FINDING THE SOUND
Water creates a specific noise when it leaks through burst pipes. This is what acoustic leak detectors look for when locating a leaky pipe. Water leaks produce high-frequency to low-frequency noise that can easily be picked up by acoustic detectors.
Water leak sounds vary depending on the following factors:
- The severity of the leak or damage to the pipe
- Location of the pipe
- Water pressure
- Pipe installation or construction
- Depth of the pipe location
- Soil type
- Surface cover
Acoustic detectors are made of the following components: Headphones, Microphone, Electronic monitor and Acoustic listening stick.
When a pressurised pipe is leaking a vibration is created at the point where the water is exiting the pipework. This vibration travels through the length of the pipeline and dissipates over the distance. The noise that results from this vibration can be conveyed into the pipes surroundings.
Specialised Equipment
At Priority Plumbing we have highly sensitive and specialised diagnostic and ground microphones that are designed to listen to the noise being emitted from the pipework. As with all our equipment, we have done a lot of research into the types of microphones we use and have put together a collection of microphone equipment that is effective in a broad range of applications.
It takes a lot of experience (along with the right equipment) to be fast and effective in pinpointing leaks on a water service, fire service or water main. Different pipes emit different sounds and the surroundings of the pipework also convey this noise differently. Our experience, when combined with the different types of acoustic leak detection equipment, means that we can pinpoint leaks effectively and reduce the time it takes to locate the leaks.
Diagnostic Microphones
We have several different specialized microphones we use to locate leaks. The diagnostic microphones are very sensitive and are used to diagnose and localise the leak to a specific area of a property. If there is a leak that is evident in a particular wall or under a paved surface which needs to be confirmed prior to excavation and repair, these are used to confirm that exact location.
Ground Microphones
We also have different specialized ground microphones. These are more sophisticated and sensitive than the diagnostic microphones. The ground microphones have data loggers and histograms that can record and track noise readings in certain areas. These readings then allow a comparison of the different sounds that are not easily distinguishable to the ear. These microphones also have special foot probes for specific surfaces and an “elephant’s foot” that shields wind and certain outside noises that can affect the detection of the leak.
Ground microphone can be used on a range of different surfaces; from asphalt to concrete and paving, in a garden area, and in domestic, commercial and / or industrial applications.
