Skip to content

Loop Field Faults

Ground Loop Repair in Denver

Restore full BTU output after a loop leak or flow restriction, verified by pressure test and flow rate check.

  • System Evaluation First
  • Itemised Written Estimate
  • Post-Repair Verification
Ground Loop Repair carried out by a professional geothermal heat pump installer

What Goes Wrong

The failure modes that leave loop repairs incomplete

A rushed or underscoped repair can leave the same fault in place, or create a new one.

Guessing the Leak Location

Excavating without pressure testing first risks missing the fault entirely and disturbing unaffected pipe runs.

Pressure Test Before Digging

Pressure testing confirms the leak exists and narrows its location before any excavation is planned or priced.

Wrong Repair for Loop Type

A vertical loop fault and a horizontal loop fault need different methods, grouting or lining versus targeted excavation.

Loop-Specific Repair Scope

Each loop type, horizontal, vertical, or pond-lake, is assessed and scoped with the correct method for that configuration.

No Post-Repair Check

Closing a job without a pressure hold test leaves no confirmation that the repair actually restored design flow rate.

Flow Rate Verification

After every repair, a pressure hold test and flow rate measurement confirm the loop performs to its original design specification.

Freeze Fluid Overlooked

Outdoor loop lines in Denver’s climate need correct freeze protection concentration, a repair that ignores this risks a second failure.

Fluid Concentration Check

Freeze protection fluid concentration in outdoor lines is checked and corrected as part of every post-repair sign-off.

How the Repair Works

Ground loop repair that restores full heat exchange capacity

A slow loop leak or a flow restriction reduces BTU output gradually, by the time it’s noticeable, efficiency has already dropped.

Request an Evaluation

Loop field faults are not always obvious. A small leak loses fluid slowly, reducing heat exchange capacity over weeks rather than overnight. Pressure testing is the reliable way to confirm a leak exists and to narrow down its location before any excavation or boring access is planned.

Repair scope depends on loop type. A horizontal loop fault requires targeted excavation to the affected pipe run. A vertical loop fault may involve grouting or pipe lining in the boring. A pond-lake loop fault requires retrieval of the affected coil section. Each approach is scoped and priced separately.

After the repair, the installer runs a pressure hold test and measures loop flow rate against the original design specification. BTU output is verified before the job is closed. Freeze protection fluid concentration in outdoor lines is also checked as part of the post-repair sign-off.

Why Choose Us

Why Denver Geothermal for ground loop repair?

Accountability at every stage, from the first evaluation through to the post-repair performance check.

Evaluation Before Any Commitment

Every enquiry starts with a system evaluation covering load, equipment condition, and altitude-adjusted sizing before a scope is written.

Written Estimate, Every Time

You receive an itemised estimate listing equipment, repair scope, and timeline, no verbal quotes, no surprises on the invoice.

Licensed Installers Arranged

We connect you with licensed installers who carry the credentials required for geothermal loop work in Colorado.

Performance Confirmed at Close

A post-repair check verifies BTU output and loop pressure against spec, the job is not closed until the numbers match.

A completed geothermal heat pump installation job at a house
A finished geothermal heat pump installation project

The Process

From first call to a fully restored loop field

Request an Evaluation

  1. 01

    Request an Evaluation

    Tell us about the system and we arrange a licensed installer to assess loop condition, run pressure tests, and identify the fault.

  2. 02

    Review the Written Scope

    You receive an itemised estimate covering the repair method, any excavation or access required, materials, and a clear timeline.

  3. 03

    Verify & Sign Off

    After the repair, the installer runs a pressure hold test and flow rate check to confirm the loop meets its original design specification.

Pricing Estimates

Typical Ground Loop Repair Prices

JobTypical cost
Minor loop leak repair$500-$1,500
Loop section repair$1,000-$2,500
Major ground loop repair$2,500-$6,000
These prices are estimates and often vary with the condition, size and scope of each job. Message or call us for a free, no-obligation quote.
See all prices

Common Questions

Ground loop repair questions, answered plainly

How do you find a leak in a buried loop without digging everything up?

The loop field is segmented and each run is pressurized individually to isolate the failing section. Tracer gas or dye is then introduced into that segment to surface at the exact fault point. Targeted potholing exposes only that area, keeping the rest of the yard untouched.

Does a loop leak always mean the whole loop has to be replaced?

No. A damaged section can often be spliced or replaced if the rest of the loop is still sound. Full replacement is considered only when multiple sections are failing or the pipe condition is too degraded to repair reliably.

What happens if I wait and keep topping up the fluid instead of repairing the leak?

Continued fluid loss lowers heat exchange efficiency, causes the system to short-cycle, and raises heating and cooling costs. Glycol dilution from repeated refills can also drop freeze protection below Colorado winter requirements, risking pipe damage.

Will a temporary sealant fix the problem for good?

Sealants are not a confirmed repair for an active loop leak. Pressure loss typically returns, and the loop still needs a proper splice or section replacement. A pressure hold test after any repair is the only way to confirm the fix held.

How much digging is usually involved?

Many repairs use targeted potholing to reach only the problem area, which is far less disruptive than opening the full loop field. The actual excavation footprint depends on the leak location, burial depth, and whether the pipe runs under hardscape.

What happens after the repair is finished?

The loop is pressure tested to confirm it holds at spec, then flushed and refilled with glycol at the correct antifreeze concentration for Colorado temperatures. A post-repair system check confirms stable heat exchange before normal circulation resumes.

More questions about Ground Loop Repair?

Arrange Your Ground Loop Evaluation

Tell us about the system and we’ll arrange a licensed installer to assess the loop, run a pressure test, and deliver a written repair scope before anything is booked.

Request an Evaluation