Leak Detection, Repair, and Assistance
In Partnership with M & S Water Services
Water bills higher than usual? You may have a leak.
Water leaks are usually unexpected, often invisible, and can be very costly.
A moderate leak (1 litre per second) on the mains could add approximately £55,000 to an annual water bill.
If you suspect you have a leak, first read our Leak Assistance Guide. Working with our partners, M & S Water Services, we can help pinpoint a leak and carry out any repairs necessary.
Indications that a hidden leak may be present include:
- Unexplained flooding
- Pooling water
- Penetrating damp
- Mould
- Green areas amid dry ground
- Increased consumption - resulting in a higher bill
Pipes can fail at any time, but the following factors increase stress on pipes and joints, making leaks more likely:
- Corrosion of metal pipes
- Pipes underneath a roadway with heavy traffic or unpaved surfaces
- Volatile water pressure
- Blockages
- Freezing conditions
- Metal fatigue
Identifying the Leak
Where the water is showing is not always where the leak is located. Our partners, M & S Water Services have highly trained leak detection staff who use a range of equipment to prove where the location of the leak is before they start their work.
As part of a site survey, the following things can be completed:
- All mains water supplies are mapped & zones established
- Flow rate & average daily usage is recorded
- Flow & pressure tests are conducted
- Sounding techniques are deployed with acoustic correlation and ground microphones to pinpoint the leaks location
Leak Detection Process
During the leak detection procedures, there should be no disruption to the water mains or site operations. In cases where what they are doing will affect you, M & S Water are committed to being as flexible as possible. They can work out of hours or at weekends.
Various techniques are employed to firstly narrow the search for the leak into a zone and then pinpoint the leak, typically to less than half a metre. Some of the techniques employed are described below:
- Leakage detection (open sounding, correlating, pipe tracing, and ground microphones);
- Flow and pressure logging, deployment, retrieval, and analysis;
- Pressure management design and installation;
- Step testing and zero pressure testing including data logging;
- Leakage controlled areas set-up and design;
- Crisis management (pressure checking, logging and monitoring); and water balance analysis.
Ready to find your leak?
Fill out the form below and someone from M & S Water Services will be in touch.