How can Leak Detector support your operations?
Leak Detector has become a part of Söderhamn Nära’s daily operations. Project manager Robin Lindberg and meter manager Henrik Inancsi currently have 15-20 addresses on their watch list where they follow noise level developments closely. So far, the new meters have found more than 100 leaks in service connections or inside homes and properties in Söderhamn.
“In the beginning, we checked every meter that detected an unexpected noise. But now we have learned to identify different noise patterns and can tell if there is an actual leak or if the noise is being caused by something else like a heat pump or dehumidifier,” says Robin.
Preventing property damage and unnecessary water costs
Some customers are suspicious at first because they haven’t noticed anything out of the ordinary, but when they realize what could have happened, they often call back just to say ‘thank you!’
“So far we’ve made about 60 calls about leaks, running toilets and left-on garden hoses – all based on info codes from the READy Meter Data Management system or noise patterns in Leak Detector. We’ve helped our customers prevent property damage from a long-lasting leak, and we’ve helped them avoid paying enormous water bills for the leaking water,” says Henrik.
First leak after one hour
Robin and Henrik found their first leak after working with Leak Detector for just one hour. When they arrived at the address, they listened to the valve, and when they closed it off, the sound disappeared.
“According to the correlator, the leak was 4 meters from the wall,” says Robin. “The size of the leak could have been substantial as it is in the middle of the city and close to the water reservoir where the water pressure is high."
Getting the full value from data
Söderhamn Nära’s goal is to have hourly measurements from all meters and to add district meters so they can implement additional analytics within 3 to 4 years. When all meters deliver hourly data, the enormous amount of data will provide a much better foundation, not just for leak detection and customer service, but also for maintenance and asset management investments.
“The more meters we install, the more we’ll know about trends and seasonal variations and the more effective the system will be,” Robin adds. “That is when we will see the full value of our data. We’re a small utility, so we have to take it step by step, but we’re definitely on the right track.”
