How the method contributes
Sound can travel along a pipe and through the surrounding ground. Acoustic microphones and listening devices make those differences easier to assess. The engineer chooses useful listening points and allows for ordinary water use, traffic and machinery. Acoustic findings become stronger when they fit the route and other investigation results.
Where it can be useful
- Private incoming water supplies
- Buried pressurised pipework
- Narrowing a suspected repair area
Its practical limitations
Part of an investigation, not a guess
The engineer chooses the methods that can usefully test a possibility. Results are compared with the property layout and symptoms before access is proposed. See the full investigation and repair process.
Related service
Acoustic leak detection
Listen for evidence of water escaping from pressurised pipework.
When this method may be part of your visit
Tell us the symptoms, previous findings and any restrictions on water isolation. The engineer considers this method alongside the system layout and other available evidence. A test result must be interpreted before choosing an opening or repair.
Read the residential investigation and repair scope, or find your local coverage information.