Leak Detection Hints

By John Hraska

As of the end of Dec. 2001, I’m still receiving many calls for leak detection due to the drought. You would all be surprised how many we find in "remote areas", forgotten in time (twilight Zone). There are many areas in many systems, of all kinds, that have been "shut down" and abandoned. Some of these are ones before good record keeping and when system equipment was not as good as it is now. There are also many areas (lots) that used to have homes on them, that have been eliminated, and services never really terminated. Many of these destroyed houses were bulldozed over and only the basement valve was shut off and not the curb or corporation valve. Many leaks are found in abandoned houses, many summer homes that are not properly winterized. Valves have been turned off that are really not completely off. Many times, street valves are not shutting off positively as thought. Old lines from reservoirs and old tanks that were not capped off properly or have deteriorated can be leaking and should be checked. This is a small group of examples of what I have found that causes leaks. One big thing that has been happening this past year, for me, is that I am finding leaks in swamp areas in villages that make no sense. Sometimes these areas are in places where "abandoned" pipes are located. This year, alone, I have found leaks in five (5) "swamp areas". Many of these areas have been swamps for 20 years or more. This should not be shocking. In the days of, we didn’t have the equipment we have now and things were explained simply. With the rock and clay we have in New York, swamps are accepted. Please investigate all swampy areas for the possibility of water lines, old or new, of any kind. What was accepted years ago could be where a farm or some type of building used to be. Could be where a business or manufacturing building used to be, years ago. Check previous code enforcement and building records. Remember to talk to "old timers" in the area. They have a wealth of knowledge, sometimes wrong, but many times right. When searching for a tough leak, even "sometimes" may be very helpful. The places to look for are areas that may have changed development location, source water or reservoir location or water plant/pumping locations through the years. Mobile Home Park locations and housing development areas, of old, 25 years or more, also fall into this category. Most developers didn’t keep good records or plans of their system. It’s up to us to try and rectify their omissions and/or errors. It could mean a large saving to the water system.You can see areas in many villages and towns that are fully developed, old and new, open spaces where homes, barns, farm buildings and manufacturing businesses may have existed. This may have been 25 to 50 years ago or more. Could these areas be possible leak areas? I have found them. We have an enterprising culture, and they had to have water to exist. This could have been years ago but the piping is still there. Sometimes there are old drainpipes, abandoned, in what used to be a water service area that can move water to a distant location, these should be checked first.If you check the mentioned areas first, it would be helpful when we arrive. Try to find as much information about the area as possible before you call. You may be as good leak detectors as we are, or better. This is the time to speak to your governing board and make clear to them how important it is to have good equipment. With the right equipment you don’t have to depend on outside help. When you get the equipment you need, we will spend time with you, as long as it takes, to insure that you know how to use your equipment. Most of the water plant operators and distribution operators are very competent people. Unfortunately, most don’t have the equipment and training to perform the actions. If you had the equipment, I’m sure, with the proper instruction, we would only have to back you up.

Whatever your situation, give us a call whenever you need help. This is why you are members. If you know anyone that isn’t a member, give him or her our number and suggest they call us for assistance.