Modern Technology And Water Leak Detection
Water leak detection has now become far more efficient with the expertly deployed use of modern technology. There are several different technologies available to water leak detection experts like Paradigm Reinstatements, who are based in Scotland and who have invested in cutting edge technology to help with water leak detection. Different types of pipes in the building trade are made from a variety of materials each of which requires an entirely different approach. Pipes may be made from various types of plastic, alkathene, polypropylene, lead, copper, stainless steel or ceramics. They all present unique challenges when it comes to water leak detection. Specialist water leak detection companies will either have invested in every type of leak detection equipment or will be able to hire them as required for each project.
Water Leak Detection Methods
The following are all water leak detection system methods that may be deployed:
Tracer gas – This method uses the introduction of gas to the pipes and “sniffer” technology to locate leaks over a given length of pipe.
Highly sensitive acoustic listening equipment - Audio can be very helpful and effective when listening for the location of a leak, as the sound of water escaping can be detected.
Oscillators and pipe knockers – Differing acoustics at a pipe break can be detected in the same way as a cracked bell will sound different when tapped.
Ferret leak locator – Modern technology that uses Sonde location and cleverly applied physics to track and trace water leaks in underground pipes.
Infrared cameras – Examination in the Infrared scale can be very effective if expertly applied and evaluated.
Utility pipe locators – Locating utility pipes is a basic requirement and there is a range of specialist utility pipe locators on the market.
Drainage CCTV and borescope cameras – Visual inspection is often helpful and can be the best way to evaluate the extent of pipe damage that has occurred.
The Ferret Water Leak Detection System
One of the newest, most innovative and technologically advanced pieces of equipment in use for water leak detection today is the ‘Ferret’ leak locator. This uses the cleverly applied principle of hydraulic pressure and innovative engineering to help find leaks in buried water pipes with incredible accuracy. This avoids the traditional methods of digging along the length of buried pipes trying to visually locate the water leak. The Ferret system has tremendous benefits including time saving and associated excavation costs. The Ferret will quickly locate the underground water pipe leak so digging can commence right at the point of the water leak.
Water leak detection contractors will be mindful of the negative impact of several discovery excavations on a customer’s property it the attempt to locate a water. In the past, contractors may have had to dig several holes or excavations to find a water leak. This adds to the cost and adds to the profit of the excavation contractor. Mindful of this, Paradigm Reinstatements employs its own excavation team as well as using Ferret technology to speed up detection, minimise disruption and its associated costs.
Ferret Accuracy
Ferret technology is proven to reliably locate leaks over a range of up to 50m on plastic, lead and copper pipes of between 10mm to 50mm diameter. The system uses a very clever hydraulic principle to pinpoint leaks to within millimetres, using the existing water pressure in the pipe to drive the unit.
Paradigm Reinstatements is a specialist building restoration companies based in Central Scotland. They are one of the early adopters of Ferret Technology and 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.
