OUR SPECIALTY · LEAK DETECTION

Leak Detection & Investigation

We investigate suspected leaks in concealed plumbing, building systems and underground mains using field evidence and suitable diagnostic instruments.

Discuss an enquiry

WHEN TO INVESTIGATE

Signs that may warrant
a closer look.

Changes in water use, unexplained moisture and unusual pipe noise can have more than one cause. We assess the evidence before deciding how to investigate.

  • Unexpected water use or a meter that appears to move when outlets are off.
  • Dampness, staining or moisture near concealed pipe routes.
  • Suspected leakage beneath floors, outdoors or on an underground network.
  • Changes in system pressure or other site-specific observations.

HOMES · BUILDINGS · NETWORKS

Different systems.
The right investigation.

Concealed plumbing

Investigate suspected leaks behind walls, beneath floors and around accessible domestic water fittings.

Building distribution

Review pipework, pressure and meter behaviour across commercial water systems.

Underground mains

Apply suitable acoustic and field methods to investigate suspected leakage on buried water networks.

INSTRUMENTS · INTERPRETATION

Choose the instrument.
Interpret the evidence.

Ground listening

Ovarro and Fuji Tecom ground microphones support targeted acoustic investigations at accessible surfaces and fittings.

Correlation & monitoring

Ovarro, AQS and VONROLL HYDRO sensors support acoustic recording, correlation and repeated observations across suitable pipe sections.

In-pipe investigation

FAST PipeMic supports internal acoustic inspection; PIPA UK camera systems can provide visual evidence where pipeline access and conditions permit.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Review the signs.
Agree the next step.

  1. UnderstandReview symptoms, site history, drawings and system conditions.
  2. SelectChoose suitable instruments and agree the investigation scope.
  3. InvestigateCollect measurements, compare signals and assess the findings.
  4. ExplainDiscuss the likely source, uncertainty and options for confirmation or repair.

Non-invasive methods can narrow down suspected locations but cannot guarantee a precise finding in every situation. Access restrictions, pipe construction, background noise and other site conditions may limit results; further opening-up or excavation may sometimes be needed to confirm a leak.

TECHNICAL EXPLAINER · ILLUSTRATIVE

How acoustic leak correlation worksSimplified straight-pipe illustration, not to scale. Acoustic signals travel from the leak toward both sensors at an assumed equal speed. Sensor A is nearer and receives the signal before Sensor B. Comparing recorded signals, sensor spacing and a suitable pipe-wave speed estimate can help infer a suspected source position.ACOUSTIC CORRELATION · ILLUSTRATIVELEAKSENSOR A · NEARERSENSOR B · FARTHERArrival-time difference: ΔtSignal time offset + sensor spacing + suitable wave-speed estimate → likely position
Simplified straight-pipe schematic, not to scale: Sensor A is nearer the leak and receives the signal first. Correlation compares recorded signals to estimate their time offset; sensor spacing and an appropriate pipe-wave speed estimate can help infer a likely source position. Pipe material, joints, branches, operating noise, sensor coupling and signal quality affect real results.

Tell us what you have observed. We can discuss whether an investigation may be appropriate.

Discuss a suspected leak

Residential services · Commercial services · Utilities services