Nine questions / Practical limits
The questions behind an alert
Monitoring reduces some uncertainties and leaves others open. These answers explain where the next check belongs.
Can a sensor prove that a pipe is leaking?
Usually not alone. Sensors record effects consistent with leakage, but operations and other sources can produce similar patterns. Independent evidence and field checks support diagnosis. Start with what each sensor measures.
How far apart should acoustic sensors be?
There is no universal spacing. Pipe material, diameter, fittings, pressure, noise and the instrument affect useful transmission. Trial measurements should inform the plan. The placement guide explains what to record.
Does higher minimum night flow mean a new leak?
Not necessarily. Legitimate overnight use, pressure changes, storage, meter error and boundary changes also affect the record. Check the water balance and operating context before attributing the increase to leakage.
Why did an alert disappear before the crew arrived?
Demand, pressure, operations or data availability may have changed. Preserve the original evidence and review conditions; disappearance does not establish whether a leak existed. A repeat visit or another measurement may still be justified.
Can these systems monitor plastic pipes?
Yes, but acoustic transmission can be more challenging and installation must suit the pipe. Pressure and flow measurements may provide complementary evidence. Do not transfer spacing assumptions from metallic pipe without checking them.
What does a gap in the dashboard mean?
It means data is unavailable, not that flow or pressure is zero. Check power, communications, storage and original timestamps. Delayed readings should be assigned to their capture time, not silently presented as current.
Is a quiet sensor evidence of a healthy pipe?
No. A defect may be outside useful range, poorly coupled or difficult to hear. Check instrument health and coverage before interpreting silence. Absence of an alert is not a structural condition assessment.
Should every alert lead to excavation?
No. Alerts should be reviewed and prioritised. Authorised specialists choose further checks and decide whether evidence and risk justify excavation. See the field verification process.
How should a resident report a suspected leak?
Use the local water supplier’s official reporting route and provide the location and observation time. Do not open chambers or operate equipment. This website does not dispatch crews. If there is immediate danger, use the appropriate emergency route rather than the editorial contact tool.