Water leak inspection method

Abstract

To efficiently and accurately locate water leaks. [Solution] The method includes a first injection step of injecting fluorescent liquid having a fluorescent color into the piping through one of two or more inlets of the piping arranged in the building; a spraying step of spraying fluorescent liquid at two or more selected locations on the building, the fluorescent color being different between the two or more selected locations and different from the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid injected into the piping; and a determination step of, when fluorescent liquid caused by a water leak is discovered at any location on the building, determining whether or not there is a leak hole in at least some of the multiple partial piping that make up the piping based on the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid caused by the water leak, and further determining whether or not there is a water leak path from any of the two or more selected locations to the location where the fluorescent color caused by the water leak was discovered.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water leak inspection method. [Background technology]

[0002] Water supply or sewage pipes installed in buildings can develop leak holes due to aging or other reasons. In such cases, water leaking from the leak hole can reach the floor of the structure below the pipe, the ceiling of the structure below, or the ceiling and walls of rooms, causing severe damage. Also, if there are cracks in the balcony or bathroom floor of a building, water that enters the building through the cracks can reach the floor of the structure below, the ceiling and walls of rooms below, causing severe damage.

[0003] When contacted by a resident, the contractor will repair the leak or crack, but before that, they must seal off the water in the pipes and drain the water, and then identify the leak.The leak may be a hole in the pipes or a crack in the balcony or bathroom floor.

[0004] However, because the pipes are installed in a narrow, dark, and obstructed space between the floor of the building and the room, and the leak holes are small, it is difficult for the contractor to find the leak by visually inspecting the pipes. In addition, it can be difficult to determine whether the leak is a leak hole in the pipes or a crack in the balcony or bathroom floor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-250116 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for inspecting buildings for leaks using multiple types of luminescent test liquids with different luminescent colors. This method makes it possible to determine the correspondence between defective locations (locations where rainwater has entered) and seepage locations based on the luminescent colors. Furthermore, this method also makes it possible to confirm the confluence of intrusion routes when seepage of the luminescent test liquid from only one location is confirmed and the luminescent colors are mixed. However, with the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, when liquid leaking from a leak hole in a pipe is discovered at the seepage location, it is difficult to identify the location of the leak hole in the pipe from which the liquid leaked.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a water leak inspection method that can efficiently and accurately locate the location of a water leak. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to the present invention, a first injection step of injecting a fluorescent liquid having a fluorescent color into a pipe arranged in a building through one of two or more inlets of the pipe; a spraying step of spraying fluorescent liquid at two or more selected locations of the building, the fluorescent liquid having a fluorescent color different from each other between the two or more selected locations and different from the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid injected into the piping; When fluorescent liquid due to water leakage is found at any location of the building, the fluorescent liquid is detected based on the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid due to the water leakage. The fluorescent liquid flows in the first injection step. A determination step of determining whether or not there is a water leak hole in at least a part of the partial piping, and further determining whether or not there is a water leak path from any of the two or more selected locations to the location where the fluorescent color due to the water leak is found; a first re-inspection step that is executed to narrow down the partial pipe having the leak hole to one partial pipe, if the determination step determines that a leak hole exists in at least a part of the partial pipe through which the fluorescent liquid has flowed in the first injection step among a plurality of partial pipes that make up the pipe, but there are a plurality of partial pipes through which the fluorescent liquid has flowed in the first injection step and which may have the leak hole; With death , The first re-inspection step a second injection step of injecting fluorescent liquid having a different fluorescent color into the piping via a plurality of inlets of the piping so that the fluorescent liquid flows through at least a portion of the plurality of partial piping through which the fluorescent liquid injected into the piping in the first injection step has flowed; an identifying step of identifying a partial pipe having a leak hole among a plurality of partial pipes through which the fluorescent liquid injected into the pipe in the first injection step has flowed, based on the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid leaking from the leak hole of the pipe in the second injection step and information identifying the partial pipe through which the fluorescent liquid has flowed in the first injection step; and the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid leaking from the leak hole of the piping in the second injection step is the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid injected into the piping via any one of the inlets in the second injection step, or the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid obtained by mixing the plurality of fluorescent liquids injected into the piping via the plurality of inlets in the second injection step. A method for testing for water leaks is provided. Further, according to the present invention, a first injection step of injecting a fluorescent liquid having a fluorescent color into a pipe arranged in a building through one of two or more inlets of the pipe; a spraying step of spraying fluorescent liquid at two or more selected locations of the building, the fluorescent liquid having a fluorescent color different from each other between the two or more selected locations and different from the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid injected into the piping; a determining step of determining, based on the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid originating from a water leak at any location in the building, whether or not a water leak hole exists in at least a portion of the partial pipes that make up the piping and through which the fluorescent liquid has flowed in the first injection step, among the plurality of partial pipes that make up the piping, and further determining whether or not a water leak path exists from any of the two or more selected locations to the location where the fluorescent color originating from the water leak was found; a second re-inspection step for determining whether or not a leak hole exists in a partial pipe through which the fluorescent liquid did not flow in the first injection step, among a plurality of partial pipes constituting the piping; The second re-inspection step includes: a third injection step of injecting fluorescent liquids having different fluorescent colors into the piping via a plurality of inlets of the piping so that the fluorescent liquid flows into a plurality of partial piping sections to which the fluorescent liquid injected into the piping in the first injection step did not flow; an identifying step of identifying a partial pipe having a leak hole among a plurality of partial pipes through which the fluorescent liquid injected into the pipe in the first injection step did not flow, based on the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid leaking from the leak hole of the pipe in the third injection step and information identifying the partial pipe through which the fluorescent liquid flowed in the first injection step; and the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid leaking from the leak hole of the piping in the third injection step is the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid injected into the piping via any one of the inlets in the third injection step, or the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid obtained by mixing the plurality of fluorescent liquids injected into the piping via the plurality of inlets in the third injection step. A method for testing for water leaks is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the location of a water leak can be found efficiently and accurately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a house in which a water leak inspection method according to a first embodiment of the present invention is carried out, and FIG. 1(b) is a schematic perspective view showing a piping system installed in the house. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a water leakage inspection method according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a legend for the correspondence between water leak locations and the fluorescent colors of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram (1 / 4) showing the correspondence between water leak locations and the fluorescent colors of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram (2 / 4) showing the correspondence between the location of a water leak and the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]10 is a diagram (3 / 4) showing the correspondence between the location of a water leak and the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram (4 / 4) showing the correspondence between the location of a water leak and the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart (1 / 2) for explaining a water leakage inspection method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart (2 / 2) for explaining the water leakage inspection method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram (1 / 2) for explaining a water leakage inspection method according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram (2 / 2) for explaining a water leakage inspection method according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a legend for the correspondence between water leak locations and the fluorescent colors of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram (1 / 4) showing the correspondence between water leak locations and the fluorescent colors of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram (2 / 4) showing the correspondence between water leak locations and the fluorescent colors of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram (3 / 4) showing the correspondence between water leak locations and the fluorescent colors of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram (4 / 4) showing the correspondence between the location of a water leak and the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart (1 / 2) for explaining a water leakage inspection method according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart (2 / 2) illustrating a water leakage inspection method according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 10(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a house in which a water leak inspection method according to a third embodiment of the present invention is carried out, and FIG. 10(b) is a schematic perspective view showing a piping system installed in the house. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram (1 / 2) for explaining a water leakage inspection method according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram (2 / 2) for explaining a water leakage inspection method according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a legend for the correspondence between water leak locations and the fluorescent colors of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 11 is a diagram (1 / 8) showing the correspondence between water leak locations and the fluorescent colors of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram (2 / 8) showing the correspondence between the location of a water leak and the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram (3 / 8) showing the correspondence between the location of a water leak and the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a diagram (4 / 8) showing the correspondence between the location of a water leak and the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a diagram (5 / 8) showing the correspondence between the location of a water leak and the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 6 is a diagram (6 / 8) showing the correspondence between the location of a water leak and the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] 10 is a diagram (7 / 8) showing the correspondence between the location of a water leak and the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 30]FIG. 8 is a diagram (8 / 8) showing the correspondence between the location of a water leak and the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31] 10 is a flowchart (1 / 2) for explaining a water leakage inspection method according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32] 10 is a flowchart (2 / 2) illustrating a water leakage inspection method according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram (1 / 2) for explaining a water leakage inspection method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram (2 / 2) for explaining a water leakage inspection method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35] FIG. 10(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a house in which a water leak inspection method according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is carried out, and FIG. 10(b) is a schematic perspective view showing a piping system installed in the house. [Figure 36] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a legend for the correspondence between water leak locations and the fluorescent colors of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] FIG. 11 is a diagram (1 / 8) showing the correspondence between water leak locations and the fluorescent colors of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38] FIG. 11 is a diagram (2 / 8) showing the correspondence between the location of a water leak and the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39] FIG. 11 is a diagram (3 / 8) showing the correspondence between the location of a water leak and the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 40] FIG. 11 is a diagram (4 / 8) showing the correspondence between the location of a water leak and the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 41] FIG. 11 is a diagram (5 / 8) showing the correspondence between water leak locations and the fluorescent colors of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 42]FIG. 11 is a diagram (6 / 8) showing the correspondence between the location of a water leak and the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 43] 13 is a diagram (7 / 8) showing the correspondence between the location of a water leak and the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 44] 13 is a diagram (8 / 8) showing the correspondence between the location of a water leak and the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid to be detected in the water leak inspection method according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 45] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a water leakage inspection method according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] [First embodiment]

[0013] FIG. 1(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a building in the first embodiment, in which pipes and a washing area to be inspected for water leaks are arranged. The building is assumed to be, for example, a high-rise apartment building or a low- or mid-rise apartment building, but it may also be a detached house. The part indicated by reference numeral 101 corresponds to a column or wall of the building frame. The part indicated by reference numeral 102 corresponds to a floor of the building frame. Reference numeral 102a indicates the floor of the building frame, and reference numeral 102b indicates the ceiling of the building frame. Reference numeral 104 indicates the wall of a room 103, reference numeral 105 indicates the floor of the room, and reference numeral 106 indicates the ceiling of the room.

[0014] FIG. 1(b) is a conceptual perspective view showing a piping set and the like arranged in the area indicated by the dashed frame 107 in FIG. 1(a) (the area sandwiched between the floor 102a of the building frame and the floor 105 of the room).

[0015] The sewage piping sets include a normal sewage piping set 111 and a sewage piping set 112. The piping set 111 is for draining water from the kitchen plumbing, the bath plumbing, the washroom plumbing, and the washing machine plumbing, etc. The piping set 112 is for draining sewage from the toilet plumbing.

[0016] 1(b) and 2(a), the piping set 111 has a plurality of partial pipes S1 to S7. Wastewater flows into the partial pipe S1 through a drain outlet E1. Wastewater flows into the partial pipe S2 through a drain outlet E2. Wastewater flows into the partial pipe S4 through a drain outlet E4. Wastewater flows into the partial pipe S6 through a drain outlet E6.

[0017] Partial pipes S1 and S2 join together at joint J3 to form partial pipe S3. Partial pipes S3 and S4 join together at joint J5 to form partial pipe S5. Partial pipes S5 and S6 join together at joint J7 to form partial pipe S7. The outlet of partial pipe S7 is connected to pipe 115 that extends vertically along a column or wall of the building structure.

[0018] 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 one partial pipe, and the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6 may be connected to the side of this single pipe. Even in this case, the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7 still conceptually exist.

[0019] Sewage flows into the pipe S8 included in the pipe set 112 via a drain outlet E8. The pipe S8 communicates with a pipe 116 that extends vertically along a pillar or wall of the building frame.

[0020] For example, wastewater from the kitchen plumbing flows into drain outlet E1. For example, wastewater from the bathroom plumbing flows into drain outlet E2. For example, wastewater from the washing machine plumbing flows into drain outlet E3. Although not shown in FIG. 1(b), wastewater from bathtub 113 and bath washing area 114 flows into drain outlet E6.

[0021] 1(a) and 1(b) show a state in which a leak hole has occurred in piping set 111 or piping set 112, or a crack has occurred in washing area 114, and liquid puddles 121, 122, 123, or 124 due to water leakage have occurred on floor 102a of the building frame, ceiling 102b of the building frame on the floor below, ceiling 106 of the room on the floor below, or the ceiling and wall of the room on the floor below. Based on the locations of liquid puddles 121, 122, 123, or 124, it is difficult to determine whether a leak has occurred in piping set 111, whether a crack has occurred in washing area 114, or whether a leak has occurred in piping set 112. Furthermore, even if a leak has occurred in piping set 111, it is difficult to determine which part of piping set 111 has a leak hole based on the locations of liquid puddles 121, 122, 123, or 124. In other words, it is difficult to determine which part of the pipe has a leak hole based on the location of puddles 121, 122, 123, or 124. In the following description, when we say puddle 121, we are referring to puddles 121, 122, 123, or 124, or any other puddle caused by a water leak, and we also include puddles that are difficult to find. Furthermore, although it differs from the general definition, in the present invention, puddle 121 also includes flowing fluorescent liquid.

[0022] When a resident or other person reports a water leak to a contractor, the contractor will carry out a water leak inspection method before repairing the leak. In the water leak inspection method, the contractor inspects the piping set 111, the piping set 112, and the washing area 114 to identify the location of the source of the water leak. However, this may be performed by someone other than the contractor. For example, it may be performed by someone who specializes in inspection.

[0023] In the water leak inspection method according to this embodiment, a location causing a water leak is identified using a plurality of types of fluorescent liquids having different fluorescent colors.

[0024] The water leakage inspection method according to this embodiment will be outlined with reference to FIGS. 2(a) to 2(c).

[0025] Referring to Fig. 2(a), in the first inspection, the worker injects a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color into the pipe from the drain outlet E1, and also injects a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color into the pipe from the drain outlet E2.

[0026] As a result, fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows through partial pipe S1, and fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color flows through partial pipe S2. Furthermore, the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color and the fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color mix at joint J3, so fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color flows through partial pipes S3, S5, and S7.

[0027] The worker also 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.

[0028] No fluorescent liquid flows through the partial pipes S4 and S6.

[0029] Therefore, if a water leak hole H1 exists in the partial pipe S1, the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color leaks out from the water leak hole H1.

[0030] If a leak hole H2 exists in the partial pipe S2, fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color leaks out from the leak hole H2.

[0031] If a water leak hole H3 exists in the partial pipe S3, fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color leaks out from the water leak hole H3.

[0032] If a water leak hole H5 exists in the partial pipe S5, fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color leaks out from the water leak hole H5.

[0033] If a water leak hole H7 exists in the partial pipe S7, fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color leaks out from the water leak hole H7.

[0034] If a crack H9 exists in the washing area 114, fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color will flow into the house through the crack H9.

[0035] 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.

[0036] When a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color and a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color are mixed, a fluorescent liquid having a cyan (C) fluorescent color is produced.

[0037] When a fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color and a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color are mixed, a fluorescent liquid having a white (W) fluorescent color is produced.

[0038] Therefore, if a liquid pool 121 of fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is found, it is determined that a water leakage hole H1 exists in the partial piping S1.

[0039] If a liquid pool 121 of fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is found, it is determined that a water leakage hole H2 exists in the partial piping S2.

[0040] If a liquid pool 121 of fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color is found, it is determined that a water leakage hole Hi (i=2, 5, or 7) exists in any of the partial pipes S2, S5, and S7.

[0041] If a puddle 121 of fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is found, it is determined that a crack H9 exists in the washing area 114.

[0042] If a puddle 121 of fluorescent liquid having a magenta fluorescent color is found, it is determined that a leak hole H1 exists in the partial piping S1 and that a crack H9 exists in the washing area 114.

[0043] If a liquid pool 121 of fluorescent liquid having a cyan fluorescent color is found, it is determined that a water leakage hole H2 exists in the partial piping S2 and that a crack H9 exists in the washing area 114.

[0044] If a puddle 121 of fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color is found, it is determined that there is a leak hole Hi (i=2, 5, or 7) in one of the partial pipes S2, S5, and S7, and that there is a crack H9 in the washing area 114.

[0045] If it is determined that a water leakage hole H1 or H2 exists, the inspection is terminated.

[0046] If the first inspection determines that a leak hole Hi (i = 2, 5, or 7) exists in any of the partial piping S2, S5, and S7, a Type 1 second inspection is carried out to narrow down the partial piping that has the leak hole.

[0047] Referring to Figure 2(b), in the first type secondary inspection, a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from outlet E2, a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from outlet E4, and a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from outlet E6.

[0048] As a result, fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color flows through partial pipes S2 and S3. Also, fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color flows through partial pipe S4. Furthermore, because the fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color and the fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color mix at joint J5, fluorescent liquid with a yellow fluorescent color flows through partial pipe S5.

[0049] Furthermore, fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color flows through partial pipe S6. Furthermore, fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color and fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color mix at joint J7, so fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color flows through partial pipe S7.

[0050] Therefore, if a leak hole H3 exists in the partial pipe S3, the fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color will leak from the leak hole H3. Note that the first inspection confirmed that there is no leak hole H2 in the partial pipe S2 through which the fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color flows in the Type 1 second inspection.

[0051] If a water leak hole H5 exists in the partial pipe S5, fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color leaks out from the water leak hole H5.

[0052] If a water leak hole H7 exists in the partial pipe S7, the fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color leaks out from the water leak hole H7.

[0053] In this way, the first type secondary inspection can narrow down the partial pipes S3, S5, and S7 to those in which a water leak hole exists.

[0054] If it is determined that there are no leak holes in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, there is a possibility that there is a leak hole Hi (i = 4 or 6) in either of the partial pipes S4 and S6, so a second type of secondary inspection is carried out on these partial pipes.

[0055] Referring to Figure 2(c), in the second type of second inspection, a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from the drain outlet E4, and a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from the drain outlet E6.

[0056] As a result, fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color flows through partial pipes S4 and S5. Also, fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color flows through partial pipe S6. Furthermore, because the fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color and the fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color mix at joint J7, fluorescent liquid with a yellow fluorescent color flows through partial pipe S7.

[0057] Therefore, if a leak hole H4 exists in the partial pipe S4, the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color will leak from the leak hole H4. Note that the first inspection confirmed that there is no leak hole H5 in the partial pipe S5 through which the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows in the Type 1 second inspection.

[0058] If a leak hole H6 exists in the partial pipe S6, fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color leaks out from the leak hole H6.

[0059] In this way, the second type of secondary inspection can determine whether or not there is a leak hole in the partial pipe S4 or S6.

[0060] Next, a description will be given of when and what fluorescent color of the puddle 121 of fluorescent liquid can be found.

[0061] 3(a) and 3(b) together, it is possible to know which partial pipe has a leak hole and which color of fluorescent liquid will be found if there is no crack in the washing area 114. It is also possible to know which partial pipe has a leak hole and which color of fluorescent liquid will be found if there is a crack in the washing area 114. It is also possible to know which partial pipe has a leak hole and which color of fluorescent liquid will be found if there is a crack in the washing area 114. It is also possible to know which color of fluorescent liquid will be found if there is a crack in the washing area 114 and no leak hole is found in any of the partial pipes.

[0062] 4 to 7 use the notation method shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b) to cover all combinations of the presence or absence of leak holes in each partial pipe and the presence or absence of cracks in the washing area 114 in the first inspection. However, it is assumed that the maximum number of leak holes in a pipe is 1. It is also assumed that cracks can exist in the washing area 114 regardless of the presence or absence of leak holes in each partial pipe.

[0063] Figure 4(a) shows that when there are no leak holes or cracks, no liquid pools due to water leakage are found.

[0064] FIG. 4(b) shows that if there is no leak hole but there is a crack, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color may be found.

[0065] FIG. 4(c) shows that if there is a leak hole in the partial pipe S1 but no cracks, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color may be found.

[0066] FIG. 4(d) shows that if there is a leak hole in the partial pipe S2 but no cracks, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color may be found.

[0067] Figure 4(d) shows that if there is a leak hole in the partial pipes S3, S5, or S7 but no cracks, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a yellow fluorescent color may be found. Also, 2nd indicates that a Type 1 secondary inspection is required.

[0068] Figure 5(a) shows that if there is a leak hole and a crack in the partial pipe S1, a puddle of fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color and a puddle of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color may be found. Explanations of Figures 5(b) and 5(c) will be omitted.

[0069] Figure 5(d) shows that if there is a leak hole and a crack in the partial pipe S1, a puddle of fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color, a puddle of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color, and a puddle of fluorescent liquid with a magenta fluorescent color may be found. Explanation of Figures 5(e) and 5(f) will be omitted.

[0070] Figure 6(a) shows that if there is a leak hole and a crack in the partial pipe S1, a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color and a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a magenta fluorescent color will be found, but a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color may not be found. Explanation of Figures 6(b) and 6(c) will be omitted.

[0071] Figure 6(d) shows that if there is a leak hole and a crack in the partial pipe S1, a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color and a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a magenta fluorescent color will be found, but a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color may not be found. Explanation of Figures 6(e) and 6(f) will be omitted.

[0072] 7(a) shows that if there is a leak hole and a crack in the partial pipe S1, a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a magenta fluorescent color will be found, but there is a possibility that a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color and a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color will not be found. Explanation of FIGS. 7(b) and 7(c) will be omitted.

[0073] Next, the water leakage inspection method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0074] In S801, it is determined whether or not a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color has been found. Here, "finding a fluorescent liquid" means finding a puddle of fluorescent liquid. It also includes finding fluorescent liquid that is flowing due to a water leak.

[0075] If the result in S801 is NO, it is determined in S803 whether a fluorescent liquid having a mixture of blue fluorescent color and another fluorescent color (specifically, magenta, cyan, or white) has been found. Here, a fluorescent liquid having a mixture of blue fluorescent color and another fluorescent color is a fluorescent liquid of blue fluorescent color and a fluorescent liquid of another color.

[0076] If the answer is YES in S801, or if the answer is NO in S801 and YES in S803, it is determined in S805 that a crack H9 exists in the washing area 114.

[0077] Next, in S807, it is determined whether or not a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color has been found.

[0078] If the answer is NO in S807, it is determined in S809 whether or not a fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of red fluorescent color and another fluorescent color (specifically, magenta) has been found.

[0079] If the answer is YES in S807, or if the answer is NO in S807 and the answer is YES in S809, it is determined in S811 that a water leakage hole exists in the partial pipe S1.

[0080] Next, in S813, it is determined whether or not a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color has been found.

[0081] If NO in S813, it is determined in S815 whether a fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of green fluorescent color and another fluorescent color (specifically, cyan) has been found.

[0082] If the answer is YES in S813, or if the answer is NO in S813 and YES in S815, it is determined in S817 that a water leakage hole exists in the partial pipe S2.

[0083] Next, in S819, it is determined whether or not a fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color has been found.

[0084] If the answer is NO in S819, it is determined in S821 whether a fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of yellow fluorescent color and another fluorescent color has been found.

[0085] If the answer is YES in S819, or if the answer is NO in S819 and the answer is YES in S821, it is determined in S823 that a water leakage hole exists in the partial pipe S3, S5, or S7.

[0086] Next, in S825, it is determined whether a leak hole is determined to exist in the partial piping S1 or S2. If so (YES in S825), S827 to S831 are bypassed and the process proceeds to S833. In other words, the second inspection is bypassed (not performed).

[0087] If it is determined in S825 that no leak hole exists in the partial pipe S1 or S2 (NO in S825), the process proceeds to S827.

[0088] In S827, it is confirmed whether it is determined that a leak hole exists in the partial pipe S3, S5, or S7.

[0089] If it is determined in S827 that a leak hole exists in the partial piping S3, S5, or S7 (YES in S827), then in S829 it is checked which of the partial piping S3, S5, or S7 has a leak hole. In other words, a first type of secondary inspection is performed. After S829 is performed, the process proceeds to S833.

[0090] If it is confirmed in S827 that no leak hole is determined to exist in the partial piping S3, S5, or S7 (NO in S827), then in S831, it is checked whether a leak hole exists in either the partial piping S4 or S6. In other words, a second type of secondary inspection is performed. After S831 is executed, the process proceeds to S833.

[0091] In S833, it is determined whether a crack H9 has been found in the washing area 114. If the answer is YES in S833, the process ends.

[0092] If the answer is NO in S833, it is determined in S835 whether a leak hole in the pipe has been found. If the answer is YES in S835, the process ends.

[0093] If the answer is NO in S837, check for other causes of water leakage in S837.

[0094] [Second embodiment]

[0095] The second embodiment is almost the same as the first embodiment, but the order in which the partial pipes are checked is different.

[0096] The water leakage inspection method according to this embodiment will be outlined with reference to FIGS. 11(a) to 11(c).

[0097] 11(a), in the first inspection, the worker injects a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color into the pipe from the drain outlet E4, and also injects a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color into the pipe from the drain outlet E6.

[0098] As a result, fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color flows through partial pipes S4 and S5. Also, fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color flows through partial pipe S6. Furthermore, because the fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color and the fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color mix at joint J7, fluorescent liquid with a yellow fluorescent color flows through partial pipe S7.

[0099] The worker also 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.

[0100] No fluorescent liquid flows through the partial pipes S1, S2, and S3.

[0101] Therefore, if a water leak hole H4 exists in the partial pipe S4, the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color leaks out from the water leak hole H1.

[0102] If a water leak hole H5 exists in the partial pipe S5, a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color leaks out from the water leak hole H5.

[0103] If a leak hole H6 exists in the partial pipe S6, fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color leaks out from the leak hole H6.

[0104] If a water leak hole H7 exists in the partial pipe S7, fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color leaks out from the water leak hole H5.

[0105] If a crack H9 exists in the washing area 114, fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color will flow into the house through the crack H9.

[0106] 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.

[0107] When a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color and a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color are mixed, a fluorescent liquid having a cyan (C) fluorescent color is produced.

[0108] When a fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color and a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color are mixed, a fluorescent liquid having a white (W) fluorescent color is produced.

[0109] Therefore, when a liquid pool 121 of fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is found, it is determined that a water leakage hole Hi (i=4 or 5) exists in either the partial pipe S4 or S5.

[0110] If a liquid pool 121 of fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is found, it is determined that a water leak hole H6 exists in the partial piping S6.

[0111] If a liquid pool 121 of fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color is found, it is determined that a water leakage hole H7 exists in the partial piping S7.

[0112] If a puddle 121 of fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is found, it is determined that a crack H9 exists in the washing area 114.

[0113] If a puddle 121 of fluorescent liquid having a magenta fluorescent color is found, it is determined that there is a leak hole Hi (i=4 or 5) in either the partial piping S4 or S5, and that there is a crack H9 in the washing area 114.

[0114] If a liquid pool 121 of fluorescent liquid having a cyan fluorescent color is found, it is determined that a water leakage hole H6 exists in the partial piping S6 and that a crack H9 exists in the washing area 114.

[0115] If a liquid pool 121 of fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color is found, it is determined that a water leakage hole H7 exists in the partial piping S7 and that a crack H9 exists in the washing area 114.

[0116] If it is determined that a water leakage hole H6 or H7 exists, the inspection is terminated.

[0117] If the first inspection determines that a leak hole Hi (i = 4 or 5) exists in either the partial piping S4 or S5, a first type second inspection is carried out to narrow down the partial piping that has the leak hole.

[0118] 10(b), in the first type secondary inspection, a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from the drain outlet E2, and a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from the drain outlet E4.

[0119] As a result, fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color flows through partial pipes S2 and S3. Also, fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color flows through partial pipe S4. Furthermore, because the fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color and the fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color mix at joint J5, fluorescent liquid with a yellow fluorescent color flows through partial pipes S5 and S7.

[0120] Therefore, if a water leak hole H4 exists in the partial pipe S4, fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color leaks out from the water leak hole H4.

[0121] If a leak hole H5 exists in the partial piping S5, fluorescent liquid with a yellow fluorescent color will leak from the leak hole H5. Note that it was confirmed in the first inspection that there is no leak hole H7 in the partial piping S7 through which fluorescent liquid with a yellow fluorescent color flows in the Type 1 second inspection.

[0122] In this way, the first type secondary inspection can narrow down the partial pipes S4 and S5 to those in which a water leak hole exists.

[0123] If it is determined that there is no leak hole in any of the partial pipes S4, S5, S6, and S7, there is a possibility that there is a leak hole Hi (i = 1, 2, or 3) in any of the partial pipes S1, S2, and S3, so a second type of secondary inspection is performed on these partial pipes.

[0124] 10(c), in the second type of second inspection, a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from the drain outlet E1, and a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from the drain outlet E2.

[0125] As a result, fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color flows through partial pipe S1, and fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color flows through partial pipe S2. Furthermore, fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color and fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color mix at joint J3, so fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color flows through partial pipe S3.

[0126] Therefore, if a water leak hole H1 exists in the partial pipe S1, the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color leaks out from the water leak hole H1.

[0127] If a leak hole H2 exists in the partial pipe S2, fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color leaks out from the leak hole H2.

[0128] If a leak hole H3 exists in the partial pipe S3, fluorescent liquid with a yellow fluorescent color will leak from the leak hole H3. Note that the first inspection confirmed that there is no leak hole H7 in the partial pipes S5 and S7 through which fluorescent liquid with a yellow fluorescent color flows in the second type second inspection.

[0129] In this way, the second type of secondary inspection can determine whether or not there is a leak hole in the partial pipe S1, S2, or S3.

[0130] Next, a description will be given of when and what fluorescent color of the puddle 121 of fluorescent liquid can be found.

[0131] In the first secondary inspection, fluorescent liquid may be flowed as shown in Figure 11(a). Although detailed explanation is omitted, if a leak hole H4 exists in partial pipe S4, fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color will leak from leak hole H4. If a leak hole H5 exists in partial pipe S5, fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color will leak from leak hole H5.

[0132] In the second secondary inspection, fluorescent liquid may be flowed as shown in Figure 11(c). Although detailed explanation will be omitted, if a leak hole H1 exists in partial pipe S1, fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color will leak from leak hole H1. If a leak hole H2 exists in partial pipe S2, fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color will leak from leak hole H2. If a leak hole H3 exists in partial pipe S3, fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color will leak from leak hole H3.

[0133] 12(a) and 12(b) together, it is possible to know which partial pipe has a leak hole and which color of fluorescent liquid will be found if there is no crack in the washing area 114. It is also possible to know which partial pipe has a leak hole and which color of fluorescent liquid will be found if there is a crack in the washing area 114. It is also possible to know which partial pipe has a leak hole and which color of fluorescent liquid will be found if there is a crack in the washing area 114. It is also possible to know which color of fluorescent liquid will be found if there is a crack in the washing area 114 and no leak hole is found in any of the partial pipes.

[0134] 13 to 16 use the notation method shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b) to cover all combinations of the presence or absence of leak holes in each partial pipe and the presence or absence of cracks in the washing area 114 in the first inspection. However, it is assumed that the maximum number of leak holes in a pipe is 1. It is also assumed that cracks can exist in the washing area 114 regardless of the presence or absence of leak holes in each partial pipe.

[0135] 13 to 16 use the notation method shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b) to cover all combinations of the presence or absence of leak holes in each partial pipe and the presence or absence of cracks in the washing area 114. However, it is assumed that the maximum number of leak holes in a pipe is 1. It is also assumed that cracks can exist in the washing area 114 regardless of the presence or absence of leak holes in each partial pipe.

[0136] Figure 13(a) shows that when there are no leak holes or cracks, no liquid pools due to water leakage are found.

[0137] FIG. 13(b) shows that if there is no leak hole but there is a crack, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color may be found.

[0138] Figure 13(c) shows that if there is a leak hole in either of the partial pipes S4 and S5 but no cracks, a pool of red fluorescent liquid may be found. Also, 2nd indicates that a Type 1 secondary inspection is required.

[0139] FIG. 13(d) shows that if there is a leak hole in the partial pipe S6 but no cracks, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color may be found.

[0140] FIG. 13(d) shows that if a leak hole exists in the partial pipe S7 but no cracks exist, a pool of fluorescent liquid with a yellow fluorescent color may be found.

[0141] Figure 14(a) shows that if there is a leak hole and a crack in either of the partial pipes S4 and S5, a puddle of fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color and a puddle of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color may be found. Explanations of Figures 14(b) and 14(c) will be omitted.

[0142] Figure 14(d) shows that if there is a leak hole and a crack in either of the partial pipes S4 and S5, a puddle of fluorescent liquid with red fluorescent color, a puddle of fluorescent liquid with blue fluorescent color, and a puddle of fluorescent liquid with magenta fluorescent color may be found. Explanation of Figures 14(e) and 14(f) will be omitted.

[0143] 15(a) shows that if there is a leak hole and a crack in either of the partial pipes S4 and S5, a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color and a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a magenta fluorescent color will be found, but a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color may not be found. Explanation of FIGS. 15(b) and 15(c) will be omitted.

[0144] Figure 15(d) shows that if there is a leak hole and a crack in either of the partial pipes S4 and S5, a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color and a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a magenta fluorescent color will be found, but a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color may not be found. Explanation of Figures 15(e) and 15(f) will be omitted.

[0145] 16(a) shows that if there is a leak hole and a crack in either of the partial pipes S4 and S5, a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a magenta fluorescent color will be found, but there is a possibility that a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color and a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color will not be found. Explanation of FIGS. 16(b) and 16(c) will be omitted.

[0146] Next, the water leakage inspection method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0147] In S1701, it is determined whether or not a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color has been found. Here, "finding a fluorescent liquid" means finding a puddle of fluorescent liquid. It also includes finding fluorescent liquid that is flowing due to a water leak.

[0148] If the result in S1701 is NO, it is determined in S1703 whether a fluorescent liquid having a mixture of blue fluorescent color and another fluorescent color (specifically, magenta, cyan, or white) has been found. Here, a fluorescent liquid having a mixture of blue fluorescent color and another fluorescent color is a fluorescent liquid that is a mixture of blue fluorescent color and fluorescent color of another color.

[0149] If the answer is YES in S1701, or if the answer is NO in S1701 and the answer is YES in S1703, it is determined in S1705 that a crack H9 exists in the washing area 114.

[0150] Next, in S1707, it is determined whether or not a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color has been found.

[0151] If the answer is NO in S1707, it is determined in S1709 whether or not a fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of red fluorescent color and another fluorescent color (specifically, magenta) has been found.

[0152] If the answer is YES in S1707, or if the answer is NO in S1707 and the answer is YES in S1709, it is determined in S1711 that a water leakage hole exists in either the partial piping S4 or S5.

[0153] Next, in S1713, it is determined whether or not a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color has been found.

[0154] If NO in S1713, it is determined in S1715 whether a fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of green fluorescent color and another fluorescent color (specifically, cyan) has been found.

[0155] If the answer is YES in S1713, or if the answer is NO in S1713 and the answer is YES in S1715, it is determined in S1717 that a water leakage hole exists in the partial piping S6.

[0156] Next, in S1719, it is determined whether or not a fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color has been found.

[0157] If NO in S1719, it is determined in S1721 whether or not a fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of yellow fluorescent color and another fluorescent color (specifically, white) has been found.

[0158] If the answer is YES in S1719, or if the answer is NO in S1719 and the answer is YES in S1721, it is determined in S1723 that a water leakage hole exists in the partial piping S7.

[0159] Next, in S1725, it is determined whether a leak hole is determined to exist in the partial piping S6 or S7. If so (YES in S1725), S1727 to S1731 are bypassed and the process proceeds to S1733. In other words, the second inspection is bypassed (not performed).

[0160] If it is determined in S1725 that no leak hole exists in the partial piping S6 or S7 (NO in S1725), the process proceeds to S1727.

[0161] In S1727, it is confirmed whether it is determined that a leak hole exists in the partial pipe S4 or S5.

[0162] If it is determined in S1727 that a leak hole exists in the partial piping S4 or S5 (YES in S1727), then in S1729 it is checked whether the leak hole exists in the partial piping S4 or S5. In other words, a first type secondary inspection is performed. After S1729 is executed, the process proceeds to S1733.

[0163] If it is confirmed in S1727 that no leak hole is determined to exist in the partial piping S4 or S5 (NO in S1727), then in S1731 it is checked whether any of the partial piping S1, S2, and S3 has a leak hole. In other words, a second type of secondary inspection is performed. After S1731 is executed, the process proceeds to S1733.

[0164] In S1733, it is determined whether a crack H9 has been found in the washing area 114. If the answer is YES in S1733, the process ends.

[0165] If NO in S1733, it is determined in S1735 whether a leak hole in the pipe has been found. If YES in S1735, the process ends.

[0166] If the answer is NO in S1737, check for other causes of water leakage in S837.

[0167] [Third embodiment]

[0168] Fig. 19(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a building in the third embodiment, in which pipes to be inspected for water leaks, a washing area 114, and a balcony 1001 are arranged. Fig. 19(b) is a conceptual perspective view showing a piping set and the like arranged in the area indicated by the dashed frame 107 in Fig. 19(a) (the area sandwiched between the floor 102a of the building frame and the floor 105 of the room).

[0169] In this embodiment, the pipes 111, the washing area 114, and the balcony 1001 are inspected.

[0170] In the water leak inspection method according to this embodiment, a location causing a water leak is identified using a plurality of types of fluorescent liquids having different fluorescent colors.

[0171] The water leakage inspection method according to this embodiment will be outlined with reference to FIGS. 20, 21(a) and 20(b).

[0172] 20(a), in the first inspection, the worker injects a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color into the pipe from the drain outlet E1, causing the fluorescent liquid to flow in the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7.

[0173] The worker also 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.

[0174] Furthermore, the worker sprays a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color onto the balcony 1001. Here, the drain outlet E11 is blocked so that the fluorescent liquid sprayed onto the balcony 1001 does not flow into the drain outlet E11.

[0175] No fluorescent liquid flows through the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6.

[0176] Therefore, if a water leakage hole Hi (i=1, 3, 5, or 7) exists in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color leaks out from the water leakage hole Hi.

[0177] If a crack H9 exists in the washing area 114, fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color will flow into the house through the crack H9.

[0178] If a crack H10 exists in the balcony 1001, fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color flows into the house through the crack H9.

[0179] 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.

[0180] 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.

[0181] 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.

[0182] 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.

[0183] Therefore, if a liquid pool 121 of fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is found, it is determined that a water leakage hole Hi (i=1, 3, 5, or 7) exists in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7.

[0184] If a puddle 121 of fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is found, it is determined that a crack H9 exists in the washing area 114.

[0185] If a puddle 121 of fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is found, it is determined that a crack H10 exists on the balcony 1001.

[0186] If a puddle 121 of fluorescent liquid having a magenta fluorescent color is found, it is determined that there is a leak hole Hi (i=1, 3, 5, or 7) in one of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, and that there is a crack H9 in the washing area 114.

[0187] If a puddle 121 of fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color is found, it is determined that there is a leak hole Hi (i=1, 3, 5, or 7) in one of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, and that there is a crack H10 in the balcony 1001.

[0188] If a puddle 121 of fluorescent liquid having a cyan fluorescent color is found, it is determined that a crack H9 exists in the washing area 114 and a crack H10 exists on the balcony 1001.

[0189] If a puddle 121 of fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color is found, it is determined that there is a leak hole Hi (i=1, 3, 5, or 7) in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, that there is a crack H9 in the washing area 114, and that there is a crack H10 in the balcony 1001.

[0190] Partial piping S in the first inspection 1、S3 If it is determined that a leak hole Hi (i=2, 5, or 7) exists in any of S5 and S7, a Type 1 secondary inspection is carried out to narrow down whether the leak hole exists in a partial piping.

[0191] 21(a), in the first type secondary inspection, a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from outlet E2, a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from outlet E4, and a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from outlet E6.

[0192] As a result, fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color flows through partial pipes S2 and S3. Also, fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color flows through partial pipe S4. Furthermore, because the fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color and the fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color mix at joint J5, fluorescent liquid with a yellow fluorescent color flows through partial pipe S5.

[0193] Furthermore, fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color flows through partial pipe S6. Furthermore, fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color and fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color mix at joint J7, so fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color flows through partial pipe S7.

[0194] Therefore, if a leak hole H3 exists in partial piping S3, fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color will leak from the leak hole H3. Note that it is assumed that there is no leak hole H2 in partial piping S2, through which fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color flows, in the Type 1 secondary inspection. This is because it is assumed that there is at most one leak hole, and the leak hole has been narrowed down to being in any of partial piping S1, S3, S5, and S7.

[0195] If a water leak hole H5 exists in the partial pipe S5, fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color leaks out from the water leak hole H5.

[0196] If a water leak hole H7 exists in the partial pipe S7, the fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color leaks out from the water leak hole H7.

[0197] If a leak hole H1 exists in the partial pipe S1, no leakage will occur. This is because it is assumed that there is at most one leak hole, and the leak hole can be narrowed down to one of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7. Therefore, if an inspection such as that shown in FIG. 21(a) is performed and no leakage occurs, it may be determined that no leak hole H1 exists in the partial pipe S1. However, just to be sure, an inspection may be performed to confirm that no leak hole H1 exists in the partial pipe S1. For example, a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is poured into the drain outlet E1, and a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is poured into the drain outlet E2. Then, it is possible to check whether or not there is leakage of the fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color.

[0198] In this way, the first type secondary inspection can narrow down the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7 to those in which a water leak hole exists.

[0199] If it is determined that there is no leak hole in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, there is a possibility that there is a leak hole Hi (i = 2, 4, or 6) in any of the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6, so a second type of secondary inspection is carried out on these partial pipes.

[0200] 21(b), in the second type of second inspection, a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from outlet E2, a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from outlet E4, and a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is injected into the pipe from outlet E6.

[0201] As a result, fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color flows through partial pipes S2 and S3. Also, fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color flows through partial pipe S4. Furthermore, because the fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color and the fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color mix at joint J5, fluorescent liquid with a yellow fluorescent color flows through partial pipe S5.

[0202] A fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S6. Furthermore, the fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color and the fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color mix at the joint J7, so that a fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color flows through the partial pipe S7.

[0203] Therefore, if a leak hole H2 exists in the partial pipe S2, the fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color will leak from the leak hole H2. Note that the first inspection confirmed that there is no leak hole H3 in the partial pipe S3 through which the fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color flows in the Type 1 second inspection.

[0204] If a leak hole H4 exists in the partial pipe S4, fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color leaks out from the leak hole H4.

[0205] If a water leak hole H6 exists in the partial pipe S6, fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color leaks out from the water leak hole H6.

[0206] In this way, the second type of secondary inspection can determine whether or not there is a leak hole in the partial pipe S2, S4, or S6.

[0207] Next, a description will be given of when and what fluorescent color of the puddle 121 of fluorescent liquid can be found.

[0208] By reading Figures 22(a) and 22(b) together, it is possible to know which color of fluorescent liquid may be found depending on the combination of whether or not there are cracks in the washing area 114, whether or not there are cracks in the balcony 1001, and the partial pipe where a leak hole exists.

[0209] Figures 23 to 30 use the notation method shown in Figures 22(a) and 22(b) to cover all combinations of the presence or absence of leak holes in each partial pipe, the presence or absence of cracks in the washing area 114, and the presence or absence of cracks in the balcony 1001 in the first inspection. However, it is assumed that the maximum number of leak holes in the pipes is 1. It is also assumed that cracks can exist in the washing area 114 regardless of the presence or absence of leak holes in each partial pipe. It is also assumed that cracks can exist in the balcony 1001 regardless of the presence or absence of leak holes in each partial pipe. Furthermore, cases where there are no leak holes and no cracks at all are excluded.

[0210] 23(a) shows that if a leak hole exists in any of the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6, but no leak hole exists in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, and there are no cracks in the washing area 114 and there are no cracks in the balcony 1001, no liquid pools caused by leaks will be found. It also shows that a second-type secondary inspection is required for the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6.

[0211] Figure 23(b) shows that if 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 if there is a crack in the washing area 114 but no crack in the balcony 1001, a puddle of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color may be discovered.

[0212] Figure 23(c) shows that if 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 washing area 114, but there is a crack in the balcony 1001, a puddle of fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color may be discovered.

[0213] Figure 23(d) shows that if there are no leak holes in any of the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6, if there is a water leak in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, and if there are no cracks in the washing area 114 and no cracks in the balcony 1001, a puddle of fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color may be discovered.

[0214] Figure 23(e) shows that if there is a leak hole in any of the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6, and there is no leak hole in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, and there is a crack in the washing area 114 and a crack in the balcony 1001, there is a possibility that a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color and a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color will be discovered.

[0215] Figure 23(f) shows that if there is a leak hole in any of the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6, there is no leak hole in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, and there is a crack in the washing area 114 and there is a crack in the balcony 1001, then a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color, a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color, and a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a cyan fluorescent color may be discovered.

[0216] Figure 23(g) shows that if there is a leak hole in any of the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6, and there is no leak hole in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, and there is a crack in the washing area 114 and there is a crack in the balcony 1001, then no puddle of fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color will be found, but a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color and a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a cyan fluorescent color may be found.

[0217] Figure 23(h) shows that if there is a leak hole in any of the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6, there is no leak hole in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, there is a crack in the washing area 114, and there is a crack in the balcony 1001, there is a possibility that a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color will be found, no puddle of fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color will be found, and a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a cyan fluorescent color will be found.

[0218] Figure 23(i) shows that if there is a leak hole in any of the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6, and there is no leak hole in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, and there is a crack in the washing area 114 and there is a crack in the balcony 1001, then no puddle of fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color will be found, no puddle of fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color will be found, and there is a possibility that a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a cyan fluorescent color will be found.

[0219] Figure 29(i) shows that if there is no leak hole in any of the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6, but there is a water leak in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, and if there is a crack in the washing area 114 and a crack in the balcony 1001, then a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color, a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color, a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color, a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a magenta fluorescent color, a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a cyan fluorescent color, a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color, and a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color may be discovered.

[0220] 23 to 30 that have not been described above can be read in the same manner, and therefore a description of these figures will be omitted.

[0221] Next, the water leakage inspection method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0222] In S3101, it is determined whether or not a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color has been found. Here, "finding a fluorescent liquid" means finding a puddle of fluorescent liquid. It also includes finding fluorescent liquid that is flowing due to a water leak.

[0223] If the result in S3101 is NO, it is determined in S3103 whether a fluorescent liquid having a mixture of blue fluorescent color and another fluorescent color (specifically, magenta, cyan, or white) has been found. Here, a fluorescent liquid having a mixture of blue fluorescent color and another fluorescent color is a fluorescent liquid that is a mixture of blue fluorescent color and fluorescent color of another color.

[0224] If the answer is YES in S3101, or if the answer is NO in S3101 and the answer is YES in S3103, it is determined in S3105 that a crack H9 exists in the washing area 114.

[0225] Next, in S3107, it is determined whether or not a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color has been found.

[0226] If NO in S3107, it is determined in S3109 whether a fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of green fluorescent color and another fluorescent color (specifically, cyan, yellow, or white) has been found.

[0227] If the answer is YES in S3107, or if the answer is NO in S3107 and the answer is YES in S3109, it is determined in S3111 that a crack H10 exists in the balcony 1001.

[0228] Next, in S3113, it is determined whether or not a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color has been found.

[0229] If the answer is NO in S3113, it is determined in S3115 whether a fluorescent liquid having a mixture of red fluorescent color and another fluorescent color (specifically, magenta, yellow, or white) has been found.

[0230] If the answer is YES in S3113, or if the answer is NO in S3113 and YES in S3115, it is determined in S3117 that a leak hole exists in any of the partial pipes through which water has passed (specifically, partial pipes S1, S3, S5, or S7).

[0231] Next, in S3119, an inspection of only the piping is performed. Here, if it is determined in S3117 that a leak hole exists in the partial piping S1, S3, S5, or S7, an inspection is performed to narrow down the partial piping S1, S3, S5, and S7 to the partial piping that has a leak hole. This inspection is, for example, the inspection described with reference to FIG. 21(a). If it is determined in S3117 that there is no leak hole in any of the partial pipes S1, S3, S5, and S7, a test is performed to determine whether there is a leak hole in any of the partial pipes S2, S4, and S6. This test is, for example, the test described with reference to FIG. 21(b).

[0232] Next, in S3121, it is determined whether or not a crack H9 has been found in the washing area 114. If the answer is YES in S3121, the process ends.

[0233] If NO in S3121, it is determined in S3123 whether a crack H11 has been found on the balcony 1001. If YES in S3123, the process ends.

[0234] If the answer is NO in S3123, it is determined in S3125 whether a leak hole in the pipe has been found. If the answer is YES in S3125, the process ends.

[0235] If the answer is NO in S3125, other causes of the water leak are investigated in S3127.

[0236] [Fourth embodiment]

[0237] The fourth embodiment has the same principle as the third embodiment, but differs from the third embodiment in the partial piping inspected in the first inspection.

[0238] 33, in the first inspection, fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is poured into the drain outlet E6. Fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is sprayed in the washing area 114. Fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is sprayed on the balcony 1001.

[0239] If a puddle of 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 a leak hole exists in either the partial pipe S6 or S7.

[0240] If a puddle of 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 a crack H9 exists in the washing area 114.

[0241] If a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color or a mixture of green and another color is found, it is determined that a crack H10 exists on the balcony 1001.

[0242] If the first inspection determines that a leak hole exists in either partial piping S6 or S7, then, as shown in Figure 34(a), fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color is poured, for example, through outlet E1, and fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color is poured through outlet E6. If a puddle of fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color is found, then it is determined that leak H6 exists in partial piping S6. If a puddle of fluorescent liquid with a yellow fluorescent color is found, then it is determined that leak H7 exists in partial piping S6.

[0243] If the first inspection determines that no leak holes exist in either partial pipe S6 or S7, then, as shown in FIG. 34(b), fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is poured through drain outlet E1, fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is poured through drain outlet E2, and fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is poured through drain outlet E4. If a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is found, it is determined that a leak H1 exists in partial pipe S1. If a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is found, it is determined that a leak H2 exists in partial pipe S2. If a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color is found, it is determined that a leak H3 exists in partial pipe S3. If a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is found, it is determined that a leak H4 exists in partial pipe S4. If a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color is found, it is determined that a leak H5 exists in partial pipe S5.

[0244] [Fifth embodiment]

[0245] Fig. 35(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a building in the third embodiment, in which pipes to be inspected for water leaks, a washing area 114, and a balcony 1001 are arranged. Fig. 35(b) is a conceptual perspective view showing a piping set and the like arranged in the area indicated by the dashed frame 107 in Fig. 35(a) (the area sandwiched between the floor 102a of the building frame and the floor 105 of the room).

[0246] A drain outlet E11 is provided in the balcony 1001. The drain outlet E11 is the entrance to a pipe 1002 that is dedicated to the balcony. In addition, an exterior wall 1003 exists adjacent to the balcony 1001.

[0247] In this embodiment, the inspection targets are a balcony 1001, a pipe 1002, and an exterior wall 1003. That is, the inspection targets are a crack H10 in the balcony 1001, a leak hole H11 in the pipe 1002, and a crack H12 in the exterior wall 1003.

[0248] In the inspection, fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color is poured into the drain outlet E11. Also, fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color is sprayed onto the balcony 1001 as shown by arrow 1011. Furthermore, fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color is sprayed onto the exterior wall 1003 as shown by arrow 1012.

[0249] By reading Figures 36(a) and 36(b) together, it is possible to know which color of fluorescent liquid can be found depending on the combination of whether or not there are cracks in the balcony 1001, whether or not there are cracks in the exterior wall 1003, and whether or not there are leak holes in the pipes 1002.

[0250] Figures 37 to 44 use the notation method shown in Figures 36(a) and 36(b) to cover all combinations of whether or not there are cracks in the balcony 1001, whether or not there are cracks in the exterior wall 1003, and whether or not there are leak holes in the pipes 1002 in the first inspection.

[0251] Figure 37(a) shows that if there is no crack H10 in the balcony 1001, no leak hole H11 in the pipe 1002, and no crack H12 in the exterior wall 1003, no puddles caused by water leaks will be found.

[0252] Figure 37(b) shows that if there is a crack H10 in the balcony 1001, there is no leak hole H11 in the pipe 1002, and there is no crack H12 in the exterior wall 1003, a puddle of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color may be discovered.

[0253] Figure 37(c) shows that if there is no crack H10 in the balcony 1001, no leak hole H11 in the pipe 1002, and a crack H12 in the exterior wall 1003, a puddle of fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color may be discovered.

[0254] Figure 37(d) shows that if there is no crack H10 in the balcony 1001, there is a leak hole H11 in the pipe 1002, and there is no crack H12 in the exterior wall 1003, a puddle of fluorescent liquid with a red fluorescent color may be discovered.

[0255] Figure 37(e) shows that if there is a crack H10 in the balcony 1001, there is no leak hole H11 in the pipe 1002, and there is a crack H12 in the exterior wall 1003, a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color will be discovered, and there is a possibility that a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color will be discovered.

[0256] Figure 37(f) shows that if there is a crack H10 in the balcony 1001, there is no leak hole H11 in the pipe 1002, and there is a crack H12 in the exterior wall 1003, it is possible that a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color, a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color, and a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a cyan fluorescent color will be discovered.

[0257] Figure 37(g) shows that if there is a crack H10 in the balcony 1001, there is no leak hole H11 in the pipe 1002, and there is a crack H12 in the exterior wall 1003, no puddle of fluorescent liquid with a blue fluorescent color will be found, but there is a possibility that a puddle of fluorescent liquid with a green fluorescent color and a puddle of fluorescent liquid with a cyan fluorescent color will be found.

[0258] Figure 37(h) shows that if there is a crack H10 in the balcony 1001, there is no leak hole H11 in the pipe 1002, and there is a crack H12 in the exterior wall 1003, there is a possibility that a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color will be found, a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color will be found, and a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a cyan fluorescent color will not be found.

[0259] Figure 37(h) shows that if there is a crack H10 in the balcony 1001, there is no leak hole H11 in the pipe 1002, and there is a crack H12 in the exterior wall 1003, it is possible that no puddle of fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color will be found, no puddle of fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color will be found, and no puddle of fluorescent liquid having a cyan fluorescent color will be found.

[0260] Figure 44(i) shows that if there is a crack H10 in the balcony 1001, a leak hole H11 in the pipe 1002, and a crack H12 in the exterior wall 1003, there is a possibility that a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color, a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color, a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color, a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a magenta fluorescent color, a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a cyan fluorescent color, a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a yellow fluorescent color, and a puddle of fluorescent liquid having a white fluorescent color may be discovered.

[0261] 37 to 44 that have not been described above can be read in the same manner, and therefore a description of these figures will be omitted.

[0262] Next, the water leakage inspection method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0263] In S4501, it is determined whether or not a fluorescent liquid having a blue fluorescent color has been found. Here, "finding fluorescent liquid" means finding a puddle of fluorescent liquid. It also includes finding fluorescent liquid that is flowing due to a water leak.

[0264] If the result in S4501 is NO, it is determined in S4503 whether a fluorescent liquid having a mixture of blue fluorescent color and another fluorescent color (specifically, magenta, cyan, or white) has been found. Here, a fluorescent liquid having a mixture of blue fluorescent color and another fluorescent color is a fluorescent liquid that is a mixture of blue fluorescent color and fluorescent color of another color.

[0265] If the answer is YES in S4501, or if the answer is NO in S4501 and the answer is YES in S4503, it is determined in S4505 that a crack H10 exists in the balcony 1001.

[0266] Next, in S4507, it is determined whether or not a fluorescent liquid having a green fluorescent color has been found.

[0267] If NO in S4507, it is determined in S4509 whether a fluorescent liquid having a mixed color of green fluorescent color and another fluorescent color (specifically, cyan, yellow, or white) has been found.

[0268] If the answer to S4507 is YES, or if the answer to S4507 is NO and the answer to S4509 is YES, it is determined in S4511 that a crack H12 exists in the exterior wall 1003.

[0269] Next, in S4513, it is determined whether or not a fluorescent liquid having a red fluorescent color has been found.

[0270] If the answer is NO in S4513, it is determined in S4515 whether a fluorescent liquid having a mixture of red fluorescent color and another fluorescent color (specifically, magenta, yellow, or white) has been found.

[0271] If the answer is YES in S4513, or if the answer is NO in S4513 and the answer is YES in S4515, it is determined in S4517 that the water leakage hole H11 exists in the balcony pipe 1002.

[0272] Next, in S4519, it is determined whether a crack H10 has been found on the balcony 1001. If the answer is YES in S4518, the process ends.

[0273] If NO in S4519, it is determined in S4521 whether or not a leak hole H11 has been found in the balcony pipe 1002. If YES in S4521, the process ends.

[0274] If NO in S4521, it is determined in S4523 whether a crack H12 has been found in the exterior wall 1003. If YES in S4523, the process ends.

[0275] If the answer is NO in S4523, check for other causes of the water leak in S4525.

Claims

1. a first injection step of injecting a fluorescent liquid having a fluorescent color into a pipe arranged in a building through one of two or more inlets of the pipe; a spraying step of spraying fluorescent liquid at two or more selected locations of the building, the fluorescent liquid having a fluorescent color different from each other between the two or more selected locations and different from the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid injected into the piping; a determining step of determining, based on the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid resulting from the water leak at any location in the building, whether or not a water leak hole exists in at least a portion of the partial pipes through which the fluorescent liquid flowed in the first injection step among the plurality of partial pipes constituting the piping, and further determining whether or not a water leak path exists from any of the two or more selected locations to the location where the fluorescent color resulting from the water leak was found; a first re-inspection step that is executed to narrow down the partial pipe having the leak hole to one partial pipe, if the determination step determines that a leak hole exists in at least a part of the partial pipe through which the fluorescent liquid has flowed in the first injection step among a plurality of partial pipes that make up the pipe, but there are a plurality of partial pipes through which the fluorescent liquid has flowed in the first injection step and which may have the leak hole; and The first re-inspection step a second injection step of injecting fluorescent liquids having different fluorescent colors into the piping via a plurality of inlets of the piping so that the fluorescent liquid flows through at least some of the plurality of partial piping through which the fluorescent liquid injected into the piping in the first injection step has flowed; an identifying step of identifying a partial pipe having a leak hole among a plurality of partial pipes through which the fluorescent liquid injected into the pipe in the first injection step has flowed, based on the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid leaking from the leak hole of the pipe in the second injection step and information identifying the partial pipe through which the fluorescent liquid has flowed in the first injection step; and the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid leaking from the leak hole of the piping in the second injection step is the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid injected into the piping via any one of the inlets in the second injection step, or the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid obtained by mixing the plurality of fluorescent liquids injected into the piping via the plurality of inlets in the second injection step; How to test for water leaks.

2. A first injection step of injecting a fluorescent liquid having a fluorescent color into a pipe arranged in a building through one of two or more inlets of the pipe; a spraying step of spraying fluorescent liquid at two or more selected locations of the building, the fluorescent liquid having a fluorescent color different from each other between the two or more selected locations and different from the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid injected into the piping; a determining step of determining, based on the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid resulting from the water leak at any location in the building, whether or not a water leak hole exists in at least a portion of the partial pipes through which the fluorescent liquid flowed in the first injection step among the plurality of partial pipes constituting the piping, and further determining whether or not a water leak path exists from any of the two or more selected locations to the location where the fluorescent color resulting from the water leak was found; a second re-inspection step of determining whether or not a leak hole exists in a partial pipe through which the fluorescent liquid did not flow in the first injection step, among a plurality of partial pipes constituting the piping; The second re-inspection step includes: a third injection step of injecting fluorescent liquids having different fluorescent colors into the piping via a plurality of inlets of the piping so that the fluorescent liquid flows into a plurality of partial piping sections to which the fluorescent liquid injected into the piping in the first injection step did not flow; an identifying step of identifying a partial pipe having a leak hole among a plurality of partial pipes through which the fluorescent liquid injected into the pipe in the first injection step did not flow, based on the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid leaking from the leak hole of the pipe in the third injection step and information identifying the partial pipe through which the fluorescent liquid flowed in the first injection step; and the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid leaking from the leak hole of the piping in the third injection step is the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid injected into the piping via any one of the inlets in the third injection step, or the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid obtained by mixing the plurality of fluorescent liquids injected into the piping via the plurality of inlets in the third injection step; How to test for water leaks.

3. The fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid from the water leak is the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid (first fluorescent liquid) injected into the pipe through the one inlet in the first injection step; the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid (second fluorescent liquid) sprayed at any one of the two or more selected locations; the fluorescent color of a mixed liquid (third fluorescent liquid) obtained by mixing the fluorescent liquids sprayed on any two or more of the selected two or more locations; the fluorescent color of a mixture (fourth fluorescent liquid) of the first fluorescent liquid and the second fluorescent liquid; and the fluorescent color of a mixed liquid (fifth fluorescent liquid) of the first fluorescent liquid and the third fluorescent liquid; is one of the following: The water leakage inspection method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The fluorescent liquid from the water leak caused by the first injection step is found in one or more locations, In the determination step, if the fluorescent liquid originating from the water leak found at least at one location in the first injection step has the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid injected into the piping via the one inlet in the first injection step, or the fluorescent color of a mixed liquid obtained by mixing the fluorescent liquid injected into the piping via the one inlet in the first injection step with another fluorescent color, it is determined that a water leak hole exists in the partial piping through which the first fluorescent liquid flows in the first injection step. The water leakage inspection method according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The fluorescent liquid from the water leak caused by the first injection step is found in one or more locations, In the determination step, if the fluorescent liquid originating from the water leak found in at least one location by the first injection step has the fluorescent color of the fluorescent liquid sprayed in the one selected location, or the fluorescent color of a mixed liquid obtained by mixing the fluorescent liquid sprayed in the one selected location with another fluorescent liquid, it is determined that there is a water leak from the one selected location to the one location where the fluorescent liquid originating from the water leak was found. The water leakage inspection method according to claim 1 or 2.

6. If the fluorescent liquid is not found anywhere in the building after the first injection step and the spraying step are performed, and if there is one partial pipe through which the fluorescent liquid injected into the pipe in the first injection step has not passed, the method further comprises a step of determining that one partial pipe is a partial pipe having a water leak hole. The water leakage inspection method according to claim 1 or 2.

7. If fluorescent liquid due to a water leak is not found anywhere in the building after the first injection step and the spraying step are performed, and if there is one partial pipe through which the fluorescent liquid injected into the pipe in the first injection step has not passed, the method further comprises a step of flowing fluorescent liquid through the one partial pipe to confirm whether or not a water leak hole exists in the one partial pipe. The water leakage inspection method according to claim 1 or 2.

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