Watermain Leak Detection in Lynfield
Leak Locators Ltd is based near Lynfield, so we know the area well.
Before the 1950s, much of Lynfield was used for strawberry farming and poultry production. The suburb was later developed as one of Auckland’s modern residential communities, with most homes being built throughout the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, followed by further development into the 2000s.
As a result, most Lynfield properties are served by plastic watermains rather than the older galvanised steel and copper pipes commonly found in neighbouring suburbs. While plastic pipe has proven to be durable and reliable, many of the earlier installations are now several decades old and beginning to show signs of wear.
If your water bill has increased unexpectedly and there are no obvious signs of a leak around the property, there is a good chance your watermain could be leaking underground or beneath a driveway, with the water simply soaking away unnoticed.
Leak Locators Ltd specialises in locating hidden watermain leaks throughout Lynfield and the surrounding suburbs. Whether the leak is under a lawn, driveway, retaining wall or concrete path, we have the equipment and experience to locate it accurately.
How We Find Underground Leaks
Leak Locators Ltd specialises in locating hidden watermain leaks throughout Lynfield, Mt Roskill, Hillsborough, Blockhouse Bay, Mt Eden, Epsom and the surrounding suburbs.
Our first step is to inspect the water meter and determine the approximate age and type of watermain based on the era and style of the property. We then calculate the likely water loss and begin tracing the route of the underground pipe.
Using professional electronic locating equipment, we identify the path of underground services. In many Auckland properties, the watermain was installed in the same trench as power, gas, or telecommunications services, allowing us to establish the most likely route of the pipe.
Once the route has been identified, we use advanced acoustic leak detection equipment to listen for the sound of water escaping from the pipe. Our premium Gutermann leak detection system features a large ground microphone and high-powered amplifiers, giving us the best possible opportunity to locate the leak accurately.
The success of acoustic leak detection can depend on several factors, including:
- Traffic and construction noise
- Ground conditions
- Pipe depth
- Pipe material
- Whether the pipe is located beneath concrete or paving
Ferret Leak Locator Technology
For difficult leaks, Leak Locators Ltd also uses Ferret Leak Locator technology.
Unlike acoustic equipment, the Ferret pressure-tests the watermain from the inside and is not affected by traffic noise, ground conditions, concrete surfaces, or pipe depth. By testing sections of the pipe individually, the system can accurately determine whether a leak exists within a specific section of watermain.
This technology has successfully located leaks in situations where conventional methods have failed, including:
- Properties beside busy roads
- Multi-unit developments
- Long shared driveways
- Sites where the route of the watermain is unknown
- Small leaks that produce little or no detectable sound
Repair or Replace?
The most suitable solution often depends on the type and age of the pipe.
Galvanised steel watermains are often nearing the end of their service life and replacement is usually the most practical long-term solution.
Copper watermains can often be repaired successfully, provided the damaged section can be accessed.
Plastic watermains less than 40 years old are frequently excellent candidates for repair, potentially extending the life of the system without the cost of a complete replacement.
Local Experts You Can Trust
As a Mt Roskill-based company, we understand the age, construction, and infrastructure of local properties better than most.
Whether your leak is beneath a lawn, driveway, concrete path, or shared accessway, we have the equipment, experience, and technology to give you the best possible chance of finding it.
When you call Leak Locators Ltd, you’re choosing one of the most comprehensive watermain leak detection services available in Auckland.
