A method for detecting a leak in a heat exchanger plate includes positioning the heat exchanger plate between a first fixture and a second fixture to create both a first sealed space between the heat exchanger plate and the first fixture and a second sealed space between the heat exchanger plate and the second fixture. The first sealed space is on one side of the heat exchanger plate and the second sealed space is on the other side of the heat exchanger plate. The method includes supplying an inert gas to the second sealed space, drawing a vacuum in the first sealed space, and detecting whether the first sealed space includes the inert gas. The presence of inert gas indicates the plate is not leak-tight.