How Ferret Leak Locator Works
The Ferret uses a simple hydraulic process to locate leaks. The process is powered by the water pressure in the leaking pipe, so running costs are low. It’s not reliant on leak noise or prior knowledge of the pipe route to deliver extremely accurate leak locations.
Deflated
A robust balloon called the Ferret Head is put inside the leaking water pipe. The Ferret Head is attached to the main system by a 50m long umbilical cord. To start with, the Ferret Head is deflated so the water in the pipe can get past it to the leak.
Inflated
The Ferret Head is then inflated with water. When the pressure in the Ferret Head is higher than in the leaking pipe, it blocks the pipe. No water can get past it to the leak.
Moving
Next, the pressure inside the Ferret Head is reduced. When the right balance is reached between the pressures in the Ferret Head and the leaking pipe, the water in the pipe pushes the Ferret Head towards the leak.
Automatic Leak Location
When the Ferret Head passes a leak, some of the water in the pipe escapes through the hole. The pressure force pushing the Ferret Head drops so the Ferret Head automatically stops moving.
Pipe Tracing and Mapping
The Ferret has line tracing and a 33kHz sonde (optional) for end tracing built in. In addition, there are distance marks at 1m intervals on the umbilical cord.
The line of plastic pipes can be mapped. The location of tee fittings on shared supply pipes can also be pinpointed.
The Ferret locates leaks to within a few millimetres.
No-dig Pipe Entry
The Ferret Head can be inserted into the leaking pipe through certain types of meter box without the need for an excavation.
A range of fittings are available for quickly connecting the Ferret to the leaking pipe.
Ferret Heads
Robust design with working pressure from 0.5 to 5.0 Bar.
Different sizes for pipes with internal diameters ranging from 10mm to 45mm.
Ferret Heads pass easily through most types of fitting such as couplers and tees.