Leak Detection Basics (& Money Saving Checklist!)

Bruce Lee once said that water can flow or it can crash, but he forgot to mention that it can also leak and drip. Leaks and drips can be a serious cause of property damage and money wastage. To make matters even worse, it’s estimated that globally 35% of all treated water is lost due to leakage and that in South Africa 95% of leaks occur in small diameter service pipes connecting to water meters. Thankfully, leak detection experts in Cape Town – Water Utility Solutions – share their detection services knowledge to help you save money, and prevent property damage.

Water leakage which occurs on your side of the water meter isn’t only a waste of natural resources, it’s billable to your account as well. It’s as good as flushing money down the loo.

What Makes a Leak Detectable? 

Some leaks are obvious and while these can be a headache, the leaks which are not obvious can be even worse. Detecting these can be a little harder but water utility engineers at WUS use acoustic listening devices to isolate subterranean leaks. Acoustic leak detection devices isolate leaks by allowing operators to hear otherwise inaudible sounds. Water, when flowing as intended through a plumbing system, has a distinctive sound profile. You may be familiar with this sound when you open a tap in your bathroom for example and can hear the pipes ‘singing’. However, water which flows through irregular shapes such as cracks or bursts in pipes or geysers emits a sound profile which is not so harmonious.

Money Saving Leak Detection Checklist

1. Check your water meter for irregularities. This is the first and most important step!
2. Listen for running water at the toilet.
3. Listen for drips at the tap and slowly turn the tap to monitor if there is any reverse flow of water.
4. Check for dampness or pooled water beneath sinks, especially around the P trap.
5. Check for signs of rust around pipes beneath sinks.
6. Check for signs of moisture beneath appliances like dish washing machines, and (laundry) washing machines.
7. Check the geyser drip tray for extensively pooled moisture or overflow.
8. Check the pipes connecting your water meter to your residence and the mains.
9. Check the garden for puddles, patches of moist earth, or moisture building up at the walls.

Don’t let it get to this! Leaks left unchecked can result in extensive property damage, a big concern not only for municipalities but for bodies corporate and homeowners associations as well.

Best Ways Leak Detection Methods

The best leak detection methods used by WUS experts involve the latest in utilities technology. Smart water meters gather consumption metrics and data which can be monitored using advanced software. Our WaterEye app (available on AppStore and GooglePlay) reveals real time information which empowers users to quickly, easily, and remotely identify irregular consumption patterns for early leak detection. In addition to these early detection methods, leak isolation methods using acoustic technologies allow experts to find hidden leaks. Contact WUS experts today to find out how we can help you protect your property, save money and prevent wastage of our most precious natural resource.