A leak diverter is a tarp, funnel or tray that catches a drip from a pipe, roof or ceiling and sends it through a hose to a drain or container, so the floor stays dry while you wait for the repair. Choosing one comes down to where the leak starts (pipe, roof or ceiling), how fast it runs, and where the hose can drain. This guide covers each case and the pipe, roof and drop-ceiling leak diverters and drain seals ERE supplies to Canadian plants, warehouses and labs.
In this guide
- What is a leak diverter and what does it do?
- Which type of leak diverter fits which leak?
- How does a pipe leak diverter work?
- What should you look for in a roof leak diverter?
- Can a diverter replace a drop-ceiling tile?
- Do you need a drain seal or plug as well?
- How do you size a diverter and its hose?
- How do you choose and install one, step by step?
- Which leak diverters does ERE carry?
- Frequently asked questions
What Is a Leak Diverter and What Does It Do?
A leak diverter catches liquid falling from above and channels it through a hose connector to a drain or a container, instead of letting it hit the floor, shelving or equipment. It is a fast response tool, not a repair: the pipe, roof or ceiling still has to be fixed.
The reason to respond quickly is the floor. CCOHS reports that 67% of falls happen on the same level, from slips and trips, and lists wet or oily surfaces and occasional spills among the common causes of slips. Its housekeeping guidance starts with cleaning all spills immediately and marking spills and wet areas. A diverter keeps the liquid off the walking surface in the first place.
Which Type of Leak Diverter Fits Which Leak?
Pick by where the liquid starts: a pipe diverter for a dripping pipe or joint, a roof diverter for a leaking roof or overhead deck, and a drop-ceiling diverter for a leak above a ceiling grid. The table sets out what each ERE range is built for.
| Leak source | Diverter type | What the product records state |
|---|---|---|
| Pipe or joint drip | Pipe leak diverter | UltraTech: 18 in. opening. ENPAC: 7-gallon fluid capacity, hose connector with cap, four bungee cords. Zenith: HDPE, 1.5 ft by 1.5 ft. |
| Roof or overhead deck | Roof leak diverter / drip dam | UltraTech: vinyl-coated fabric, D-ring in each corner, three sizes. ENPAC Drip Dam: over 3 gallons per minute. Zenith: PVC with sewn-in brass grommets. |
| Ceiling grid | Drop-ceiling leak diverter | ENPAC: designed to replace ceiling tiles while capturing leaks, two part numbers. |
| Floor drain nearby | Drain seal, plug or cover | UltraTech Ultra-Drain Seal and Plug; Zenith and Pliflex neoprene covers. |
How Does a Pipe Leak Diverter Work?
A pipe leak diverter is hung or strapped under the leak so the drip lands in a funnel-shaped body, then runs out through a hose connector to a drain or container. It suits a weeping flange, a failed gasket or a slow joint leak where the pipe cannot be isolated at once.
The UltraTech Pipe Leak Diverter has an 18 in. opening and drains to a standard garden hose. The ENPAC Pipe Leak Diverters hold 7 gallons of fluid, have a hose connector with a cap, and include four bungee cords; the record states the garden hose (5/8 in. and 1/2 in. sizes fit) is not included. The Zenith Pipe Leak Diverter is HDPE, 1.5 ft by 1.5 ft, with the same 5/8 in. and 1/2 in. hose fit, and is described as lightweight, reusable and highly chemical resistant.
For ENPAC diverters, the ENPAC Leak Diverter Hose is a clear PVC hose with nylon fittings, made to fit all ENPAC leak diverters and sold in 10 ft and 25 ft lengths. The clear wall lets you see the flow, which helps when a leak changes overnight.
The records state "high chemical resistance" but give no compatibility chart. If the pipe carries acid, caustic or solvent, check the liquid against the SDS and tell us what it is before ordering.
What Should You Look for in a Roof Leak Diverter?
Look for a flow rating, a drain connection and a way to hold it up. A roof diverter spreads over or under the leak and funnels water to one outlet, so the three questions are how much water it can pass, where the hose goes, and what suspends it.
- Flow: the ENPAC Drip Dam Roof Leak Diverter is a funnel-style tool rated at over 3 gallons per minute, with a hose connector with cap, and it is resistant to water, most chemicals and punctures.
- Size: the UltraTech Roof Leak Diverter comes in 2.5 ft by 2.5 ft, 3 ft by 8 ft and 5 ft by 15 ft, so a long run of dripping deck can be covered with one piece. It is a vinyl-coated, flame-retardant fabric with a D-ring in each corner.
- Hang: the ENPAC diverter attaches with four bungee cords or rubber tie-downs, not included. The Zenith Roof Leak Diverter is chemical-resistant PVC with sewn-in brass grommets and a standard 3/4 in. hose connection; hose and bungee cords are sold separately.
The ENPAC Drip Dam Leak Diverter is another overhead option that comes with a standard 3/4 in. drain, with 10 ft and 25 ft clear hose available.
Can a Diverter Replace a Drop-Ceiling Tile?
Yes. The ENPAC Drop Ceiling Leak Diverter is designed to replace a ceiling tile and capture the leak above it, so offices, labs and corridors with a suspended ceiling can catch the leak at the tile instead of hanging a tarp across the room. It is listed under two part numbers (4622-YE-DC and 4624-YE-DC); the record does not state dimensions, so tell us your grid size and we will confirm the match before you order.
Do You Need a Drain Seal or Plug as Well?
If the leaking liquid, or the water you use to clean it up, can reach a floor drain, yes. A diverter keeps liquid off the floor; a drain seal stops what is already on the floor from reaching the sewer. They cover different failures.
- Seal or cover (drain goes under the cover): the UltraTech Ultra-Drain Seal is a reusable polyurethane pad, 18 by 18, 24 by 24 or 36 by 36 in., that conforms to most drains and temporarily seals to a smooth surface. Pliflex neoprene drain covers come in 36 in. and 48 in. squares, and the Zenith neoprene drain cover is a 36 in. square, reusable and usable indoors or outdoors.
- Plug (goes into the drain): the UltraTech Ultra-Drain Plug is a tapered plug for drains from 2 to 12 in. across; the eyebolts come out so the grating can go back on with the plug in place.
- Sealant (stops a crack or gap): PND Plug N'Dike is an emergency sealant that sticks to unprepared, dirty surfaces. It comes as a 10 oz or 1 lb paste, or a 1 gallon granular pack, with an antifreeze mix for cold weather use.
If the water that leaks in is clean, the drain may be the right place for the hose. If it carries oil, solvent or chemicals, divert it to a container, not a drain. In Canada, a release that reaches the environment may have to be reported; the federal Environmental Emergencies Program explains when and how, and provincial rules apply on top of it.
How Do You Size a Diverter and Its Hose?
Compare the leak rate to the diverter's rating, then make sure the hose can carry it away downhill. A leak that runs faster than the diverter passes will overflow, and a hose that kinks or runs uphill backs up into the body.
- Estimate the flow. Time how long a known container takes to fill. A 20 L pail that fills in 6 minutes is about 3.3 L per minute, roughly 0.9 gallons per minute.
- Compare it to the rating. Only the ENPAC Drip Dam roof diverter states a rate in its record (over 3 gallons per minute). For the others, the stated capacity or opening is the guide, and a fast leak needs a larger piece or a plumber first.
- Plan the hose. It must run downhill to a drain or a container with room for the whole event. A 7-gallon diverter body will not hold hours of flow without a hose.
How Do You Choose and Install a Leak Diverter, Step by Step?
- Find the source. Pipe, roof, deck or ceiling tile decides the type.
- Name the liquid. Water, condensate, process liquid or chemical; check the SDS if it is not water.
- Estimate the flow and compare it to the rating.
- Pick the size. Match the opening or sheet to the area the leak covers.
- Plan the drain. Choose a floor drain or container, then buy the hose length to reach it.
- Hang it. Use bungee cords, tie-downs or the corner D-rings and grommets; keep clear of electrical equipment and sprinkler heads.
- Protect the floor. Add a drain seal or plug, and mark the area until the repair is done.
Which Leak Diverters Does ERE Carry?
ERE stocks leak diverters from UltraTech, ENPAC and Zenith, plus drain seals, plugs, covers and sealants, in the Leak Diverters & Drain Plugs collection. Part numbers for ENPAC and Zenith show in the product records, and several records do not state sizes or materials in full, so send us the leak and the liquid and we will confirm before you order. For wider spill response, see our guides to spill kits, oil absorbents, spill containment pallets and the oil stop valve, and browse the Spill Kits collection and Absorbents collection.
Need help choosing a leak diverter?
ERE Inc. has supplied safety and environmental equipment to Canadian industry for 30+ years. Tell us where the leak starts, how fast it runs and where the hose can drain, and we will match the diverter, hose and drain protection.
→ Request a Quote | 1-888-287-EREC | Browse Leak Diverters & Drain Plugs | sales@ereinc.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a leak diverter?
A leak diverter is a tarp, funnel or tray that catches liquid falling from a pipe, roof or ceiling and sends it through a hose connector to a drain or container. It is a temporary measure that keeps the floor dry until the leak is repaired.
How does a leak diverter work?
It sits under or around the leak and funnels the liquid to one outlet. A hose on that outlet carries the liquid downhill to a drain or container, so nothing reaches the floor.
How much water can a roof leak diverter handle?
It depends on the model. The ENPAC Drip Dam Roof Leak Diverter is rated for over 3 gallons per minute, about 180 gallons an hour. A leak faster than the rating will overflow, so time the leak and compare it before you hang the diverter.
Can a leak diverter be used for chemicals?
The ENPAC, Zenith and UltraTech records describe chemical resistance but give no compatibility chart. Check the liquid against the SDS and send us the details before you buy, and divert chemical leaks to a container, not a floor drain.
Do I need a drain plug as well?
If a floor drain sits near the leak, yes. A drain seal or plug stops liquid that reaches the floor from entering the sewer, which a diverter alone does not do.
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- Oil Absorbents: Pads, Rolls, Booms or Granular?
- Spill Containment Pallets: Sump Capacity, Hardcovers and Drum Handling
- Oil Stop Valve: How a Polymer Hydrocarbon Shut-Off Works
Lire en français : Déviateur de fuite : guide des déviateurs pour tuyau, toit et plafond suspendu au Canada