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9. Leak detection and location

9.1 Leak detection techniques

9.2 Leak location techniques
9.3 Equipment for leak detection and location

This Section describes the techniques for leak detection and location, and, where appropriate, the range of equipment to
support each technique. The equipment is described in more detail in Section 10.

Definitions

There is a clear distinction between leak detection and leak location.

Leak detection is the “narrowing down” of a leak or leaks to a section of the pipe network. Leak detection activities may
be carried out routinely, i.e. as a “blanket” survey of the network, or in precise areas of the network, guided by the
analysis of DMA data.

Leak location is the identification of the position of a leak prior to excavation and repair, although finding the exact
location cannot be guaranteed. Location surveys can be carried out with or without prior leak detection activity.

9.1 Leak detection techniques

There are a number of techniques to detect where leakage is taking place in the network, including:

- sub-division of DMAs into smaller areas by temporarily closing valves or by installing meters;

- variations of the traditional step-test;

- the use of leak localizers;

- sounding surveys.

All the techniques are explained in the following sections.

Sub-division of DMAs by internal valving

When monitoring shows that leakage has increased in a DMA, internal valving can be carried out to temporarily
subdivide the DMA into smaller areas. If daytime closure of the valves causes supply problems they can be closed at
night, and opened again before the morning high demand.

Each sub-area is monitored in turn using the DMA meter. The result of each sub-division can be monitored by installing
flow data loggers at each input meter in advance of the test. In large DMAs further sub-division can take place over
several nights (see step-testing). At the end of the test the logged flow rates can be compared with the sequence of sub-
division of the DMA. Leaky sub-areas are inspected and “normal” sub-areas left alone. Fig. 9.1 shows a DMA being fed
by three DMA meters, with internal valving to sub-divide the DMA.

Fig. 9.1. DMA sub-division by valving

Sub-division of DMAs by metering

In DMAs where sub-dividing would cause too much disruption, consideration can be given to installing a meter or meters
on an internal boundary, as shown in Fig. 9.2. In effect this creates two DMAs, one cascading into another.

These meters would not normally be read, until DMA monitoring shows an increase in night flow. Internal valving may be
carried out in conjunction with metering for further sub-division.

Fig. 9.2. DMA sub-division by metering

Step-testing

This technique has been used by the UK water industry for many years. It involves some advance work to design step
test areas and to identify sections of pipework and valves. A flowmeter is installed on the input main to each area. The
principle of the technique is to systematically reduce the size of the area by closing valves on each section of pipe in
turn, at the same time noting changes in flow rate at the meter. A large drop in flow rate indicates a leak in the section of
pipe which has just been closed.

There are two main types of step-test. The traditional technique is to progressively shut valves, working back towards the
meter, and then returning to open valves when the test is completed. This technique is less popular now because of
interruptions to supply and the possibility of dirty water problems. A more recent technique, helped by improvement of
flowmeter and data logger technology, is to use a series of short steps, isolating sections of the DMA for a short time
only. This technique requires a remote meter reading device, either a radio or mobile phone, positioned at the meter.
Flow rates are transmitted to the site operators, enabling them to see the results of the valve closure immediately, speed
up the operation, and reduce the time the valves are left open. One man operation is also feasible, within the limits of
health and safety guidelines (i.e. always two men operation at night)

This step-test principle is illustrated in Fig. 9.3.

Fig. 9.3. DMA valved for step-testing

The techniques of step-testing are well documented in Report 26. The procedures for setting up and operating step-test
areas are still valid today. However, the technology for both monitoring and recording flows has advanced since the
report was published. Step-test areas are now generally smaller (500-1000 properties), and are usually incorporated
within larger DMAs, using the DMA meter for monitoring flows into the DMA and for carrying out step-tests in each area.
It should be noted, however, that some companies find that step-testing is no longer a viable technique, for the following
reasons:

- step-tests require expensive overtime working, coupled with staff rest time for most of the following day;

- to comply with regulatory requirements, companies must warn customers of planned work, which is time-
consuming and expensive (see Section 8);

- step-testing may cause bursts on weak mains and discoloured supplies.

The latter problem may be alleviated by flushing prior to the test.

Sections 7.36 to 7.44 of Report 26 contain a useful guide to establishing step-test areas within a DMA. The procedure is
summarized below, with the terminology updated.

1. Establishing a step-test area

- Determine the number of properties in the area.

- Determine the number of metered customers who use water at night.

- Estimate the number of unmetered non-domestic customers, taking note of those likely to use water at
night (e.g. pubs, hotels, residential homes - see Sections 7.3 and 7.4).

- Check the condition of valves to be operated during the test.

- Allocate numbers to the valves and note if they are closed clockwise or anti-clockwise.

2. Plans

Prepare a plan of the step-test area to show:

- road names and layout of pipes;

- meter installations and valves;

- boundary valves (closed to isolate the area from the DMA);

- circulating valves (closed to remove loops, to create a tree and branch network);

- step valves (operated during the step-test);

- all other valves, not used during the test, to avoid opening in error (e.g. DMA boundary valves);

- positions and details of commercial customers, with an estimate of their night use (to help later analysis of
step- test data);

- valve numbers, status (closed or open), and direction of closing.

Plans should be kept waterproof in a clear plastic wallet. A detailed plan of a step-test area, reproduced from Report 26,
is shown in Fig. 9.4 (note that “DMA meter” has replaced “waste meter” in the terminology).

Fig. 9.4. Plan of a step-test area (reproduced from Report 26)

3. Preparation for the test

- Consider a flushing programme to reduce water quality problems.

- Close as many valves as possible during the day without disrupting the customers’ supply.

- Close the remaining valves at night before starting the test.

- Take the initial night flow reading.

- Where possible, turn off large night users or premises with tanks that fill overnight.
 - Read the meters of those users, which cannot be turned off, and subtract from night flow (install data
loggers if practicable).

- Check that at-risk customers and those with special needs are not disrupted.

4. Step-test procedure

(a) Isolation method. In this method, the sections of the area downstream of the closed valve are without
water during the test.

- Close the circulating valves.

- Starting with the step valve furthest from the meter, close the valves in succession so that less
and less of the area is supplied via the meter.

- If any step valve is not drop tight, there will be no change to the flowrate until the next valve is
closed.

- Follow the sequence of closing valves right up to the meter, when the flow should be zero.

(b) Close and open method. In this method, the valves are closed at each step but re-opened once the
meter reading has been noted. This overcomes the disadvantage of the isolation method, which can
inconvenience night users. However, if a burst is identified on one of the steps, care should be taken when
restoring the supply to avoid aerated or discoloured water.

(c) Backfeed method. This method uses the same sequence of closing as the isolation method, but each
time a valve is closed, another is opened behind it, starting with the boundary valves. This allows the water
to backfeed from another part of the network, maintaining supplies to the area. However, while this method
may have been acceptable in the early days of “waste metering”, when step-test areas were closed in
specifically for a test, it may not be acceptable now, when DMA boundary valves should be kept closed to
maintain the accuracy of DMA flow data.

Appendix B of Report 26 gives a detailed check-list of procedures and equipment for preparing and carrying out a step
test operation. Although the references to “waste meters” are no longer relevant, the Appendix provides a useful guide.

A typical sequence, practised by one water company, is as follows:

- step-test at night, unless during the day is unavoidable;

- close all boundary valves prior to the test;

- attach logger to the meter, programmed for 1-minute intervals;

- start at the point furthest away from the meter, recording the time of closure and valve details;

- sound each valve for tightness;

 - work back towards the meter;

- each step is shut long enough to see the impact at the meter (typically 10 minutes);

- if an urban area with bulk users (e.g. hospitals), back-feed the area as each section is shut;

- re-open in reverse order, opening each valve slowly to avoid bursts;

- sound leaky sections during the day.

A typical time requirement for DMA with 25 steps is 4 hours 10 minutes (25 × 10 min.) plus operating time.

Leak localizing (noise logging)

This technique has become popular over the last few years, and practitioners are increasingly using the technique as an
alternative to step-testing. The technique can also be used as a routine survey to “sweep” a zone. The equipment is
supplied by several manufacturers (see Section 9 and Annex 5), and usually consists of a set of 5 or 6 microphones,
each incorporating a logger. The units are magnetized to ensure contact between the sensor and the metal. Units are
installed on a group of adjacent fittings (usually valves or hydrants), and are set to switch on automatically at a
predetermined time. The loggers listen for and record the constant source of noise generated by a leak, usually over a 2-
hour period. Because they are set out during the day and record the noise levels automatically at night, they have an
advantage in busy or dangerous areas. The readings are analysed by comparison of sound levels and sound spreads
recorded at each logger. This indicates whether there is a consistent anomaly at one or more of the fittings, requiring
closer inspection in the vicinity of that hydrant. Proximity to a leak is typically represented by a high decibel level and
narrow noise spread. However, when analysing logger results they should be compared with each other and not in
isolation, in order to compare the significance of the results from the group.

Some manufacturers supply a hydrophone version of the logger, to give better sensitivity in the trunk mains.

Case studies of the use of leak localizers by various water companies have been published by one of the manufacturers
(Palmer Environmental - sales literature). The papers describe in detail the deployment of the loggers, and are illustrated
with screen dumps of the results from logging exercises-these clearly show the variation in noise level and spread.

Sounding survey

Sounding is the systematic survey of a DMA, listening for leak noises on valves, hydrants, stop-taps or at the ground
surface above the line of the pipe. A sounding survey can be carried out either as the follow-up stage to a leak detection
exercise, or as a blanket survey of the whole DMA.

Although blanket sounding can be inefficient in terms of focusing on leaky areas, it does provide a systematic
examination of the DMA, such as when a DMA is first commissioned. It also allows other non-leak faults to be identified.

Sounding surveys are carried out using various types of equipment, such as:

- a basic listening stick;

- an electronic listening stick;
 - a ground microphone;
- a leak noise correlator (survey mode).

The basic instrument is the sounding stick, which is used either as a simple acoustic instrument or electronically
amplified. This technique is still widely preferred by the majority of practitioners, and is used for:

- blanket surveys, sounding on all fittings;

- sounding on valves and hydrants;

- confirming the position of a leak found by other instruments (ground microphone, leak noise correlator).

The ground microphone can be assembled for use in either of two modes, contact mode and survey mode. The
contact mode is for sounding on fittings, similar to an electronic listening stick. The survey mode is used to search for
leaks on lengths of pipeline between fittings. The technique involves placing the microphone on the ground at intervals
along the pipe and noting the changes in sound amplification as the microphone nears the leak position.

When a leak is detected, the ground microphone is used in either mode for leak location. Fig. 9.5 shows the assembly of
the equipment in both modes.

Fig. 9.5. Microphone in ground and contact modes

Leak noise correlator

The leak noise correlator is the most sophisticated of the acoustic leak location instruments. Instead of depending on the
noise level of the leak for its location, it relies on the velocity of sound made by the leak as it travels along the pipe wall
towards each of two microphones placed on conveniently spaced fittings (maximum 500 m apart). Hydrophones can also
be used to enhance the leak sound in plastic pipes or large pipes. There is no doubt that the latest versions of the
correlator can accurately locate a leak (to within 1.0 metre) in most sizes of pipe. The instrument is portable and can be
operated by one man, and it has the capability for frequency selection and filtering. However, there are some leaks which
the correlator has difficulty in locating, notably pipes which are low pressure, large diameter, non-metallic, and with
infrequent contact points for microphone placement.

The correlator can be used in two modes:

 - as a survey tool to detect leaks in sections of the pipeline;
- as a location tool to identify the leak position.

When using the correlator as a survey tool, a correlation peak shows that a leak noise is present. Before carrying out a
correlator survey, a plan of the DMA should be prepared, showing the location of all valves and hydrants to be used in
the survey. These should be numbered on the plan, and a Table prepared showing lengths of pipe by end numbers, and
the estimated distance between locations.

An example of a two-man correlator survey is as follows: one operator carries the correlator and microphone and a copy
of the plan. The other operator carries the second microphone. Both operators carry radios or mobile phones. The
sequence is as follows:

- Operator 1 attaches the correlator and microphone to the first fitting.

- Operator 2 attaches the microphone to the second fitting and informs operator 1.
- Operator 1 carries out a correlation run and any resulting leaks are noted in the Table.
- Operator 1 informs operator 2 by radio to say when to move on to the next fitting.
- Operator 1 repositions the correlator for the next run.
- The sequence is repeated until the area is complete.

The correlator is used in location mode on those sections which appear to have leaks.

The advantages of the correlator survey are:

- it is unaffected by ambient noise;

- unlike step-testing, it can be done during the day;
- the procedure takes only a little more time than valve and hydrant sounding.

Fig. 9.6 shows a plan for a typical correlator survey.

Fig. 9.6. Correlator survey plan

9.2 Leak location techniques

Leak location is the pin-pointing of a leak position once its has been identified from one of the detection techniques
explained in section 9.2. The sounding stick, ground microphone, or leak noise correlator are used in exactly the same
way as for leak detection, except that they are used more intensively in smaller areas of the network to track down the
leak position. In the case of the correlator, “location” mode is used instead of “survey” mode.

There are also a number of other acoustic and non-acoustic location methods, which are usually used when acoustic
methods fail to find the leak. Besides the well established gas-tracing technology, several new technologies are being
developed and tested in trials by the water industry.

Gas injection

Gas injection and tracing techniques are used less frequently for leak location, mainly because the other techniques are
successful in most cases. For the difficult leaks, however, particularly those in low-pressure, non-metallic trunk mains,
gas injection is the next choice. An inert gas is injected into the pipeline, and is traced as it comes out of solution at the
leak point. Because of the equipment needed to inject and trace the gas, however, it is more cumbersome than
correlation, and is usually carried out by a specialist contractor. The most common tracer gases used are sulfur
hexafluoride (SF6) and industrial hydrogen (95% nitrogen, 5% hydrogen). The main disadvantage of the SF6 technique is
that bar-holes have to be made in the ground, at 1.0-metre intervals along the line of the pipe, to allow the gas to collect
and be traced.

The main advantage of the hydrogen technique is the speed of tracing. The gas diffuses through the soil (and asphalt
and concrete, but less quickly) as it comes out of solution, and rises to the surface, eliminating the need for bar-holing.
From practical experience the main applications of the H2 technique are:

- finding multiple small background leaks in a single section of pipe, e.g. during a step test;

- finding leaks in service pipes, which are relatively close to the surface, and which can contain unexpected
loops and bends making accurate correlation difficult.

The tracer gas is injected into the network via a hydrant upstream of the suspected leak. The operator walks along the
line of the pipe with a sensor, which is either hand-held or a surface probe. The sensor is microelectronic, and the
manufacturer claims that no maintenance is required. The hand-held sensor is used for tracing on accessible pipes or
fittings, the surface probe for tracing the gas close to the ground, along the line of the pipe. Details of manufacturers of
the H2 and SF6 tracing equipment are contained in the Annex.

Other techniques

Several innovative techniques have been tried by the water industry as an alternative to the conventional techniques
described above, usually to find difficult leaks, especially in trunk mains. The techniques include ground radar, thermal
imaging, and in-pipe acoustic technology (e.g. WRc’s “Sahara”). Some of the techniques are fully developed but are
currently being tested in trials by the industry. Several water companies claim success with ground radar, and with
thermal imaging, using an aircraft mounted camera to over-fly rural trunk mains. Other techniques, like the “Sahara” are
still being developed and tested by companies, and are not yet commercially available. A review of these innovative
techniques was presented to a water industry seminar in 1997, and sets out case studies for the use of ground radar and
thermal imaging techniques.

A review of leak detection and location techniques used by U.K. water industry practitioners was carried out for the
National Leakage Initiative in 1994. This was reported in Managing Leakage - Report J.
Detailed operating procedures for leak detection and location equipment are contained in the manufacturers’ operating
manuals. A list of leading manufacturers of equipment are given at the end of this Section (see below).

Some manufacturers also give training courses in techniques and equipment for leak detection and location.

Procedures for planning and implementing leak detection, location and repair activities

A typical procedure practised by one water company consists of three stages:

· Planning
· Leak detection and location
· Leak repair

The planning stage includes the principles of DMA monitoring and analysis:

- review nightline;

- identify the DMA with the highest nightline;

- check that the nightlines are not high for other reasons (flushing exercise, outstanding mains or service
pipe repairs);

- access plans of DMA, and identify boundary valves and metered users, customers with special needs, etc.;

- check PRV operation if applicable;

- check boundary valves and carry out a zero pressure test on anomalies;

- close the open boundary valves and check that all valves are tight;

- check the nightline again and if still high, calculate the ESPBs (equivalent service pipe bursts);

- go to leak detection and location procedure.

The leak detection and location procedure is summarized in Fig. 9.7.

Fig. 9.7. A typical leak detection and location procedure

Case Study 1. Leak detection and location survey

This case study describes leak detection and location activities carried out by one water company, following analysis of
nightline data. It highlights how a leak detection survey is complemented by daytime location, and discusses the relative
advantages and disadvantages of daytime and night sounding.

Sounding at night

This technique is practised mainly in urban areas. The company uses six-man teams of “night surveyors” who carry out a
sounding survey. Each team surveys sluice valves, fire hydrants and stop taps equivalent to about 2500 properties per
week (including time for gaining access to chambers). All leak sounds discovered during the night survey are passed to a
core of skilled daytime inspectors who carry out full leak location. The use of night teams for surveying only has the
following advantages:

- less ambient noise at night (easier to identify leak sounds);

- less customer use (fewer draw-off sounds);

- leak sounds are checked twice, once at night and once during the day (confirming leaks rather than use);

- night teams are dedicated to sounding survey and not leak location (survey rate maintained at 2500
properties per week);

- the day team is fully utilized in leak location rather than detection surveys (better use of skills and
equipment);

- areas with high volumes of road traffic can be surveyed at night, followed by the location team in the early
hours of the same morning (eliminates the need for work on accumulated leaks, usually carried out in the
early hours of Sunday morning).

Daytime leak location

It is not always practicable to use night survey teams, e.g. when there are few access points in the network, as in some
rural areas. Other methods of leak detection and location are used in these circumstances, such as:

- correlation surveys on lengths of main;

- sounding of distribution fittings by day inspectors;
- use of acoustic data loggers which can be deployed as required.

Case Study 2. Technique determined by area

This study describes how a water company chooses techniques for urban/rural and large/small DMAs. Table 9.1
summarizes the techniques used by DMA type.

Town centres. Town centre investigations are normally carried out by the night team. In exceptional circumstances the
day inspectors may be used on overtime.
Larger urban areas. Some of these may incorporate old “waste districts”. Data loggers are temporarily fitted to the
meters and the district is split into sub-areas to highlight high flows. An Aqualog and/or correlator survey is carried out to
break the area into manageable sections. This is followed up with stick sounding and/or correlation to identify leaks.

Larger rural areas. Large areas-typically with long lengths of main and fewer properties-are normally step-tested. An
Aqualog or correlator survey is carried out on sections which recorded large drops. The area is progressively broken
down into smaller sections which are then sounded or correlated.

Small urban/small rural areas. In these areas the leakage inspector usually decides the technique.

First-pass survey. For all types of area, first-pass techniques are usually instigated by the supervisor in charge of
leakage inspectors. A step-test, correlator survey or Aqualog survey may be carried out in the DMA prior to carrying out
more detailed investigation. This applies particularly to larger DMAs. In small DMAs the inspector takes responsibility for
the technique used.

Table 9.1. Techniques used by DMA type

DMA First-pass investigation Second-pass investigation Follow-up Comments

type
Town LNC Sounding LNC survey Investigations normally
centre carried out at night
Large Run waste districts/Aqualog Stick sounding/leak noise correlation LNC survey
urban or LNC survey to pinpoint leaks
Small Sounding LNC/stick sounding LNC survey/stick
urban sounding
Large Step-test/Aqualogs Aqualogs/LNC Check NFN
rural
Small Sounding LNC/sounding LNC survey/stick
rural sounding

References and further reading

1. District Metering - System Operation. M. Farley, WRc Report ER210E, UK, 1986, Pub WRc.

2. Leakage control, policy and practice (Report 26), cited before in Section 1.3.

3. The Use of Aqualog Noise Loggers to Solve a Difficult Urban Leakage Problem (Palmer Environmental sales
literature).

4. Innovative Ways to Detect Leakage. M. Farley, IIR Seminar, London, UK, 1997, Pub IIR.

5. Managing Leakage, Report J - Leakage management techniques, technology and training (see Section 1.3).

9.3 Equipment for leak detection and location

A review of the equipment

Table 9.2 presents one water company’s review of currently available equipment for leak detection and location.

Table 9.2. Equipment for leak detection and location

Equipment Comments / Application Limitations

‘Basic’ Rudimentary sounding of SVs, FHs, MSTs etc. Some smaller leak sounds may go undetected
Listening (good ear required by inspector).
Stick
‘Electronic’ General sounding of SVs, FHs. MSTs etc. Better than ‘Basic’ Stick Few limitations, generally useful part of the
Listening due to sound amplification. Is sometimes used to confirm ‘best leak inspectors ‘tool kit’. Better than ‘Basic’ Stick, not
Stick sound’ position after correlation. as good as ground microphone (see below).
Electronic More sensitive than the electronic stick, generally used to confirm More ‘cumbersome’ to use than listening stick.
ground ‘best leak sound’ after correlation, powerful enough to listen to leak Some inspectors do not like to use
microphone sounds through ‘made roadways’. Can be used for general sounding microphones, they prefer the electronic stick.
with a probe screwed into microphone.
Electronic As sensitive as the ground microphone with the added advantage of More ‘cumbersome’ to use than listening stick.
ground the inspector being able to adjust filters and remove some unwanted Some inspectors do not like to use
microphone sounds. Generally used to confirm ‘best leak sound’ after correlation. microphones. they prefer the electronic stick
with sound Powerful enough to listen to leak sounds through ‘made roadways’.
frequency Can be used for general sounding with a probe screwed into
filters microphone.
Acoustic ‘Stores’ sounds within the distribution system usually between 02:00 Does not locate actual leak position, can give
Detection and 04:00. Loggers are set up and downloaded using a PC. Leak identification that leak is taking place.
Loggers sounds are identified by the ‘range’ of sounds recorded by the
logger. Useful for areas where normal leak location activities cannot
be used.
Step Test Mobile Advanced Step Tester (MAST) system. Used for remote Valve closure required. may cause discoloration
Unit monitoring of flows whilst carrying out step tests within distribution / water quality problems. Difficult to use during
networks. Allows almost instant results of valve closure leading to day as some disruption to supplies will take
minimum disruption to customers. Leak location activity can be place (unless areas are ‘back fed’ when valve
carried out quickly rather than waiting for ‘office based’ analysis of closure takes place). Step tests need to be
step tests using dataloggers. Can also be used for remote planned to gain best results.
monitoring of pressure during valve closure (critical node monitoring
whilst setting up PMAs or DMAs).
Leak Noise Used for general ‘surveying’ of lengths of main for leak sounds Very accurate when all data inputs can be
Correlators followed by more accurate leak location. Various ‘models’ available guaranteed Limited to the fact that main
-various from easy to use menu driven machines to PC controlled EFT material. length, velocities can cause errors in
machines for more ‘difficult’ jobs. Sensitive enough for quiet leak calculations if not accurately entered. A
sounds, can survey long lengths of main rather than manual reasonable level of inspector training, skill and
sounding of individual valves. PC based correlator can be used for experience is required for use. The better the
other applications including on-site interrogation of flow / pressure information the better the result.
data loggers, acoustic data loggers. PCs can be loaded with ‘mobile’
graphical information systems providing inspectors with distribution
system drawings.
Hydrogen Identifies leak position by detecting the location of hydrogen gas Best suited to locating leaks on smaller pipes
gas which has been introduced into the water supply. The hydrogen gas (ideal for difficult supply pipe leak locations).
detection (carried in 93% nitrogen) rises to the surface above the leak position. Pipework is de-watered by the introduction of
method Due to the small size of hydrogen molecules the gas can permeate the gas. Gas needs to be introduced by using
concrete, asphalt etc. Provides accurate leak location as the gas either a boundary meter box and forcing the gas
rises above the break in the pipe. toward the property or closing the boundary
connection and introducing the gas through the
customers internal stop tap. Can take some
time to set up and for gas to rise to surface for
detection.
‘Flexi Enables non-metallic pipework to be located by the insertion of a The trace wire has to be inserted into the bore
Trace’ flexible ‘wire’. Once inserted in the pipe a signal is induced either at of the pipe, leading to a possible contamination
the leading point of the trace wire or throughout its length. This risk. Hygiene care needs to be taken when
signal can then be traced using a cable avoidance tool. using the trace. Trace will not pass sharp bends
or Tee’s. When obstructions are met the pipe
has to be excavated, the pipe cut and trace re-
inserted.
Pipe & Used for locating cables and pipework. Not suitable for plastic pipes unless ‘flexi’ trace
cable is used.
locating /
avoiding
tools
Other pipe A ‘vibrating’ sound can be induced in the pipe to be traced via Can get complaints about noise in pipes when
tracing equipment attached to a hydrant. The pipe is traced by listening on in use. Some argument about possible damage
equipment the surface for the sound being transmitted down the pipe. to pipe by vibration.

Equipment manufacturers

This section summarizes the equipment for leak detection and location commonly used by the water industry in the
United Kingdom. It lists the current models supplied, and approximate prices (as at March 1998).

Leak detection equipment Approx. cost

(£ sterling)
· Step test units
Biwater Spectrascan “Aqualink” 4600
Palmer “Mobile Advanced Step Test” unit (MAST) 6000
Wessex Electronics “Tele-link/Tele-log” 4500-5500
· Leak localizers
Biwater Spectrascan “Spectralisten” 6000
Palmer “Aqualog 40” / “Aqualog 50” 7000
Sewerin (PCL) SePem 4500
Leak location equipment Approx. cost
(£ sterling)
· Simple sounding stick
Palmer “ST 20” 80
Commercial Industrial Gauges (wooden)
· Electronic sounding stick
Biwater Spectrascan “Stethaphone” 280
Fuji Tecom FSD-7D 280
Palmer “LS 5” 400
Sewerin (PCL) Stethophon 195-250
· Ground microphone
Biwater Spectrascan (for use with Aquacorr) 750
Fuji Tecom HG-10 1200
Palmer “MK5” 1700
Sewerin (PCL) Aquaphon Memotech 2000
· Leak noise correlator
Biwater Spectrascan “Aquacorr” 6350
Palmer “MicroCorr 6” 12000-14000
Palmer “MicroCall” (portable PC-based correlator) 13000-16000
Palmer “Corralog Leak Manager” 6000
(incorporates flow/pressure loggers and step-test unit and ground microphone)
Primayer “Eureka” 5000
Sewerin (PCL) SeCorr 03 6000-6500
Sewerin (PCL) SeCorr 04 (portable PC-based) 9000-11000