Perth Leak Detectors recently attended a property in Karrinyup, Perth, after the customer experienced an unexplained water loss of approximately 1 litre per minute.
Using specialised acoustic leak detection equipment, we investigated the underground water pipework and accurately located a burst pipe beneath the property’s paving.
By pinpointing the source of the leak before excavation, the affected area could be targeted, reducing unnecessary paving removal and disruption to the surrounding property.
Project Overview
Location: Karrinyup, Perth, Western Australia
Problem: Unexplained water loss of approximately 1 litre per minute
Leak Type: Burst underground water pipe
Location of Leak: Beneath paving
Detection Method: Specialist acoustic leak detection equipment
Outcome: Burst pipe accurately located before targeted excavation
Investigating Unexplained Water Loss
The customer contacted Perth Leak Detectors after discovering an unexplained loss of approximately one litre of water every minute.
Although this may seem like a relatively small amount, a continuous leak at this rate can result in substantial water wastage.
At a constant loss of one litre per minute, the estimated water loss would be:
- 60 litres per hour
- 1,440 litres per day
- 10,080 litres per week
This illustrates why hidden underground leaks should be investigated promptly, even when there is no obvious water flowing across the surface.
In this case, the leaking pipe was concealed beneath paving, making it difficult to identify the exact location without specialist equipment.
Acoustic Leak Detection Used to Locate the Burst Pipe
Perth Leak Detectors used specialised acoustic listening equipment to investigate the underground water supply.
When water escapes from a pressurised pipe, it can produce sound and vibration that travels through the pipework and surrounding materials.
Acoustic leak detection equipment allows technicians to listen for these signals and progressively narrow down the likely location of the damaged pipe.
During this Karrinyup investigation, the sound of escaping water was traced to a specific section of underground pipework beneath the paving.
This allowed the burst pipe to be accurately located before excavation began.
Burst Underground Water Pipe Found Beneath Paving
The investigation identified a damaged underground water pipe beneath the property’s paved surface.
The project photograph shows the exposed pipe and the damaged section associated with the water loss.
Because the leak had already been located using acoustic detection, excavation could be concentrated around the affected section rather than removing paving across a much larger area.
This helped minimise unnecessary disruption and provided a targeted location for accessing the damaged pipe.
Why Accurate Leak Detection Matters Beneath Paving
Underground water leaks can be particularly difficult to locate when pipes run beneath driveways, paths, patios and other paved areas.
Water escaping from a buried pipe may travel through surrounding soil before becoming visible, meaning the wettest area on the surface is not necessarily where the pipe has failed.
Without accurate leak detection, locating the source may involve unnecessary excavation and removal of paving.
Professional leak detection can help:
- Identify the likely location of the damaged pipe
- Reduce unnecessary paving removal
- Minimise exploratory excavation
- Reduce disruption to gardens, paths and surrounding surfaces
- Help control excavation and reinstatement costs
- Allow repair contractors to target the affected pipework
- Reduce ongoing water loss by enabling the fault to be addressed sooner
The Karrinyup project demonstrates how acoustic leak detection can provide a more targeted approach to investigating concealed underground pipe failures.
Signs of a Burst Underground Water Pipe
An underground burst pipe does not always produce obvious flooding.
Common warning signs can include:
- Unexplained increases in water bills
- Continuous water meter movement when no water is being used
- Reduced water pressure
- Damp or unusually wet areas around paving
- Water appearing between paving joints
- Persistent wet patches in gardens or lawns
- Sounds of running water when taps are turned off
- Unexplained water loss from the property’s supply
These symptoms may indicate a concealed plumbing problem requiring further investigation.
Professional Acoustic and Underground Leak Detection in Perth
Perth Leak Detectors provides specialist leak detection services for residential, commercial and industrial properties throughout the Perth metropolitan area.
Led by Luke Holyoak, with more than 25 years of industry experience, the business uses advanced leak detection methods to investigate concealed water loss and underground pipe failures.
Our services include Acoustic Leak Detection, Underground Leak Detection, Water Leak Detection and Hidden Leak Detection.
The Karrinyup project demonstrates how accurately locating a burst pipe before excavation can help reduce unnecessary property damage and make subsequent repair work more efficient.
Further Leak Detection Information
Underground water leaks can often be located before excavation begins. Learn How Are Hidden Water Leaks Detected? and Can a Water Leak Be Found Without Digging? to understand how specialist technology helps locate concealed pipe failures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you find a burst water pipe beneath paving?
Specialist acoustic leak detection equipment can be used to listen for the sound of escaping water from pressurised underground pipework. This helps narrow down the likely location of the damaged pipe before excavation.
Can you locate an underground water leak without removing paving?
In many cases, yes. Non-invasive leak detection equipment can help identify the likely location of an underground leak before paving is removed for access or repair.
Is losing one litre of water per minute a serious leak?
A continuous leak of one litre per minute can waste approximately 1,440 litres of water per day, or more than 10,000 litres per week. Prompt investigation can help prevent continued water loss.
Can acoustic leak detection locate leaks beneath driveways?
Yes. Acoustic leak detection can be effective for locating pressurised water leaks beneath driveways, concrete and paving, depending on pipe material, depth, water pressure and surrounding conditions.
Why is it important to locate a burst pipe before excavation?
Accurate leak location allows excavation to be concentrated around the affected section of pipework, reducing unnecessary digging, paving removal and disruption.
Do you provide underground burst pipe detection in Karrinyup?
Yes. Perth Leak Detectors provides underground water leak detection and acoustic burst pipe location in Karrinyup, surrounding northern suburbs and throughout Perth.
Need Burst Pipe Detection in Karrinyup?
If you have unexplained water loss, rising water bills or suspect a burst pipe beneath paving, concrete or underground surfaces, Perth Leak Detectors can investigate the source.
We provide professional water leak detection throughout Karrinyup and the wider Perth metropolitan area.
Contact Perth Leak Detectors for specialist underground water leak detection.
Call 1300 532 577 or 0474 770 021
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