Most Cost-efficient Water Leaks Detection Method

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What is the most cost-efficient water leak detection method?

I know about internally based LDS and externally based LDS, as well the use of GIS and drones, but I am wondering what technology is affordable and precise enough?

I would also appreciate any studies you may have on the topic.

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11 Answers

  1. Next year I'll be testing methods for leakage detection on agricultural irrigation. I'm also very interested in this subject and as others has mentioned, I believe there may not be an unique best solution to all cases. I know a study that might interest you, which is the following: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280136555_Automated_detection_of_malfunctions_in_drip-irrigation_systems_using_thermal_remote_sensing_in_vineyards_and_olive_orchards

  2. One of the simplest approach is that you can use a portable ultrasonic leak detector and use it at night along with step test method.

    The principle is that you close the outlet of a section of a pipe network and check on the inlet flowmeter whether a flow exists or not. If flow exist, you can track the pipe using the leak detector.

  5. Detecting and repairing leaks is one of the main components of water conservation.

    The sonic leak-detection equipment’s are most important

    Helium Lek detetection

    Tracer gas leak detection

    Traditionally, water main leaks were not detected until the problem announced itself in the form of flooded basements or water welling up from cracks in the street. although small losses often will go completely unnoticed. Even though monitoring water usage section by section narrows down the search considerably, city employees then must painstakingly trace kilometres of pipeline buried under the streets while using special equipment to “listen” from aboveground for the tell-tale acoustic signs of a rupture. While old-fashioned and time-consuming, this method is both reliable and accurate—leaks can be traced to within approximately one meter by a trained operator.

    Signs of underground leaks include:

    • Unusually wet spots in landscaped areas and/or water pooling on the ground surface.

    • An area that is green, moldy, soft, or mossy surrounded by drier conditions.

     • A notable drop in water pressure/flow volume.

    • A sudden problem with rusty water or dirt or air in the water supply (there are other causes for this besides a leak).

     • A portion of an irrigated area is suddenly brown/dead/dying when it used to be thriving (water pressure is too low to enable distant heads to pop up properly).

     • Heaving or cracking of paved areas.

    • Sink holes or potholes.

    • Uneven floor grade or leaning of a structure.

     • Unexplained sudden increase in water use, consistently high water use, or water use that has been climbing at a fairly steady rate for several billing cycles.

     

     

    1 Comment

  6. Hi Peter, I remembered this recent publication in WWT although article first published in June.

    http://socsi.in/1qzVr

    Thought this might give an idea on where innovation is takeoff leak detection. Conventialy the best way is to use a combination off methods specific to pipe material, size and complexity of the network, not forgetting the social geography above ground. Hopes this helps.

  8. Smoke testing is also a great, simple, inexpensive and effective way to find leaks in the system. Just be sure residents and Emergency Services know ahead of time, so they don't panic.

    1 Comment

    1. Please enlighten me how it works?

      2 Comment replies

      2. There are different modes, but essentially, you set up a smoke system in your line and have people/monitor where smoke pops up. Colored smoke helps make identification easier. The smoke will come up wherever there are line breaks or leaks. 

  9. Igor is exactly right and each system also has a different costs associated with leaks including the cost of the water, damages and the cost of repair, all of which can be reduced by early correction.  For systems with low leakage, low cost of ample water supply or where water leaks surface quickly, a reactive approach may be the best approach.  It may also be that water loss in a system may be attributed to non leak or apparent losses.  The AWWA M36 speaks to the economic cost of water loss and that would also be a good starting point for you.  

  10. Dear Peter. There is no simple answer and there is no unique technology that "beats" other ones. Depend on network characteristics like pipe length, material, leak ratio, etc. I would suggest to you to get informed better in available technologies (ex. Leak Detection by S. Hamilton and B. Charalambous) and then, depending on your specific case, do the best scenario analysis.

    Hope it helped.