Water leak outside property

[Bogart]

Not exactly a plumbing problem but here goes. I have known for a couple of years there was a water leak somewhere between the water meter, on our property, and the property itself. The water company fitted a new (smart) meter about 4 weeks ago. Now they have contacted us saying we have a leak as we are using water 24/7. They say we should fix it giving a deadline or they will fix it. Not sure how that works as they would need access to the grounds. Anyway I digress. The leak is most definitely on the external pipework because even with the stopcock closed the meter still goes around, well the old one did not bothered to look at the new one yet. So what all this waffle is about is there a way to find out where the leak is occurring. I know at some point there is a 'T' joint off to an outbuilding. I am aussuming that the leak is at a fitting and not on the pipe itself. So we have exiting the meter or the 'T' joint. I have not got a clue as to how to ascertain where the 'T' joint is. Also unsure as to how reputable somebody might be who says they can fix it. The distance from the meter to the stopcock is some 40m which I do not fancy digging up.
Any suggestions gratefully received.
Thanks

 

[Basher]

There are techniques such as thermal imaging, acoustic measurement, electrical sensing and tiny cameras that can be fed inside the pipe, and sometimes the use of dye. I'm not sure how effective thermal imaging might be at this time of year! You could ask a company who specialise in this stuff to find the source of the leak on a 'no find - no fee' basis. I think you just have to grit your teeth, find a professional outfit, and pay the money!

I don't know how reliable the summary figures below are. No harm in seeking a quote?
Mabe someone on here has a suggestion of a reliable company to ask?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Might be worth shutting off the stop tap internally and take a meter reading and leave it over night shut and take another reading in the morning eg next day

 

[Bogart]

Might be worth shutting off the stop tap internally and take a meter reading and leave it over night shut and take another reading in the morning eg next day

Can I respectfully ask why as I know the leak is somewhere between meter and property?

 

[snowhead]

Search for Tracer Gas water leak detection, seems to be accurate.

Also have you checked your home insurance, you may be covered.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Can I respectfully ask why as I know the leak is somewhere between meter and property?

If your 1000% sure then only option is either a tracer gas to re lay the whole line if the tracer gas can’t find it as you will be billed either for wastage of water or to re do the length from there contractor

 

[Bogart]

I am a bit between the devil and the proverbial deep blue sea. I need to have a look at my insurance policy but knowing my luck will not be included. Think I will start by digging up at the meter seeing if the outlet connection is ok. Next will be the end of the 'T'
section outside the outbuilding it feeds, as it enters here on 15mm copper so somewher is a change from mpde to copper. If I get no joy will bite the bullet and get some 'expert' in.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

I am a bit between the devil and the proverbial deep blue sea. I need to have a look at my insurance policy but knowing my luck will not be included. Think I will start by digging up at the meter seeing if the outlet connection is ok. Next will be the end of the 'T'
section outside the outbuilding it feeds, as it enters here on 15mm copper so somewher is a change from mpde to copper. If I get no joy will bite the bullet and get some 'expert' in.

Might be worth to start pressure testing in sections least you know which bit it would be on etc

 

[Bogart]

Might be worth to start pressure testing in sections least you know which bit it would be on etc

I could test in sections if I knew where the pipework ran.

 

[Ben-gee]

What is the surface of the route from meter to stopcock?
By which I mean; tarmac, slabs, grass concrete etc etc.

 

[Bogart]

What is the surface of the route from meter to stopcock?
By which I mean; tarmac, slabs, grass concrete etc etc.

Approximately 35m soil and gravel top remaing 7/8m is patio slabs. I did have a though that if I could expose the pipework in a few places, easier said than done mind, is it possible to hire a freezing machine suitable for mpde in that way I could isolate sections as suggested previously?

 

[Ben-gee]

So no tell tale “lush grass “ areas!
How far away is outbuilding?
Is pipe mdpe or old galvanised?

 

[Bogart]

So no tell tale “lush grass “ areas!
How far away is outbuilding?
Is pipe mdpe or old galvanised?

Mdpe from meter to house but somewhere it changes to 15mm copper before entering outbuilding. No signs of moisture anytime in summer so no clues there. Have got a guy to come round next week and do a bit of digging so we will see,

 

[snowhead]

I did have a though that if I could expose the pipework in a few places, easier said than done mind, is it possible to hire a freezing machine suitable for mpde in that way I could isolate sections as suggested previously

You don't need to freeze MDPE, use a squeeze off tool

You'll probably find it cheaper if you search, or make one yourself

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[Bogart]

Interesting. Says will not damage the pipework how does that work as it squashes it flat?