When it comes to finding water leaks there are a number of different methods that the team here at Specialist Leak Detection use. Each of these techniques has its own advantages and disadvantages, each suited to their own situations. But one of our most requested techniques is acoustic leak detection, which uses noise to identify where a leak might be occurring. If you are investigating the different types of leak detection available and you would like to know more about acoustic leak detection and how it actually works, then keep reading the post below.
Why Choose Acoustic Leak Detection?
Acoustic leak detection is incredibly popular because water generally creates a lot of noise when moving through your drainage system. This noise begins to change when it is leaking through a burst pipe. It’s actually quite recognisable and it tends to get louder as water moves the soil and concrete around it.
When we use acoustic leak detectors, we are listening out for that change, allowing us to identify where a leaky pipe is. This is significantly more accurate than a number of other detection techniques that we use, as the noise can only really emanate from the exact location of the leak. We tend to use acoustic leak detection when we are looking for a leak that is underground or within the walls, where it would be difficult to use any of our other techniques.
Do these Sounds Vary?
Of course, water sounds incredibly different depending on a number of factors. The location of the pipe is one of the main factors in determining how the water sounds, but our team of specialists have been trained to identify these differences. We’re not going to dig up a perfectly good pipe just because it sounds a little off.
But the location isn’t the only thing that can change the sound of water, the change in water pressure can affect how it sounds, and so can the severity of the leak. A really heavy leak will sound quite different to a small hairline crack, a differentiation that our team of professionals can easily hear.
Other factors like soil type and surface cover are also taken into consideration when we’re listening for issues in your pipes.
How Does the Technique Work?
We have specialist leak detection equipment that is designed to use acoustics to find leaks in water pipes. This equipment is made up of headphones, a microphone, an electronic monitor and an acoustic listening stick. These components work together to help us identify any issues. We will connect the detector to a stopper at the end of a suspected damaged pipe. The stopper can be opened and closed to create a rhythmic pulsation that will be picked up by the acoustic listening stick. This noise can be heard by one of our excellent engineers, who will listen for any changes in the sound of the water. This sounds more complicated than it is and our team can do this incredibly quickly, which is ideal when trying to find a water leak.
Why is it a Sound Choice?
Acoustic leak detection is a non-invasive process. This means that nothing has to be dug up or removed before the process begins. As a result, we can easily eliminate a number of your pipes from the search without having to resort to invasive techniques. It is also environmentally friendly and cost-effective, which can be a relief when you’re already battling the costs of rising water bills and water damage to your property.
If you want to find out more about a leak detection service, acoustic or otherwise, then why not get in touch with our team today?