How Trenchless Leak Detection Works And What Are Its Benefits

Having a problem with water leaks without you knowing? Want to find out how to perform leak detection using a trenchless system?

You've come to the right place — trenchless leak detection has gotten much better thanks to new technology!

Read on to learn more about how to do it, how it works, and its benefits.

What's Trenchless Leak Detection?

The old leak detection method was to listen quietly at night to hear dripping noises. This was effective because dripping leaks could usually be heard when things were quiet.

However, not all places, such as non-residential business establishments, are quiet at night, rendering this method ineffective.

You may also have leaks in areas where you can't hear it with your naked ear, such as pipes underground.

This poses a problem because to locate a leak in these piping lines, you need equipment that can amplify the leak sound.

Trenchless technology has made it more convenient for people in the United States to have pipe material installed without breaking fixtures like the house foundation, wall, or backyard surface.

It's also made it easier to find pipe leaks without breaking ground.

How Does Leak Detection Work?

Here are a few steps that you need to follow when performing leak detection for leaking pipes:

1) Determine the Leak Noise

There is a process you should do to determine and verify the exact location of the water leak:

Learn the Sounds

There are a few water leak sounds that can help you identify the location of the leak.

Pipe vibration
Water leaking that hits the soil
Water flow through the soil that makes a gurgling noise

For pipe vibration, you may hear a hissing or whooshing sound. Water flow through the soil should sound a bit like a small creek or brook.

When it comes to water leaking into the soil, it may sound like hammering or knocking. However, if the soil around the pipe is loose, there may not be any noise.

Using Sensors

Here is where more advanced technology and equipment aid in leak detection. A ground sensor can locate leaks through a hard surface like concrete.

Meanwhile, a probe sensor transmitter picks up leaks through soft surfaces like soil, grass, or a carpet.

These sensor equipment have shock absorbers and a safety switch to protect your hearing from sudden loud noises.

2) Diagnosis/Choosing Repair Options

After you've traced the approximate location of the plumbing leak, you should consult with the technician or plumber who installed the pipes.

Their diagnosis for what to do with leaking pipes is determined by a combination of factors like the water line, any presence of water hydrants in the area, and the flow of the leak.

After this inspection, you should have an idea of what kind of trenchless pipe repair installation will be needed.

3) Leak Repairs

Some leak repair solutions include epoxy pipe rehabilitation, PEX or copper re-piping, or spot repair/re-routing.

Before you choose your trenchless repair method, remember to consider your budget and how each repair process may inconvenience you.

Benefits of Leak Detection and Repairs

There are several benefits to using this technology for leak detection:

1) Multiple Leak Repair Options Available

Detecting the leak flow through hard surfaces, soft surfaces, or even under the water line means you don't have to tunnel down to find it.

This means that the trenchless pipe may be repaired without causing inconvenience or generating massive repair costs.

2) Water Leak Detection Technology

The tech used in water leak detection equipment has made it easier to find a leak because of the amplified sounds they allow you to hear.

3) Avoid Metal Corrosion

Future corrosion can be prevented by replacing any metal pipe with alternative materials for the pipe. It will reduce the chances of you having to spend on future repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Most Common Leak Detection Methods Used?

The two most common leak detection methods used for trenchless systems are the acoustic sensor (used by a person standing on the surface) and the free-flowing sensor deployed into the pipe (can transmit information back to the surface level).

What Is the Best Method to Check for Leaks?

The most cost-effective method that's effective is the acoustic sensor. However, if you have good ears and a quiet neighborhood, you might be able to hear it without the sensor.

Use the bubble method if the piping is above ground level and you suspect a leak. This involves putting soapy water on the surface of the pipes and checking where bubbles form.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article gave you more helpful information about trenchless pipe leak detection methods and why they're important to save money and reduce inconveniences.

However, if you're still unsure of what to do, we strongly advise you to contact a plumber or technician that knows how to work a trenchless system.

You wouldn't want to do a trenchless pipe lining repair if it isn't the best solution for your situation!