Water commission stops leak and saves highway from potential catastrophe

Problem:

The DuPage Water Commission in Elmhurst, Illinois, found a leak underneath a major highway overpass. To complicate matters, water was appearing on both sides of the road in multiple locations. The pipe was under 6 inches of asphalt and 12 inches of concrete, so DWC needed to quickly and accurately pinpoint the leak, isolate that section, reduce excavation limits and minimize site disturbance. Following the first leak, a second leak occurred that was even more challenging as the 24-inch DIP water main dove down 20 feet to go under a creek, a 60-foot-wide cast-in-place box culvert, and a four-lane highway.

Solution:

Echologics field technicians used the EchoShore-M leak detection technology, as it is well suited for a variety of pipe materials, including DIP and larger pipes ranging in diameter from 16 to 90 inches. Hydrophones were attached to the pipe (in the case of the first leak) and two air release valves (for the second leak) on either side of the leak. Using advanced signal processing with acoustic readings from the hydrophones and filters for blocking out background noise commonly experienced on large-diameter pipeline assets, both leaks were located. DWC could then confidently make the repair.

RESULT:

For the first leak, DWC used a repair clamp and for the second leak, they chose to line the pipe as the leak ended up underneath the box culvert. Both leaks were identified within inches of the EchoShore-M readings, enabling quick repairs and preventing further damage and disruption. 866-324-6564; www.echologics.com

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Leak detection system saves money for Texas school

Problem:

A leak beneath Anna Middle School in Anna, Texas, caused water to surface in the parking lot. The problem presented potentially costly demolition and repairs. 

Solution:

The school called Spencer Plumbing, and a technician used a Gen-Ear LE water leak detection system from General Pipe Cleaners. Compact and lightweight, the unit uses an advanced acoustical leak detection system to quickly and accurately locate leaks in cast iron, copper, steel and PVC lines. The equipment quickly found two distinct problems. “We fixed the small inside leak without major disruption,” says Bryan Spencer, owner of Spencer Plumbing. He then showed how the serious outside leak actually channeled water down a ditch to where it was surfacing in the parking lot.  

RESULT:

“We pinpointed problems so clearly and quickly that the customer saved thousands in unnecessary demolition and repair work,” Spencer says. And the new equipment’s learning curve proved surprisingly short. “Once we learned to identify different types of leak sounds, we began using the system immediately.” 800-245-6200; www.drainbrain.com