Pipe Leakage Repairing
We’ll give you tips on using several repair products and methods for leaky pipes, but always follow the instructions for the specific product you’re using. Most of these products and procedures are intended to be temporary fixes. Leaving a temporary repair in place can lead to more damage. Here are some other factors to think about before you begin a leaky pipe repair.
- The repair product must work with the pipe you’re repairing. Below, we’ll give you tips for identifying types of pipes, but be aware that different repair products are suitable for different pipe materials, types and sizes. Pipes that supply drinking water require repair products designed for that use. You may see them designated for use with potable water. Additionally, you’ll need to make sure the repair is appropriate for the leak size and the amount of water pressure the pipe handles.
- In most cases, you’ll need to turn off the water to the damaged pipe before beginning work. If there’s no shut-off valve near the leak, turn off the main water supply valve for your home.
- You should clean the pipe around the repair point to remove dirt, grease and any other deposits that could interfere with the repair. Some products require that you dry or roughen the repair area as well.
- If the leak is near electrical fixtures, fittings, cables, etc., turn off the power to the area first and verify it’s off with a noncontact electrical tester.
- Wear nitrile or latex gloves when working.
Key benefits of Pipe Leakage Repairing
1. Reduce Real Water Losses
Small, subsurface leaks can go unnoticed for a long time. Large leaks can result in high volumes of water lost and extensive collateral damage. These leaks are a drain on scarce water supplies and utility finances. In 2019, $7.6 billion worth of treated water was lost to leaks, and this number is projected to more than double over the next 20 years.3
Leaks in a water network are inevitable. However, most water loss is recoverable with leak detection technology. Repairing leaks saves water, energy and resources used to treat and pump water. Combined with other water saving measures, reducing real water loss can also help meet increasing demand without building additional capacity.
2. Enhance Network Reliability
Leak inspections identify problem areas, such as corrosion, deteriorated joints, and cracking. Even small leaks can eventually result in a pipe failure. By proactively identifying and repairing leaks, utilities can save money and prevent the damage and disruption of a failure. Knowing the frequency and location of leaks can also help utilities prioritize transmission mains for more detailed inspection.
3. Map Underground Assets
Xylem’s SmartBall® and Sahara® inline leak detection platforms can also map pipelines. Large water utilities operate thousands of miles of underground infrastructure, some buried decades ago. Where records are inaccurate or do not exist, mapping gives utilities confidence in the location of their buried assets. Accurate pipeline location data is integral in evaluating risk, reducing the likelihood of third-party damage, and planning safe, efficient repairs and maintenance work.
Wachs Water Services’ external leak detection services and Pure Technologies’ inline leak detection tools locate hard-to-find leaks without disrupting water service. This gives utilities more flexibility to reduce real water loss and address problem areas before they result in larger failures.
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