Ferret Leak Finder Technology
The Ferret Leak Locator makes detecting and fixing leaks a relatively simple process. It is quite new to the market compared to other traditional water leak detection solutions and it uses very cleverly applied physics alongside modern sonde technology.
The Ferret system has unique leak detecting capabilities and a number of features that enable far more efficient leak detection accuracy within underground pipes. The Ferret is powered by the existing water pressure already present in the pipe. This does not require prior knowledge of the pipe route to accurately detect water leak locations. This saves time and money and reduces the overall cost of water leak detection and repairs. The use of the Ferret is therefore of benefit to property owners, water leak detection specialists and reduces insurance company reinstatement costs.
Using cleverly applied hydraulics, the Ferret Head moves through any water pipe that has a suspected leak and when it reaches the leak the pressure drops and the Ferret head stops moving, thereby detecting the leak. The sonde can then be located at the Ferret head using pipe location tools which is accurate to a few millimetres. This means there is no longer any need for unnecessary digging to discover the leak. Overall the number and size of excavations required to locate and repair a leak is greatly reduced.
The benefits are:
Shorter times on water leak detection and more predictable costs
Far fewer unplanned and unpredicted delays making more accurate estimating
Less costs associated with labour and travel
Less likelihood of jobs overrunning leading to more efficient job planning
How Does Ferret Work?
Inserted into the Pipe
The Ferret Head can be inserted into the leaking pipe through various types of meter box without the requirement for any initial excavation. There is a range of adaptors and fittings to suit most situations.
Deflated
A mechanically robust balloon device, called the Ferret Head, is inserted inside the leaking pipe. The Ferret Head is attached by a long cord or umbilical to the main system. On presentation into the pipe, the Ferret Head is deflated so the water in the pipe can flow past it toward the leak.
Inflated
The Ferret Head is then inflated with the water that is already present in the pipe. When the pressure in the Ferret Head is greater than the pressure inside the leaking pipe, the Ferret Head blocks the pipe. Water cannot get past the Ferret Head at this point in the water leak detection process.
Moving
In the next part of the process, the pressure inside the Ferret Head is gradually reduced. When the pressure reduces and the right pressure balance is achieved, the Ferret Head starts moving towards the direction of the water leak.
Leak Area Detection
When the Ferret Head reaches the water leak location the water pressure drops and the Ferret Head stops. The Ferret Head stops moving forwards under water pressure as it is now escaping through the damaged area in the pipe. The Ferret Head has now found the location of the water leak!
Leak Location
The Ferret has distance marks at 1m intervals on the cord which gives the measurement and a sonde on the head that maps the location when it stops just past the water leak. Leaks with flow rates between 0.18 and 1,500 litres per hour can be detected by the Ferret System.
Simple to use
The Ferret is easy to use and doesn’t require previous leak location experience. Only minimal training is needed to achieve competent levels of use.
The Ferret features an on-board electronic control system (ECU) which makes it simple to operate by simple push buttons. This ECU system continuously monitors the Ferret’s flow and pressure sensors. The information is clearly displayed clearly on an easy to read backlit screen.
Need Help Detecting & Repairing A Water Leak?
Based in Central Scotland, Paradigm Reinstatements is an early adopters of Ferret Technology and they are one of the most experienced water leak detection specialists operating in the UK. They have invested in a comprehensive range of water leak detection equipment and trace and access solutions. They also employ their own team of excavation contractors so they can provide a total service which saves time and money for the insurance companies and a speedy resolution for the property owners.
