Water Leaks

Pipes, Pools, Spas and Fountains

Metallic Pipes

Leaks from pressured water mains are readily located using acoustic leak detecting instruments.  The water leaving the pipe at a leak generates vibrations, which when amplified, can be used to pinpoint the leak.  The success and accuracy of the locate depends on several factors: the pipe material, the pressure of the system, the ambient noise level and the depth of the pipe.

Non Metallic Pipes and Gas Leaks

In some cases, especially when the pipes are plastic or transite (asbestos cement), a tracer gas is used to help identify the leak location.  The gas is detected on the surface with a CALIBRATED DETECTOR.

Click on the water meter test link for an easy check of your system

LEAK NOISE CORRELATION

Leaks in metallic pipes may be detected using a leak noise correlator.  This computerized instrument uses two microphones and amplifiers placed at valves in the vicinity of the leak.  These microphones transmit the vibrations from the leak to the processing unit which, when fed the pipe material and length between microphones, indicates on screen where the leak is located in relation to the valves.  In a system wide survey microphones can be moved from valve to valve checking each pipe length or city block for the presence of leaks.

Subtronic utilizes the latest developments in acoustic leak detection technology and employs leak noise correlations, numerous tracer gas detections, leak detecting “pigs” with radio transmitters and TV cameras to find leaks in sanitary sewers and storm drains.