Nitrate Test For Rising Damp

Nitrates are deposited by evaporation of soil water on the surface of walls. This is known as rising damp. If left for an extended period, the continual cycle of rising water and drying by evaporation has the effect of elevating the Nitrate levels so they can be easily quantified. These elevated levels of Nitrate indicate that “Rising Damp” has occurred.

A meaningful analysis can therefore be carried out provided a wall has not been disturbed for an extended period.

Unlike the relatively insensitive Nitrate Test strips EDT directION have produced a Nitrate specific electrode which, when used in conjunction with the QP459 Ion Meter, can detect and precisely quantify Nitrate concentration.

Note: If you already have a Fire Damage Chloride test Kit you will only need to purchase a Nitrate ISE to perform the test.

Sample Preparation

For Plaster:

Collect the sample from the surface at the upper margin of the damp area.

Scrape the surface of the wall no deeper than 3mm & fill the scoop provided until it’s level.

Empty it into the 100ml sample container.

To the sample, add 50ml of  the ISAB solution using the 50ml measuring cylinder provided.

Shake mixture continuously for 60 seconds and allow to settle for one minute.

The Measurement

Select the ION 2 mode on the QP459 ION Meter. The display will show “Nitrate ppm”.

Calibrate the Meter using the two nitrate standards supplied (10 and 100ppm). Rinse the Nitrate electrode in deionised water.

Syringe 10ml of the settled sample into the small container provided and insert the Nitrate ISE into the solution.

Press READ and wait for the result to stabilize. You now have an accurate Nitrate concentration on the display.