When a customer discovers a leak on their property, it is often a cause for concern. Most will have visions of wrecked gardens, destroyed driveways and a very large bill to find and fix the leak. But with new efficient ways to detect the leak, you can reassure the client that the whole process can be quicker, less destructive and therefore cost less.
Customer side and utility side
One area of confusion around leaks of this type is where exactly does it become the customer’s responsibility? Utility companies are responsible for any problems with pipes that carry water from treatment works and reservoirs to the streets where homes and businesses are located.
However, their responsibility for these pipes usually stops at the boundary of the customer’s property. This is usually where the stop taps or valve is located in the pavement but is definitely wherever the boundary line of the property begins. This might be the front garden fence, the edge of the pavement or street or any other boundary marker. If there is a problem within the boundary with the pipes, then the customer will need a plumber or leak expert to look at it for them.
Fast leak detection
If a customer calls in with a prospective CSL (customer side leak), it’s important to detect the leak fast. With fast leak detection, you can minimise damage to the customer’s property as well as disruption to their time and wallet. Traditional methods such as acoustic leak detection and the gas injection method are becoming less used and less reliable as faster means to locate a leak are introduced into the market.
The Ferret Leak Locator has quickly become a favourite with plumbers, waterboards, leak detectors and insurers for several reasons. The system uses a special, strong balloon called the Ferret Head. This is placed in a pipe and is attached to the main system by an umbilical cord. Once in the pipe, the Ferret is inflated and this blocks the flow of water through the pipe. Now, the Ferret proceeds to move along the pipe with an optional sonde attached to it to allow operators to easily see where the Ferret is in the pipe.
When it discovers the leak, the water that builds up behind the Ferret Head is quickly released. This stops the movement of the device and the attached locator allows quick and easy detection of where the leak is located by using the distance markers on the umbilical cord.
Fast leak excavation
Once the leak is located, you’ll need to access it. At Ferret Technology, we host a range of tracing and measuring equipment on our website that can be used alongside the Ferret Leak Locator to help you get to the leak fast. With the accurate location device with the Ferret Head, you’ll only need to excavate one area of land (other than the insertion point) rather than the more traditional method of cutting and capping. This enables precise work to be carried out, with minimal disruption to the client’s property as well as less of your plumber’s time needed overall, with more jobs able to be carried out.
Pipe repair
Once you’ve cleared the area and have direct access to the pipe leak, you can then quickly replace the section of pipe or repair it appropriately. All in all, the pipe is fixed quickly for the customer so that no further damage can be caused to the property.
Why professionals are choosing the Ferret Leak Locator
This modern style of leak detection technology offers great customer service with less time required to find CSLs. This creates a high quality, professional impression with the customer that means they are far more likely to call on your services again in the future and recommend you to others.
The Ferret Leak Location system needs minimal training to use. There are even varying sizes of the Ferret Head to work through any size pipe from 10mm up to 45mm and it works with most pipe materials including plastic.
If you want to know more about using the Ferret Leak Locator within your business or want to add to your existing equipment with the revolutionary new technology, simply get in touch by filling in our contact form or you can call us on 0800 292 2835 and we can discuss your needs.