Leak Detection Surveys

Zero leakage approach

We are renowned for our industry-leading approach to leak detection, having delivered some of the largest trunk main leak detection projects in the UK and abroad, for clients such as international water undertakers and industrial users.

Our state-of-the-art technologies accurately detect the smallest of leaks and air pockets in a pipeline. Utilising pre-existing access points for deployment and removal of equipment wherever possible, leaks can be identified, assessed and quantified without causing disruption to the service.

Working in partnership with utilities and industry, our techniques save time and money as well as conserving water that would otherwise be unaccounted for and lost. The detailed data that is gathered during inspections enables leak repairs to be prioritised immediately following the survey.

Successful results

In over 20 years of using the Sahara leak detection technology, WRc have found over 5000 leaks on 5000km of water mains surveyed; this equates to one leak every for 1 km surveyed. However, we are often asked to carry out annual repeat surveys on the same mains, detecting new leaks for repair each year. Closer analysis of the data shows that on average 1 leak is detected for every 500 metres of pipeline being surveyed for the first time.

The size of any leak detected is estimated and reported allowing clients to prioritise repairs. Leaks ranging from a few litres per hour to several hundred cubic metres per hour have been detected. Small leaks may be monitored using annual surveys to check that they are not getting worse; large leaks are pin-pointed for immediate, emergency repair.