A New Tool For Your Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Survey Tool Box An Electronic Leak Locator

A new method has been developed in Europe for identifying potential leaks in sanitary sewers (including joints, mainline and service connections). The First units are just arriving in the U.S. Pilot demonstration projects have been completed in Louisville, Kentucky (Louisville & Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District) and the City of Raleigh, North Carolina. The results are exciting. Results of these and several other demonstration projects will be discussed. Basically, the method locates leaks by pulling an electrode that emits electronic fields into the sewer system with pipe acting as an insulator. The rise and fall of the electrical signal as the probe passes through the sewer indicates potential sources of infiltration, as well as the magnitude of the leak. The purpose of this paper is to discuss this technology as well as its limitations. The discussion will be done through several case studies including: (1) Identifying leaking joints on mainline during dry weather. (2) Prioritizing leak repairs by intensity of readings. (3) Determining if service laterals leak. (4) Use of the technology as an alternative of accepting new and rehabilitated sanitary sewers. (5) Alternative technology for testing new sanitary sewers (instead of air pressure testing).