Due to decaying water systems that have gone unregulated, water leaks and main breaks are increasing. These leaks often go unnoticed for more than six months before becoming apparent. We might lose up to 30% of treated drinkable water due to leaks, which is a serious consequence of breaches that go unnoticed. Fortunately, you can solve such problems using acoustic leak detection.
Acoustic leak detection methods depend on the fact that spills of liquid and gas make noise. However, it may be in the ultrasonic range and not necessarily a noise that the human ear can hear. Water pipe leaks pose a serious threat to the environment so this is where plumbing leak detection may provide a solution in such scenarios.
How Does Acoustic Leak Detection Work?
Water leaking from a pipe makes a unique sound, with minor leaks having a higher frequency and bigger leaks with a lower frequency. By categorising and distinguishing leak noises from those of regular water flow via the distribution system, a water acoustic leak detection device may identify leaks and pinpoint their locations.
The use of modern acoustic detection methods allows for the precise identification of water and gas leaks. Pipes attempt to equalise the internal and outside pressures, resulting in a disturbance at the leak site. This is the source of the sounds and is affected by several variables.
You can efficiently identify water leaks using narrowband acoustic sensors since they often make noises below a few kilohertz. Contrarily, gas leaks create wider frequency spectrums that extend into the ultrasonic region and may be detected more effectively using broadband sensors.
What Should You Consider Before Employing Acoustic Leak Detection?
Before you run off to hire a leak detection company, there are a few points to consider. The following advice will assist you in streamlining the water leak identification procedure, regardless of whether you are new to leak detection or eager to uncover connections to your location.
- Only Some Leaks Offer Audible Sounds: Leaks only sometimes produce noise. Even with the most sophisticated leak detection tools, it is often hard to hear sound. Consequently, you may use conventional water leak detection techniques to find the leak.
- Say No to Hydrant-to-Hydrant Surveys: Unless you are looking for a bigger leak with a pressing deadline, stay away from hydrant-to-hydrant inspections. There is a higher likelihood that you may overlook some leaks, given their poor performance at contact points.
- Stay Away from Overpromising Companies: Avoid leak detection companies who say they will locate all leaks. Since not all leaks are audible, it is difficult to locate every leak.
- Understand the Power of Isolation: Never take anything for granted. Valve isolation is necessary straight away to prevent flow via tees, throttled valves, and crosses.
Find The Right Method To Detect Leaks
In plain words, each water system has a different method for finding leaks. Each water system is unique. A comprehensive survey is thus always necessary to ensure the optimal solution.
Acoustic leak detection sensors are increasingly being included in water meters. Meters are widely dispersed and strategically placed, providing enough coverage for leak detection. The meter, an essential component of the water supply system, has the proper mechanical connection to detect leakages.
Moreover, in addition to providing data on water use, smart meters feature a built-in wireless communications connection that may transmit information about possible leaks. Low power consumption is the main issue when incorporating leak detection into smart meters. Batteries for water meters should endure for at least 15 years. Very low-power acoustic sensors are utilised to save power consumption, and the meter only transmits a singular acoustic noise signal once daily.
Use Non-Invasive Detector Equipment
It is strongly advised to utilise leak detection services since they avoid digging up the soil or taking down any buildings to inspect the pipes physically. This is labour-intensive and necessitates subsequent replacements and maintenance. It takes time and a lot of trial and error to locate leaks manually.
Acoustic detectors take the bother out of physically examining and testing the lines. You’ll save time and money this way. Since there is no need to dig up the ground and harm the ecosystem, it is also ecologically beneficial. Acoustic leak detection is economical and productive. The amount of work is reduced by half or even more. It is among the best methods for identifying and locating a water leak.
You can contact a leak detection specialist to identify the leaks in and around your place quickly. Therefore, you can save crucial time and fix any issues before they become costly repairs. Moreover, leak detection experts can get everything done faster than traditional methods and also offer cost-effective methods as there is no need to dig up the ground. So you can address leak issues right away.