A method of detecting a defect in an applied volume of material includes detecting a pressure discontinuity during dispensing the volume of material along a predetermined path on a substrate. The pressure discontinuity is indicative of the defect in the applied volume of material. The location of the defect along the predetermined path is function of a start time of the pressure discontinuity and the size of the defect is a function of a time duration of the pressure discontinuity. The method can further include determining whether or not to repair the defect as a function of the location and the size of the defect in the applied volume of material. The method includes repairing the defect by re-directing the material applicator to the location of the defect and dispensing additional material at the location of the defect.