Leak detection in plastic water supply pipes with a high signal-to-noise ratio accelerometer

A method for detecting leaks in plastic water supply pipes through analysis of the pipe’s surface vibration using a high signal-to-noise ratio accelerometer is proposed and examined. The method involves identification of the changes in vibration frequencies caused on the pipe by the leak and is developed from and examined with respect to detailed experiments. The results are promising, showing that leak detection in plastic pipes is possible provided that the sensor is placed at a small distance from the leak, since wave attenuation in plastic is strong. The results indicate that the methodology has the potential to be a new and competitive type of mobile leak detection system.