Underground pipe leakages are one of the most challenging types of leaks to detect and fix due to its concealed nature. Unlike surface leaks, where water is visible, underground leaks often remain hidden until significant damage is already done. In commercial properties, particularly industrial buildings with heavy traffic or underground pipes located along the driveways, such leakages can lead to major disruptions to operations, water wastage, and costly repairs if not addressed promptly.
In this blog article, we will elaborate on how underground pipe leakage occur and how underground pipe leakage detection works. We will also discuss common signs of underground leaks, reasons for underground leaks as well as the the various techniques for identifying leaks. Whether you’re a property manager, a business owner, or just someone looking to stay informed, this guide will help you understand the critical importance of underground leak detection.
Common Signs of Underground Pipe Leakages
It is important to recognize the signs that an underground pipe may be leaking. Although the pipe is hidden, the symptoms of a leak often manifest in visible ways:
Spike in Water Bills: One of the earliest indicators is an unexpected spike in your water bills, despite no change in water usage. Continuous water flow from leaks leads to increased consumption.
Wet Spots or Water Puddles: If you notice unusual wet areas along the perimeter boundary or building’s landscape, especially after a long dry period, this could be due to potential underground pipe leakage.
Mould or Dampness: Underground leaks often lead to dampness seeping into the building foundation, causing mould and mildew problems especially at basement areas such as basement carparks, control rooms with services, etc.
Decreased Water Pressure: Sudden drops in water pressure can indicate that water is escaping somewhere underground instead of reaching its intended destination.
Reasons for Underground Pipe Leaks
Underground pipe leakage can occur for various reasons, including:
Corrosion: Over time, pipes can corrode due to exposure to soil minerals, moisture, and chemicals. Corrosion weakens the pipe material, eventually leading to leaks.
Land settlement: Natural ground movement due to heavy rainfall, or nearby construction can cause pipes to shift, crack, or break. This is especially common in areas with unstable soil conditions.
Pipe Aging: Older pipes become more prone to leaks as their materials degrade and weaken over time. In many cases, aging infrastructure leads to frequent failures, especially in older commercial or industrial buildings.
Poor Installation: Improperly installed pipes may not be able to withstand the pressure or environmental conditions, resulting in leaks soon after installation. Incorrect joining or inadequate sealing can also lead to problems.
Tree Root Intrusion: Tree roots often seek out moisture from pipes, and as they grow, they can invade and damage underground pipes, causing them to crack or burst. This is especially common along underground pipes around the property’s perimeter landscape.
High Water Pressure: Excessive pressure in the system can stress pipes beyond their capacity, leading to leaks or breaks, particularly at weak points like joints or bends.
How Underground Pipe Leak Detection Works
Detecting underground leaks used to be an invasive process. However, advancing technologies have made it more efficient. Below are some of the effective methods used in underground pipe leak detection today.
Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging uses infrared cameras to detect temperature variations on the surfaces caused by leaking water. When water escapes from a pipe, it creates a thermal temperature difference that can be detected by specialized cameras. This method is particularly effective in environments where underground pipes are buried deep or the leak is persistent.
The thermal imaging can be conducted to the suspected area of leakage with an infrared camera, which picks up temperature differences between the leaking water and its surroundings. The images are analyzed to find the point of temperature deviation, which would help to narrow down to the potential leak location.
Thermal imaging is non-invasive. It’s especially useful in complex environments with limited access to underground pipes, such as beneath concrete or in areas with heavy machinery.
Ultrasonic Leak Detection
Ultrasonic leak detection involves using devices that can detect high-frequency sounds generated by water leaks. Ultrasonic devices pick up the noise created by water moving through a break or crack in the pipe. Water leak detection specialists would analyse the ultrasonic waves to determine the potential location of the leak. This technique is incredibly sensitive and would require a quiet environment to work most efficiently.
Typically, it is best to conduct the ultrasonic leak detection along the pipe line (with reference from the pipe plan). The ultrasonic sensor is placed on the ground surface, and the detection will be conducted every 1 metre, in the attempt to detect any anomalies in sound frequency. Any areas with anomalies in sound frequency may indicate the potential leakage spot and would be marked for further diagnosis.
The Importance of Timely Leak Detection
Underground pipe leaks may go unnoticed for weeks, months, or even years depending on the severity of the leakage. However, the longer a leak persists, the more damage it can cause. Here are a few reasons why timely leak detection is crucial:
Prevent Water Waste: Undetected leaks can waste thousands of litres of water daily. This not only drives up water bills but also puts unnecessary strain on the environment and local water supply.
Reduce Structural Damage: Apart from land settlement, ground vibrations and wear-and-tear over time, underground pipes leakages can also weaken the building’s foundation or cause soil erosion. Over time, this can lead to costly structural repairs.
Avoid Disruptions to Business Operations: For commercial and industrial properties, undetected leaks can cause business interruptions, particularly if repairs require major excavation work at crucial areas such as driveway entrances, etc. Detecting and fixing leaks early minimizes these disruptions.
Conclusion
Underground pipe leakage detection is an important aspect of maintaining the integrity of any building’s plumbing system. With advanced technologies like thermal imaging and ultrasonic leak detection, leaks can be identified and repaired efficiently. Reach out to us today to find out more about the various detection methods and how we can assist in resolving your underground pipe leakage issues.