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Care Home commissions water leakage survey as water costs increase way beyond budget.

Author: Graham Mann, Water Audit Expert.

A midlands based residential care home had been receiving high water bills for a number of months as the previous water charges were based on estimated readings. An actual water meter reading was taken following this a large water bill was received, this was queried and the explanation by the water company was accepted as previous charges over the last 9 months were under estimated and the latest being an actual read appeared to be correct.

The following month a further actual reading was taken and a higher than normal water bill was received and again this was queried, the water company advised them to take daily and overnight readings of the water meter for 4 days revealing that as much water was being used at night as during the day. At this rate the water costs to the Care Home would double and it was decided to commission a water leakage survey comprising of an internal and external water audit, all W.C cisterns were checked to see if any overflows were activated, water storage tanks were also checked but no losses were found inside the building. It was then decided to check the external underground water supply for leaks. The mains water supply as it enters the building was turned off, this was so that we could carry out a water leak check between the closed isolation valve and the water meter, if there is a leak between the valve and the water meter then the water meter will register flow. Upon examination of the water meter the continuous flow rate was 1.32 cubic metres per hour (11,563m3 per annum) at a cost of £ 27,000 per year, the underground water leak was confirm and quantified.

The route of the copper water supply pipe was traced using pipe tracing equipment, once the exact route of the water supply pipe was found the listening stick was used to see if any leak noise could be heard. Eventually the loudest leak noise could be heard in a grass patch next to the drains and the excavation location was marked out.

Photo 1 Water leak position marked down for excavation.

The area was excavated exposing a large water leak, it is quite hard to believe that this water leak would result in extra water charges of £ 27,000 per year.

Photo 2 Large water leak exposed.

The water leak repairs were completed and the excavation reinstated with savings of £ 27,000 per year and a payback on costs to complete of only 1 month.

Photo 3 The excavation reinstated.