Leak detection equipment is yet another novel invention of the modern world solely developed to add a quick fix to a large part of our plumbing issues and water leakages today. So how does this system work? A leak detection system or an LDS is typically a device that is set up to monitor the flow of water passing through a pipeline. Whenever the LDS detects abnormal behaviour, it cuts off the water supply of the entire household by closing a valve that is embedded within the leak detector. Because of the duality of its functions, an LDS is installed at the point where the water enters the main water supply way of a house. This way, no matter which location may be problematic, the water supply could be shut off in any part of the house thus protecting the house from disastrous expensive impending damage.
Most leak detection equipment is highly sensitive to water leakages and general damages that may occur within the central water supply of a house. Whether it is a washroom flapper getting jammed, a tub left running for too long or even a fitting bursting behind a wall, an LDS would detect any of it and immediately top the water supply of the entire house. These systems are very conveniently programmable which means shut-offs can be programmed to suit the water supply mechanism of each home. They could also be connected via apps to smartphones that would send alerts when the irregular water supply is detected. This in turn allows the protection of homes even remotely whether homeowners are at home or even on vacation.
So how does a leak detection system work? An LDS typically monitors the flow ofwater through a turbine or ultrasonic wavelengths. They observe the flow of water either by counting the gallonage passing through the sensor or by sonically recording the time delays. Whilst some LDS’ shut down the water supply by detecting the presence of moisture that may reach floorboards, a mechanical valve in the detector is triggered that would in turn block the flow of water. The category of moisture sensing detectors is apt for under-sink areas very specially. Detectors that track leakages within the entire house often track leakages by measuring water usage.
Some mechanical leak detection systems use an impeller to count the number of gallons as they pass through the unit. When the water flows through the systems, the blades of the impeller fan spin, while they spin, the gallonage of water that passes through the system is recorded and then signalled back to the system. The nature of the water supply in a household is such that, water flows in intervals. Running the dishwasher, or brushing teeth requires the water supply to flow in batches during varied intervals. When the water flow goes on for a sustained period it indicates that there exists a leakage somewhere in the plumbing. Therefore, this type of mechanical leakage detection system typically works based on physically tracking the flow of water.