Case Study
Mains Water Leak Detection in South Woodford
High Water Consumption And Supplier Enforcement Risk
Thermal Imaging, Moisture Meter, Acoustic Detection, Tracer Gas and Tracer Gas Sniffer were used to investigate the symptoms and confirm the cause: damaged plastic supply pipe identified.
Google Reviews ★★★★★ 5.0 Rating 70+ Reviews Read Reviews- ✓ Leak Located
- ✓ Non-Destructive Investigation
- ✓ Minimal Disruption
- ✓ Repair Completed
The Challenge
High Water Consumption And Supplier Enforcement Risk
The property owner had been contacted by the water supplier regarding unusually high water consumption and faced possible enforcement action under Section 75 of the Water Industry Act due to waste of water.
- ✓ Water supplier reported unusually high consumption
- ✓ Potential Section 75 enforcement action was raised
- ✓ The leak source was not visible
- ✓ A rapid mains water leak investigation was required
Investigation
Investigation Evidence
Selected photos and videos from the investigation sequence showing the evidence-led approach used on site.
Investigation
Specialist Mains Water Leak Investigation
A full leak investigation was completed using specialist mains water leak detection techniques.
Supplier Consumption Evidence Review
The supplier had reported unusually high consumption and possible enforcement action due to waste of water.
The investigation treated the consumption issue as evidence of a likely mains water leak requiring location.
This prioritised identifying the supply pipe defect behind the ongoing water loss.
MethodMains Supply Pipe Investigation
Specialist mains water leak detection techniques were required because the source was hidden on the supply pipe route.
The leak was traced to a plastic water supply pipe that had been damaged by rodents.
Identifying the damaged pipe explained the significant water loss and allowed same-day repair.
Findings
Damaged Plastic Supply Pipe Identified
The leak was traced to a plastic water supply pipe that had been damaged by rodents. Gradual damage had caused significant water loss over time.
- External supply pipe route was investigated
- Rodent damage was identified on the plastic supply pipe
- The damaged pipe had caused significant water loss
- The findings explained the unusually high water consumption
Outcome
Leak Repaired Within A Single Day
- ✓ Leak Located
- ✓ Non-Destructive Investigation
- ✓ Minimal Disruption
- ✓ Repair Completed
The leak was located and repaired within a single day. Water usage returned to normal and enforcement action was avoided.
Investigation Insights
What This Investigation Shows
- ✓Supplier consumption warnings can indicate significant hidden water loss before the damage is obvious inside.
- ✓The investigation had to identify the failed supply pipe rather than just confirm that water was being wasted.
- ✓Finding rodent damage to the plastic supply pipe explained why water usage had increased over time.
Local Coverage
Leak Detection Across London
This investigation was completed in South Woodford, London.
We carry out leak detection investigations across London, including mains water leak detection where symptoms suggest a concealed supply pipe issue.
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