AQUASCOPE 3
Version 1.3
5/19
Caution: when probing through the soil it’s highly
recommended that a certified insulated probe such as a punch bar is
used. This helps prevent the possibility of electrical shock or damaging
the aluminium rods while probing through the ground.
4.3 How to find leaks with the AQUASCOPE 3 listening stick
An electronic listening stick is usually used to perform a leakage survey
by walking the street listening on every valve, hydrant and accessible
service connection. Each sounding is usually for 10 to 30 seconds. It
takes longer to assess the noise when there is more background
noise. It is not unusual to perform this work at night in busy cities when
the pressure is highest and the background noise is lowest. It is
important to hold the stick still and firmly pressed against the pipe,
valve or hydrant. Ensure there is no long grass or cables making
contact with the stick.
The electronic listening stick is usually a localization tool used to
localize the leak position; however when the leak is suspected to be in
a pipe under soft ground, the electronic listening stick can be used to
pinpoint the leak. It is preferable to make the hole with an electrically
insulated punch bar or another probe and then insert the stick into the
hole made. Extreme Care should be taken to ensure there is no
contact with other underground services. Check with your company
Health and Safety Officer before proceeding with this method.
1. Listen on all fittings in an area making note of the noise level,
frequency and characteristics. It is usual to listen at each location for a
period of 10 to 30 seconds, waiting for background noise to stop. If
Fig.10 listening directly on
a pipe with the rod inserted
through soft soil
Fig.11 listening to the pipe
via an insulated toughened
probe
