Acoustic leak detection uses the sound of water escaping from a pressurised pipe to pinpoint the location of a leak in a buried water main. Listening rods are applied to all accessible fittings along the pipeline — hydrants, sluice valves, scour valves, boundary boxes — and a digital noise correlator compares the acoustic signal received at two points to calculate the exact leak location based on the time difference in arrival of the noise signal. The method is highly effective on metallic pipelines and smaller diameter water mains. Once the leak is pinpointed, excavation can be targeted to the exact location, minimising disruption and reinstatement costs.
What We Carry Out
- Digital noise correlators — pinpoint leak location on buried mains
- Ground microphones and listening rods applied to all accessible fittings
- Effective on metallic pipelines (DI, iron, steel) and smaller diameter polyethylene mains
- Non-invasive — no excavation required to locate the leak
- Suitable for all buried depths
- Written leak location report issued on completion
