Leak Detection Principles and Practical Training

Course overview

This course provides on-site workers with the critical theoretical knowledge and practical skills in leak detection techniques, emphasising the importance of water conservation. Working directly alongside senior leak detection specialists, learners will gain real-world experience in conducting exercises in the detection, recording, and reporting of leaks within transmission/trunk mains, distribution and customer supply infrastructure. Content can be tailored to the specific requirements of the water utility, such as pipe materials and in-country conditions. We can also include the supply of the latest available leak detection equipment which is also tailored for the water utility.

This training ensures staff can perform their duties to the highest quality and efficiency, while ensuring the water undertaker can minimise leakage and safeguard supply for their customers. Upon completion, delegates will be able to:

• Define leakage and where it can occur on the network.
• Outline the different factors that cause pipe failures which lead to leakage.
• Explain how District Metered Areas (DMAs) are controlled and configured to determine the location of leaks.
• Distinguish when different methodologies should be used to repair leaks for various materials..
• Recognise the importance of reported, unreported and background leakage; leak prioritisation; and pressure management.
• Describe the principles behind types of leak detection equipment and how they are used in the field.

Who can benefit?

Delegates may include on-site contractors and water company leak detection staff, who require a standardised level of training to ensure consistency of operations, or who are experienced in leak detection and require upskilling on new equipment and techniques available to detect leaks.

This training is suitable for whole teams hosted at their water company premises/supply network. Our 1-day Introduction to Leakage Detection course and 3-day Advanced Leak Detection Training are more suited for individuals and small teams seeking training within a cohort of other industry-wide professionals.

Training outline

This course includes 1.5 days of in-person interactive group classroom training and technology demonstrations featuring Question & Answer sessions to clarify learning. This is followed by practical on-site training and assessment (1.5 days per delegate*) which allows hands-on application and demonstration of fully embedded learning. We can also provide an on-demand, self-paced version of the classroom materials via our online platform, allowing delegates to refer back, refresh and re-test themselves on what was learned. Topics covered include:

• What is Leakage?: Offers an understanding of the issue and its impact.
• Leak Types and Repair Methodologies: Outlines factors contributing to pipe deterioration and selecting the appropriate repair method for different types of failures. Methodologies covered will be tailored to the water utility requirements/network.
• Understanding District Metered Areas (DMAs): Provides an overview of monitoring, configuration and valve types which are crucial for efficient DMA operation and water conservation.
• Active Leakage Control: Emphasises the importance of prioritisation, the effect of pressure on leak types, and techniques to effectively survey leakage.
• Leak Detection Equipment – Principles and Instructions for Use: Guides the correct usage of various leak detection equipment, ensuring accurate results and preventing damage. Exact equipment will be tailored to the pipe material and in-country conditions to ensure the most applicable equipment is selected.
• On-site Practical Training and On-site Assessment: Participants will receive guided real-world experience and assessment in the use of newly acquired skills to identify leaks and recommend repairs.

*Each delegate will take part in approximately 1.5 days of group classroom training, and 1.5 days of practical training and assessment. Total training programme duration depends on the total number of delegates/trainers (practical sessions require a maximum of two delegates per trainer).

Our WRc specialists can also provide end-to-end consultancy services for leakage strategy and reduction schemes with training incorporated within the project. Please enquire via the form at the bottom of this page.