Acoustic techniques are where listening sticks and ground microphones are used to locate and pinpoint leaks; these methods enhance the sounds being transmitted to the surface by an underground leak; these methods also help in reducing disruption during the repair process by being more accurate thus reducing the amount of excavation work for the repairs.

The Ground Microphone, does exactly as it suggest, it amplifies the sound on the ground. Using this sophisticated piece of kit, the Engineer can listen to leaks way beneath the surface, and pinpoint the location of the leak, prior to excavations being required.

Even though we carry the most up to date sophisticated technology, our Engineers still very much use the conventional Listening Stick, which naturally amplifies the sounds listened to.

Correlation is a means of locating leaks along water pipes of all sizes and with variable distances; a leak along a pipe that is under pressure makes noise. Leak noise correlators are then quite accurate in locating the leak; the correlator uses two sensors in separate locations along the pipe and calculates (in milliseconds) the sound between the two sensors, it is then transmitted to a central computer that peaks, locating the leak.

We use the latest technology in correlations, using digital technology. Radio stations are positioned at two points on the system and connected to the pipe or system using Accelerometers (sensitive microphones). Under pressure the leak will create a “leak sound”. This sound travels along the pipe and is heard at either end by each Accelerometer. The information is transferred to the main processor via the Radio Stations, and using a time delay calculation, the leak is located.

Thermal imaging is the use of an infrared imaging and measurement camera to see and measure heat or cold emitted from an object. Thermal imaging cameras can identify problems in areas where normal visual methods cannot see. On gravity fed pipework where a leak wouldn’t generally make a sound, thermal imaging helps in showing either hot or cold spots thus enabling you pinpoint the leak.

This method is used where pipes are hidden behind false/stud walls under floorboards, cavities and behind installed equipment like storage tanks etc. endoscopy works by giving images that would not generally be seen by the naked eye due to obstructions etc. endoscopy also enables you to take photographs that can then be used in reporting as survey evidence.

If we are unable to locate a leak on your system using the methods detailed above, we can drain your system, insert a safe gas (Nitrogen 95% & Hydrogen 5%) into your system. The gas will escape from the leak and work its way to the surface. The Engineer will locate the gas from above, using an extremely sensitive detector, thus proving the leak location below. This method is particularly beneficial on small bore pipes including internal heating system leaks.

Leak repairs and pipe renewals can be very disruptive and intrusive when leaks are under the property; we try our best to minimize disruption to both business and household. We will find the right solution to minimise any potential disruption. We work alongside suppliers who have around 40 years’ experience in the water industry, and we will always try and complete the task as quickly as possible and with the least amount of fuss.

Automated meter reading is the technology of automatically collecting consumption, diagnostic, and status data from a pulse enabled water meter and transferring that data to a central database. The data can then be used for billing, troubleshooting, analysing usage and leak monitoring.

Sub meter installations are usually put in place to monitor areas of high usage with large premises like factories, football stadiums, holiday parks and so on. They can either be installed internally or in the ground inside a chamber. The meters can then be fitted with an AMR (automatic meter read) device which would give constant flow data, detailing consumption. We can supply and install both the sub meter and the data logger to enable you to monitor consumption, misuse and of course leakage.

There are several steps to be undertaken before the actual site audit, such as tariff management and bill validation. Numerous anomalies like incorrect; billing, surface water tariff, trade effluent tariff can be found without the need to go to site. Detailed site audits can then be carried out, looking into usage, wastage, misuse (like taps left running), leaking ball valves, etc. All this adds up to higher bills if not checked and controlled. Underground leakage can also be checked during this exercise by carrying out isolation test where possible, cross connections with neighbouring properties can also be checked out during the audit.