Acoustic Leak Detection and Pipe Video Inspection: Which Method is best?
Acoustic Leak Detection and Pipe Video Inspection: Which Method is best?
How Pipe Video Inspection Works
A method of examining the insides of pipes from the outside through a high-resolution camera is known as pipe video inspection. The camera was inserted into the pipeline, and video footage was sent in real time to a technician who could identify some of the following issues:
- Cracks or fractures within the pipe
- Blockages caused by debris or tree roots
- Corrosion or deterioration of old pipes
- Misaligned sections that otherwise have collapsed
This technique is useful in situations with slow draining characteristics, unexplained water backups, or suspected pipe damage. Thanks to the camera that allows for a clear view of the inside of the pipe, the technicians could tackle the exact issue without unnecessary excavation and guesswork.
How Acoustic Leak Detection Works
Advanced listening devices are used in acoustic leak detection for the sound of water escaping from a pipe. Pressurized water creates a distinct noise when leaking; therefore, specialized sensors can pick up on these sounds even through layers of concrete or soil. That makes this method often a choice for detecting underground water leaks, especially in places with difficult access to the pipes.
Which Method is best?
The best method depends on the pipe’s specific problem and location. Sometimes, pipe video inspection and acoustic leak detection are used together by pipe locating service providers for maximum accuracy.
- For Blockages and Structural Damage: A pipeline locating service is the best option since it gives a good visual assessment of the pipe’s interior condition.
- For Underground Leaks: Acoustic leak detection will prove much more effective in finding leaks in buried pipes without excavation.
- For Water Line Locating: Water line locating services may have to be done in conjunction with either method when professionals need to identify the exact pathway of a pipeline before any repair work or construction is done.
- For Preventive Maintenance: Inspection companies often video-inspect pipe conditions to prevent major issues before they develop, while acoustic detection monitors pipelines against hidden leaks.
