Method of detecting and identifying a location on a property corresponding to an underground cold water pipe leak
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting underground leaks in pipes beneath a slab or foundation are inaccurate and often require costly and damaging trial-and-error processes, leading to incorrect identifications and extensive property damage.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a pump or recirculation pump connected to a hot water heater, with supply lines or crossover valves, to flow hot water through underground pipelines and detect temperature changes to pinpoint the exact location of leaks, allowing for precise marking of the affected area for repair or rerouting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional leak detection methods (audio equipment, trial-and-error) are used, then leak location can be identified, but measurement precision is poor and property damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hot water as an intermediary substance to transfer thermal energy to the leaking underground pipe. By circulating hot water through accessible pipes and using the leak as a thermal conduit, the system creates a detectable temperature signature at the leak location without requiring direct contact with the underground pipe, thereby improving detection accuracy while minimizing property damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical detection methods (audio equipment, jackhammering) with a thermal detection system. Instead of using sound waves or physical breaking to locate leaks, the system uses heat transfer through the leaking water to create a detectable thermal field, substituting mechanical energy with thermal energy for more precise and less damaging detection.
2Reliability
If trial-and-error methods are used to identify leaking pipes, then leak detection can be attempted, but loss of time increases due to incorrect identifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where thermal detection devices continuously monitor temperature changes at various pipe locations. The system uses this thermal feedback to precisely identify the leak location in a single attempt, eliminating the need for repeated trial-and-error detection and significantly reducing the time required for accurate leak identification.
3Measurement precision
If extensive jackhammering is performed to locate underground leaks, then leak source can be found, but loss of substance increases due to unnecessary property destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary thermal detection before any physical intervention or property damage occurs. By circulating hot water and detecting temperature changes through non-invasive thermal sensors, the system identifies the exact leak location in advance, allowing for targeted repair without extensive jackhammering or destruction of property materials.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Accurately identifies the location of underground leaks with minimal property damage by using temperature changes to mark the exact entry and exit points of the leaking pipe, reducing costly mistakes and damage from incorrect repairs.
Implementation Method 1
flow hot water through underground pipelines and detect temperature changes to pinpoint the exact location of leaks
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting and marking a location above ground on a property that is located above or near an underground cold water pipeline containing a leak in order to mark the location for future repair work. The method includes use of a pump or a recirculation pump and connected supply lines or crossover valves. A pump is installed and connected to a hot water outlet of a hot water heater. A crossover valve or supply lines connect a hot and cold angle stop for a water fixture. The method includes allowing the pump to circulate and to monitor a temperature of all the floors of the property. Once a hot area is detected on a particular floor of a room or area of the property, the location of the underground cold water pipeline containing the leak is identified and can be marked with a visible marker.