Theoretically, any water leak can be fixed, yet the difficulty is often in finding it. This is either because it is unclear where it is coming from, or if the leak is out of view. In either case, it may not be apparent that there is leakage until considerable damage occurs.

Leak detection

There are several companies that specialise in using different types of technology to identify leaks that may not be apparent to the naked eye. Some companies will use more than one type of technology to confirm a leak before proceeding with any work needed to fix it. This is especially important and tries to identify underground water leak detection, especially if the pipes carrying water are either under a building or set in concrete. It is also possible to detect water leaks using more traditional methods.

Thermal imaging water leak detection

Thermal imaging is one of the most common technologies used in detecting a leak and is often a starting point to identify the general area where underground leaks are located. It uses a specific type of camera that identifies heat as infra-red radiation and can show an underground network of pipes. It shows the general area of a leak, signified by either a hot or cold distinct area of the pipe.

Acoustic water leak detection

Acoustic detection uses a microphone that can pick up soundwaves through pipes or a network of pipes and can detect an imbalance in the wave pattern. This allows for an accurate assessment to be taken where the leak is likely to be, in accord with the alteration in the wave.

Although simple, this type of detection can vary significantly in terms of cost and effectiveness. Microphones can be quite simple or complex. Yet, this depends upon the area that needs to be listened to and the amount of external noise that may be present, either in a building or on roads.

Tracer gas detection

This is a new form of technology that is quickly becoming one of the more effective methods of underground water leak detection. If there is a suspected leak in a pipe network, it needs to be emptied first. Once done, a gas can be introduced into the system. This gas will then rise through any floor or concrete where there is a break in the pipes, pinpointing the position of a leak.

Moisture meter

This is often thought of as a more basic form of leak detection but can be highly effective in certain circumstances. It uses a handheld device like a smartphone, which has a sensor to detect levels of moisture. This is especially useful where there is dampness in a particular area of a room, thus indicating some type of underground water leak.

Bore Scope

This is again a remarkably effective type of detection technology, but one that is cumbersome to use when compared to other types as mentioned above. It is like the technology used in medicine where a camera is inserted into the body with a very thin cable attached to it.

Underground water leak detection sometimes needs this type of technology to go through a complex network of pipes, often either in or underground concrete, which can then see in real-time if there is a leak and precisely where it is. It can necessitate drilling into the structure of the building, sometimes in several places, to completely facilitate the exact location of the leak.