Water Leak Detection – Range of techniques we use to locate leaks

Our trained staff use a number of techniques for water leak detection on buried pipes which can be applied to suit the individual circumstances of client’s properties.

The three main techniques we use for water leak detection involve using ground microphones, tracer gasses, and leak correlators.

Ground microphones
Ground microphones allow us to amplify, trace and display the noise created by a fluid escaping from a pipe. We also use ground microphones to trace the line of a pipe. This is done by inducing a sound wave along the pipe which can be measured at ground level thus allowing us to follow and plot its route.

Tracer gas
A tracer gas containing 95% Nitrogen and 5% Hydrogen can be injected into the pipe. This mix of tracer gas is used mainly because hydrogen is the smallest molecule on the planet and therefore permeates through surfaces quickly. It is also non-toxic, non-corrosive, pro-environmental and the gas mixture is approved as a foodstuffs additive so can be used safely in all environments. The tracer gas escapes through any hole in the pipes wall and permeates through whatever layer of surrounding soil, tarmac, concrete slab or paving is above it allowing us to measure its quantity at the surface and pinpoint the leak.

Leak correlators
Leak correlators identify the acoustic frequency made by water escaping from a pipe. The correlator uses two sensors over the length of a pipe which calculate the leak’s location by comparing the signal delay, the sensors distance apart and the sound velocity.

Thermal Imaging
Thermography allows us to quickly locate buried heating pipes and actually see areas of pooled heat, dampness and suspected leak locations.

These techniques for water leak detection can be combined or used in isolation depending on what is constructed over the service or how deep the service lies.