Detecting, Exposing and Repairing Underground Water Leaks.
Have you noticed your water bill has increased with no drastic changes to the amount of water you are using, a drop in pressure or dirty water flowing out of the tap? Or do you have an area of localised flooding that you suspect could be coming from an underground source? You may have a water leak somewhere on your property.
Water mains and supplies can leak continuously underground for extended periods of time without any visible signs on the surface. The resulting damage of this leak could cause erosion and displacement of soil beneath the ground, which could eventually lead to damage to the surface above, or even impact the structural integrity of a building.
If you suspect a leak in your property, it is important to identify and fix the problem as soon as possible. This will stop your increased water bills and could prevent any further damage incurred on your property.
Accurately detecting the location of a possible underground leak can minimise the cost of the repair and the disturbance to your property. We use non-invasive detection methods to locate the position of a leak from the surface to avoid unnecessary excavations along the line of the water main or supply feed.
Using state-of-the-art underground utility detection methods such as Electromagnetic Location and Ground Penetrating Radar, we can accurately trace the line and depth of a water supply before attempting to detect the leak.
Multiple techniques can then be utilised to pinpoint the position of the leak. These methods include Acoustic detection, Tracer gas detection, Ground Penetrating Radar and Thermal imaging.
Acoustic detection
When pressurised water is released into the ground, it often emits a hissing or bubbling sound that normally wouldn’t be heard underground. Acoustic detection utilises multiple tools to effectively listen for a leak within the soil. ranging from a ‘Listening Stick’ which can be probed into the ground to detect the sound of a water leak, to digital amplified microphone equipment that can be fine-tuned to amplify the sound of an underground leak whilst blocking outside noise.
Tracer Gas Detection
Tracer gas is comprised of a mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen gasses which is completely non-toxic and is perfectly safe to use within the water network. This is pumped into the water pipe which pressurises the supply and forces the gasses out of the source of the leak. This gas can then work its way to the surface through the soil and even through concrete/tarmac, where it can be detected using a gas monitor. This method also pressure tests the supply at the same time.
GPR Leak Detection
With Ground Penetrating Radar, we can both accurately locate the line of the water supply and identify the area of a possible leak. Using radar technology, the GPR system creates subsurface imagery which can determine whether the soil below the ground is saturated compared to surrounding ground conditions.
After locating the line of the pipe, we can then create a window of data surrounding the pipe which can then be further analysed to identify any areas of disturbance to normal ground conditions caused by saturation from a leaking main.
Thermal Detection (Thermography)
Thermography utilises thermal imaging technology to visually see where any water might be escaping and affecting the temperature of its surroundings. This method is primarily used for hot water or heating pipes and is extremely effective, however it can also be used for cold water mains if the surrounding conditions are optimal.
