Irrigation systems play a crucial role in maintaining the health and beauty of landscapes. However, even the most well-designed smart irrigation systems can develop leaks, leading to water wastage, higher water bills, and potential damage to property landscape. Luckily, with LeakTronics’ cutting-edge detection equipment, locating and repairing irrigation leaks can be efficient and accurate. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform irrigation leak detection using LeakTronics equipment.
Step 1: Understand the Signs of a Leak
Before diving into detection, knowing what to look for is essential. Common indicators of an irrigation leak include:
– Unexplained water pooling.
– Excessive vegetation growth in certain areas of your landscape.
– Substantially higher water bill with no increased water usage and perfectly working water meter.
– An irrigation system that has a sputtering sprinkler head or many faulty sprinkler heads.
Identifying these signs early will help focus your search and facilitate the leak detection process.
Step 2: Gather Your LeakTronics Equipment
For effective irrigation leak detection, ensure you have the Leaktronics Irrigation Kit which includes:
-LT1000 Amplifier
-Soil Probe
-Pipe Probe with Listening Discs
-PG-2
-Pressure Rig
-Closed Plugs
-Injection Plugs
-Over-ear Headphones
-Rugged Carrying Case
-USB Charging Cable
-Instructional Manual
Step 3: Basic Setup
-Make sure the environment around you is quiet and that you have all the equipment you need onsite to locate a leak.
Step 4: Map the Pipelines
-Use the PG-2 to send pulses through the irrigation lines, so you can lacate and map your underground piping system and know how the plumbing is laid out.
Step 5: Isolate and Test
-Then test each irrigation line one by one, isolating the lines, then pressure testing each line with water to see if the pressure holds. If the pressure drops, you know that is the line that is leaking.
Step 6: Pinpoint the Exact Leak Location
Once you determined which line is leaking you will use your pressure rig to burst small amounts of water and air which will create a bubbling noise. You will need to take your soil probe (if line is under a soft surface like grass) or your pipe probe with a listening disc (if line is under concrete) and start slowly trying to listen for the bubbling noise. Moving the probe a few inches at a time. Once you hear the boiling noise, you know you’re right on top of the leak and ready for repair!
Step 7: Document and Plan Repair
Once you’ve confirmed the location of a leak, document it accurately and provide a detailed report to the customer even before leaving the property is ideal.
Step 8: Fix It and Get Paid
Once you get the job, plan the repairs based on proximity, ease of access, complexity and get to work!
Conclusion
LeakTronics provides the precision tools necessary for advanced irrigation leak detection, minimizing water wastage and optimizing system performance. Proper use of their equipment paves the way for efficient and effective leak detection, offering peace of mind and supporting sustainability efforts.
By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to confront irrigation system inefficiencies and maintain robust systems that save water and costs—a benefit that reflects both on residential properties and larger projects. Embrace the future of leak detection with LeakTronics, the leader in precision and reliability.
