Underground Water Leak Detection and Repairs (Could You Be Losing Money without Knowing?)

There is the same amount of water in the world today as there was millions of years ago. But, it is not the same water. The world consumes plenty of water in ways that transform the quality of water once it has been used. Just think about the amount of water that needs to be re-sanitised before people can use it in their homes and businesses again. Not only that, but water is used in increasingly new ways, such as in recycling processes. This provides a valuable service to the

Image Courtesy of H2O Building Services planet and its people, but it does mean that – at least temporarily – that water is no longer available for consumption. So, although there may be the same amount of water, it does not mean that people have unlimited access to it. And this boils down to a frightening increase in the cost of water. Sadly, too many businesses are paying for water they are not even using. Inaccuracies in plumbing systems, and general wear and tear lead to leaks. Often these occur underground, where it is not a simple matter of replacing a worn washer. The Cost of Underground Water Leaks If your business is paying a small fortune for water, there is a strong chance you are battling an underground leak that you do not have the resources to repair on your own. This is especially true on properties which require many different water outlets, some of which are in almost continual use. Take, for example, hospitals and universities, these businesses use a lot of water, but that does not mean they are consuming it all. For large properties with significant water usage, the amount spent on underground water leaks may be unquantifiable; and it could represent a disproportionate amount of any one water bill. At this point, it becomes imperative to bring in the experts. And, while many people believe this should be the water company, sometimes this is not the best option. Some water companies do not have the resources to identify underground leaks while others may not have an interest in helping you quickly. It could take months or years before the problem is rectified, during which time your business could be flushing away thousands of pounds annually. Underground Leak Detection – How It’s Done Underground leak detection is done before breaking ground to repair it. That way, you’re not stuck with shredded pavements and dangerous holes while the results of leaks are generated. However, not all properties are the same nor are the sizes and location of leaks

involved. So, there are a couple of ways in which the professionals handle underground leak detection.

Ground Microphones – Specialised electronic listening equipment is employed to listen to the sounds produced by a water leak. Qualified technicians listening in are often able to pinpoint the exact site of an underground water leak through this method. Most leak detection teams begin with this method if the conditions for detection are in place. However, not all properties have an environment which is conducive to this method. And, sometimes ground microphones alone are unable to pinpoint the source of a leak especially if there are multiple points involved. Once electronic ground microphones have been tried, and found to be unsuccessful in discovering the exact source of an underground water leak, the investigation moves to one of the other techniques. Indeed, even when leaks are detected in this manner, noise correlation will often be the next step in the process.

Noise Correlation – Still employing sound as the source for underground water leak detection, noise correlation is often able to produce more specific results. Rather than simply using an electronic microphone, this method utilises two sensors. These are placed on either side of the suspected leak area, and each are calibrated according to the specifics of the property, or area. This includes information about the diameter of the water pipe and the material of its construction. As this can vary widely depending on the date of installation, specific information is truly vital for noise correlation programmes to work. Once this system is in place and operational, a monitor is used to display the testing area. Supposing there is a leak in the suspected area, it will appear visually on this screen, allowing Image Courtesy of H2O Building Services

technicians to determine exactly where there are leaks, and additionally, the size and scope of it.

Tracer Gas – While ground microphones and noise correlation are the most common methods used in underground leak detection, not all locations provide the right conditions for these systems to operate properly. In this instance, gas must be pumped through the water main. This gas, which is a combination of nitrogen and hydrogen, is more easily detectable with a sensitive gas monitor. As the gas escapes through the area of the leaking water, a gas detector will register it, and allow technicians to record the area of the water leak. While this is a supremely efficient method for leak detection, it is often the last resort as water systems are highly susceptible to outside elements, including gas.

Find out more about what a water leak detection service can offer to your business, by visiting our website: www.h2obuildingservices.co.uk/our-services/water-leak-detection/ What Happens After Underground Leak Detection? Finding a leak is obviously not the last step in the process, it is only the first. Once a qualified team has surveyed the site, a detailed report is provided to the client, or property owner. This report will cover the location of the leak, an indication of the cost of necessary repairs, an additional estimate as to the amount of water lost through the leak (and the cost associated with it), and the other effects the leak may have on the environment, or buildings in the area (such as rising damp). Once a client has this report, it is up to them to determine how to proceed. Typically repairs are given an immediate green light as the cost of many leaks is almost unbelievable. However, in some cases, additional funding may be required for the repair. In other cases, the repairs require approval from councils or neighbouring properties. However, qualified repair technicians are able to secure this on behalf of their clients. If you think your property may have an underground water leak, the best advice is to call the professionals – and quickly at that. There is little sense in paying for services you’re not even using. Our water experts here at H2O Building Services can walk you through the procedure and offer their water leak detection and water leak repair services immediately! Simply give us a call on 0845 658 0948 or visit our website to find out more! www.h2obuildingservices.co.uk