole in any of partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, an inspection is performed to check if there is a leakage hole in any of partial pipes S2, S4, and S6. This inspection is, for example, the inspection described with reference to FIG. 21(b).

[0234] Next, in S3121, it is determined whether a crack H9 in the washroom 114 is discovered. If YES in S3121, the process ends.

[0235] If NO in S3121, in S3123, it is determined whether a crack H11 in the veranda 1001 is discovered. If YES in S3123, the process ends.

[0236] If NO in S3123, in S3125, it is determined whether a leakage hole in the pipes is discovered. If YES in S3125, the process ends.

[0237] If NO in S3125, in S3127, other causes of water leakage are investigated.

[0238] [Fourth Embodiment]

[0239] The fourth embodiment has the same principle as the third embodiment, but the partial piping inspected in the primary inspection is different from that of the third embodiment.

[0240] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 33, in the primary inspection, a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is injected from the drain port E6. Also, a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is sprayed on the wash area 114. Further, a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is sprayed on the veranda 1001.

[0241] When a pool of a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color or a fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of red and another color is found, it is determined that there is a water leakage hole in either of the partial pipings S6 and S7.

[0242] When a pool of a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color or a fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of blue and another color is found, it is determined that there is a crack H9 in the wash area 114.

[0243] When a pool of a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color or a fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of green and another color is found, it is determined that there is a crack H10 in the veranda 1001.

[0244] In the primary inspection, when it is determined that there is a water leakage hole in either of the partial pipings S6 and S7, as shown in FIG. 34(a), for example, a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is injected from the drain port E1, and a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is injected from the drain port E6. When a pool of the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is found, it is determined that there is a water leakage port H6 in the partial piping S6. When a pool of a fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color is found, it is determined that there is a water leakage port H7 in the partial piping S6.

[0245] In the first inspection, if it is determined that there are no water leakage holes in either of the partial pipes S6 and S7, as shown in Fig. 34(b), a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is injected, for example, from the drain port E1, a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is injected from the drain port E2, and a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is injected from the drain port E4. When a liquid pool of the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is found, it is determined that there is a water leakage port H1 in the partial pipe S1. When a liquid pool of the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is found, it is determined that there is a water leakage port H2 in the partial pipe S2. When a liquid pool of the fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color is found, it is determined that there is a water leakage port H3 in the partial pipe S3. When a liquid pool of the fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is found, it is determined that there is a water leakage port H4 in the partial pipe S4. When a liquid pool of the fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color is found, it is determined that there is a water leakage port H5 in the partial pipe S5.

[0246] [Fifth Embodiment]

[0247] Fig. 35(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a building in which pipes to be inspected for water leakage, a washroom 114, and a veranda 1001 are arranged in the third embodiment. Fig. 35(b) is a conceptual perspective view showing a pipe set and the like arranged in a region (a region sandwiched between the floor 102a of the building body and the floor 105 of the room) indicated by the broken line frame 107 in Fig. 35(a).

[0248] A drain port E11 is provided in the veranda 1001. The drain port E11 is the entrance of a pipe 1002 dedicated to the veranda. Also, an outer wall 1003 exists adjacent to the veranda 1001.

[0249] In this embodiment, the veranda 1001, the pipe 1002, and the outer wall 1003 are the inspection targets. That is, the crack H10 of the veranda 1001, the water leakage hole H11 of the pipe 1002, and the crack H12 of the outer wall 1003 are the inspection targets.

[0250] In the inspection, a fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color is injected into the drain outlet E11. Also, as shown by the arrow 1011, a fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color is sprayed onto the veranda 1001. Furthermore, as shown by the arrow 1012, a fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color is sprayed onto the outer wall 1003.

[0251] When FIGS. 36(a) and 36(b) are read together, it is possible to know which fluorescent liquid with which fluorescent color can be detected according to the combination of the presence or absence of cracks in the veranda 1001, the presence or absence of cracks in the outer wall 1003, and the presence or absence of water leakage holes in the pipe 1002.

[0252] FIGS. 37 to 44 cover all combinations of the presence or absence of cracks in the veranda 1001, the presence or absence of cracks in the outer wall 1003, and the presence or absence of water leakage holes in the pipe 1002 in the first inspection using the marking method shown in FIGS. 36(a) and 36(b).

[0253] FIG. 37(a) shows that when there is no crack H10 in the veranda 1001, no water leakage hole H11 in the pipe 1002, and no crack H12 in the outer wall 1003, no liquid accumulation due to water leakage is found.

[0254] FIG. 37(b) shows that when there is a crack H10 in the veranda 1001, no water leakage hole H11 in the pipe 1002, and no crack H12 in the outer wall 1003, there is a possibility that a liquid accumulation of a fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color may be found.

[0255] FIG. 37(c) shows that when there is no crack H10 in the veranda 1001, no water leakage hole H11 in the pipe 1002, and there is a crack H12 in the outer wall 1003, there is a possibility that a liquid accumulation of a fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color may be found.

[0256] FIG. 37(d) shows that when there is no crack H10 in the veranda 1001, there is a water leakage hole H11 in the pipe 1002, and no crack H12 in the outer wall 1003, there is a possibility that a liquid accumulation of a fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color may be found.

[0257] Figure 37(e) shows that when there is a crack H10 in the veranda 1001, no water leakage hole H11 exists in the pipe 1002, and a crack H12 exists in the outer wall 1003, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color may be discovered, and a pool of fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color may be discovered.

[0258] Figure 37(f) shows that when there is a crack H10 in the veranda 1001, no water leakage hole H11 exists in the pipe 1002, and a crack H12 exists in the outer wall 1003, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color may be discovered, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color may be discovered, and a pool of fluorescent liquid with a cyan fluorescent color may be discovered.

[0259] Figure 37(g) shows that when there is a crack H10 in the veranda 1001, no water leakage hole H11 exists in the pipe 1002, and a crack H12 exists in the outer wall 1003, no pool of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color may be discovered, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color may be discovered, and a pool of fluorescent liquid with a cyan fluorescent color may be discovered.

[0260] Figure 37(h) shows that when there is a crack H10 in the veranda 1001, no water leakage hole H11 exists in the pipe 1002, and a crack H12 exists in the outer wall 1003, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color may be discovered, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color may be discovered, and no pool of fluorescent liquid with a cyan fluorescent color may be discovered.

[0261] Figure 37(h) shows that when there is a crack H10 in the veranda 1001, no water leakage hole H11 exists in the pipe 1002, and a crack H12 exists in the outer wall 1003, no pool of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color may be discovered, no pool of fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color may be discovered, and no pool of fluorescent liquid with a cyan fluorescent color may be discovered.

[0262] FIG. 44(i) shows that when there is a crack H10 in the veranda 1001, a water leakage hole H11 in the pipe 1002, and a crack H12 in the outer wall 1003, there may be found a pool of fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color, a pool of fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color, a pool of fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color, a pool of fluorescent liquid having a magenta fluorescent color, a pool of fluorescent liquid having a cyan fluorescent color, a pool of fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color, and a pool of fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color.

[0263] Among FIGS. 37 to 44, the figures not described above can be read in the same way, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0264] Next, with reference to FIG. 45, a water leakage inspection method according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0265] In S4501, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is found. Here, "finding a fluorescent liquid" means finding a pool of the fluorescent liquid. It also includes finding the fluorescent liquid in a state of flowing due to water leakage.

[0266] If NO in S4501, in S4503, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of a blue fluorescent color and another fluorescent color (specifically, magenta, cyan, or white) is found. Here, the fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of a blue fluorescent color and another fluorescent color is a fluorescent liquid of a blue fluorescent liquid and a fluorescent liquid of another color.

[0267] If YES in S4501, and if NO in S4501 and YES in S4503, in S4505, it is determined that there is a crack H10 in the veranda 1001.

[0268] Next, in S4507, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is found.

[0269] In the case of NO in S4507, in S4509, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of green fluorescent color and other fluorescent colors (specifically, cyan, yellow, or white) is discovered.

[0270] In the case of YES in S4507, and in the case of NO in S4507 and YES in S4509, in S4511, it is determined that there is a crack H12 in the outer wall 1003.

[0271] Next, in S4513, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is discovered.

[0272] In the case of NO in S4513, in S4515, it is determined whether a fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of red fluorescent color and other fluorescent colors (specifically, magenta, yellow, or white) is discovered.

[0273] In the case of YES in S4513, and in the case of NO in S4513 and YES in S4515, in S4517, it is determined that there is a water leakage hole H11 in the veranda pipe 1002.

[0274] Next, in S4519, it is determined whether a crack H10 in the veranda 1001 is discovered. If YES in S4518, the process ends.

[0275] If NO in S4519, in S4521, it is determined whether a water leakage hole H11 in the veranda pipe 1002 is discovered. If YES in S4521, the process ends.

[0276] If NO in S4521, in S4523, it is determined whether a crack H12 in the outer wall 1003 is discovered. If YES in S4523, the process ends.

[0277] If NO in S4523, in S4525, other causes of water leakage are investigated.

Claims

1. A first injection step of injecting a fluorescent liquid having mutually different fluorescent colors for each inlet through two or more inlets of a pipe arranged in a building into the pipe; A spraying step of spraying a fluorescent liquid having a fluorescent color different from any of the fluorescent colors of the fluorescent liquids injected into the pipe from the two or more inlets and also different from the fluorescent color of a mixed liquid obtained by mixing at least a part of the fluorescent liquids injected into the pipe from the two or more inlets, onto a selected location of the building; A determination step of, when a fluorescent liquid derived from water leakage is discovered at any location in the building, determining whether there is a water leakage hole in at least a part of a plurality of partial pipes constituting the pipe based on the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid derived from water leakage, and further determining whether there is a water leakage path from the selected location to the location where the fluorescent color derived from water leakage is discovered; having a water leakage inspection method.

2. In the determination step, for at least a part of the partial pipes, it is determined for each individual partial pipe whether there is a water leakage hole. The water leakage inspection method according to Claim 1.

3. The fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid derived from water leakage is the fluorescent color of a fluorescent liquid (first fluorescent liquid) injected into the pipe from any one of the two or more inlets, the fluorescent color of a mixed liquid (second fluorescent liquid) obtained by mixing fluorescent liquids injected into the pipe from any two or more of the two or more inlets, the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid (third fluorescent liquid) sprayed onto a selected location of the building, the fluorescent color of a mixed liquid (fourth fluorescent liquid) of the first fluorescent liquid and the third fluorescent liquid, and the fluorescent color of a mixed liquid (fifth fluorescent liquid) of the second fluorescent liquid and the third fluorescent liquid, any one of The water leakage inspection method according to Claim 1.

4. The fluorescent liquid derived from water leakage is discovered at one location or two or more locations, In the determination step, when the fluorescent liquid derived from water leakage discovered at at least one location has the fluorescent color of the first fluorescent liquid or the fluorescent color of the fourth fluorescent liquid, it is determined that there is a water leakage hole in the partial pipe through which the first fluorescent liquid flows. The water leakage inspection method according to Claim 3.

5. The fluorescent liquid derived from water leakage is discovered at one location or two or more locations, In the determination step, when the fluorescent liquid derived from the water leakage discovered at at least one location has the fluorescent color of the second fluorescent liquid or the fluorescent color of the fifth fluorescent liquid, it is determined that there is a water leakage hole in the partial pipe through which the second fluorescent liquid flows. The water leakage inspection method according to claim 3.

6. The fluorescent liquid derived from the water leakage is discovered at one location or two or more locations. In the determination step, when the fluorescent liquid derived from the water leakage discovered at at least one location has the fluorescent color of the third fluorescent liquid, the fluorescent color of the fourth fluorescent liquid, or the fluorescent color of the fifth fluorescent liquid, it is determined that there is a water leakage path from the selected location to the location where the fluorescent color derived from the water leakage is discovered. The water leakage inspection method according to claim 3.

7. Even if it can be determined that there is a water leakage hole in at least some of the plurality of partial pipes constituting the pipe in the determination step, when there are a plurality of partial pipes where there may be a water leakage hole in the previous period, there is a re-inspection step that is executed to narrow down the partial pipe where the water leakage hole exists to one. The water leakage inspection method according to claim 1.

8. The re-inspection step is a second injection step of injecting fluorescent liquids having mutually different fluorescent colors into the pipe via two or more inlets selected such that the fluorescent liquids having mutually different fluorescent colors flow through the plurality of partial pipes where there may be a water leakage hole; a first narrowing-down step of narrowing down the partial pipe where the water leakage hole exists to one based on the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid derived from the water leakage discovered at any location of the building as a result of the second injection step; and has The water leakage inspection method according to claim 7.

9. In the case where no fluorescent liquid derived from the water leakage is discovered at any location of the building even after the first injection step and the spraying step are executed, if there is one partial pipe through which the fluorescent liquid injected into the pipe by the first injection step did not pass, there is a further step of determining the one partial pipe as the partial pipe where the water leakage hole exists. The water leakage inspection method according to claim 1.

10. Even if the first injection step and the spraying step are executed, if no fluorescent liquid derived from water leakage is found anywhere in the building, and if there is one partial pipe through which the fluorescent liquid injected into the pipe by the first injection step did not pass, it further includes a step of checking whether there is a water leakage hole in the one partial pipe by flowing the fluorescent liquid through the one partial pipe. The water leakage inspection method according to claim 1.

11. Even if the first injection step and the spraying step are executed, if no fluorescent liquid derived from water leakage is found anywhere in the building, and if there are two or more partial pipes through which the fluorescent liquid injected into the pipe by the first injection step did not pass, it further includes a second narrowing-down step of narrowing down the partial pipes in which there are water leakage holes from the two or more partial pipes. The water leakage inspection method according to claim 1.

12. The second narrowing-down step is a third injection step of injecting fluorescent liquids having mutually different fluorescent colors into the pipe from two or more inlets selected so that the fluorescent liquids having mutually different fluorescent colors flow into a plurality of partial pipes through which the fluorescent liquid injected by the first injection step did not flow; a second determination step of determining, based on the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid derived from water leakage found at any location in the building as a result of the third injection step, in which of the plurality of partial pipes through which the fluorescent liquid injected by the first injection step did not flow there is a water leakage hole; and has The water leakage inspection method according to claim 11.

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