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GPRS Leak Detection Explained
UNDERGROUND LEAK DETECTION
You could have a severe leak in your water system and not even know it.
Water loss is so common that researchers at the American Water Works Association estimate we collectively lose over two trillion gallons of water a year due to leaks within the current infrastructure. That’s enough water to submerge the island of Manhattan 300 feet underwater.
Severe water leaks can cause significant problems underground by eroding soil, causing voids, and compromising the integrity of buildings. And all this can happen without water ever reaching the surface.
Fortunately, GPRS’ leak detection services can quickly pinpoint a known leak when a problem is identified, or proactively search for leaks along a domestic water or fire system for a municipality or facility.
Our Project Managers specialize in all types of leak detection, including municipal, industrial, and residential. We have the equipment to locate your leak and the expertise to provide you with a comprehensive view into the integrity of your water distribution system. And we’ve strategically stationed our Project Managers across all major U.S. markets and cities, meaning you always have reliable, expert leak detection services near you.
What Leak Detection Methods does GPRS use?
Our Project Managers use both commercial acoustic leak detectors and leak detection correlators to locate your leak.
Physically locating leaks requires trial and error and takes time.
GPRS Project Managers use both acoustic leak detectors and leak detection correlators to eliminate the need to dig out the ground or remove structures to physically inspect your pipes. Because these leak detection methods don’t require digging up or damaging the environment, they are much more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Acoustic Leak Detectors
Acoustic leak detection involves using sophisticated ground microphones to listen for leaks coming from subsurface pipes. Leak detection specialists are trained to hone in on leaking pipes’ specific sounds and frequencies.
Acoustics refers to the property of how sounds are transferred and reflected through buildings, rooms, or objects.
Vibration is the source of sound. Vibration occurs when an object moves rapidly back and forth. A ringing bell moves the surrounding air, making it vibrate. Sound propagates outward from the ringing bell. If the vibration is more significant, the sound produced will have more energy. Sound moves away from the bell in waves. Sound waves move through air, water, and solids.
Different types of matter transmit sound differently. The difference comes from the distance between the particles. The particles in gases, such as air, are farther apart than the particles in liquids, such as water, which are farther apart than those found in solids. Solids transfer sound quickly since the particles that make them up are close together. Sound energy is transferred more efficiently between particles that are close together. Liquids and air transmit sound much slower because the particles are farther apart. As a result, the speed of sound varies, especially in gases.
When an object vibrates, it causes vibrations in the matter surrounding it. The bell sends sound waves through the air and the ground in all directions. The same properties of the bell ringing apply to a leaking pipe. As a pipe leaks, the water that pushes through the compromised material creates a vibration through the pipe. The vibration produces a frequency that can be heard by sensitive audio equipment.
It is critical to consider the pipe material and size when diagnosing a potential leak. Pipes made of metal, such as cast iron/ductile mains, smaller copper service lines, and steel pipes transmit the sounds of a water leak over longer distances than those made of PVC or asbestos-cement pipes. Large diameter pipes transmit lower frequency sounds than small diameter pipe
Leak Noise Correlators
Leak detection, or leak noise correlators are specialized electronic devices that leak detection service companies use to locate leaks in water lines and water pipes quickly and accurately.
Leak detection correlators work similarly to acoustic leak detectors. However, while acoustic leak detectors rely on a human to manually listen to the frequencies emitted through sensitive audio listening equipment, leak noise correlators detect the vibrations with a computer.
Sensors are placed on both sides of the pipe being inspected. These sensors use radio waves to send information back and forth between each other, then an automated process identifies each suspected leak location based on that information and displays it on the main control unit. The processing unit then compares this data with mathematical algorithms designed for the specific noise profiles of the pipe material being tested, determining the leak’s precise location.
The primary purpose of leak correlators is to detect leaks. Properly trained leak detection specialists use leak correlators in conjunction with acoustic leak detection equipment to accurately pinpoint the location of a detected leak.
THE FUTURE OF LEAK DETECTION
The biggest change coming to the leak detection industry is in how the information collected by leak detection specialists is stored, reviewed, and utilized.
Vital facility information is frequently siloed and challenging to access for a company or organization’s different departments or contractors. This can lead to unnecessary friction during facility management activities.
This is why you need SiteMap®, powered by GPRS.
SiteMap® stores all your facility information in one place so that you can manage that data with confidence. This includes the data collected by our Project Managers during leak detection projects.
With SiteMap®, whatever you need is just a click away. The best part is that we give you a complimentary Personal SiteMap® account for free when you hire us to complete a service such as utility locating, concrete or 3D laser scanning, video pipe inspection, or leak detection.
Why Should You Choose GPRS For Leak Detection?
You deserve the best leak detection solutions for your water loss problem.
With over 350,000 projects completed since our founding in 2001, GPRS combines top-of-the-line technology and equipment with Project Managers who are SIM trained and qualified. This means they have both the best tools, and industry-leading training to assess your situation, and tailor our services to meet your needs.
If you’ve been searching for a water leak detection company near you that you can rely on, the GPRS team is here to help.
Click here to schedule a service today!