BE WATER WISE AND UNEARTH THE HIDDEN LEAKS IN YOUR DESIGN
Water is one of the world’s most valuable resources, yet it is also a universally mismanaged resource. As a result, water shortages are becoming ever more common. Leaks are a primary factor exacerbating water scarcity, and are due to network failure caused by incorrect installation, lack of maintenance, aging infrastructure, and too high-water pressure, among other things. To reduce network failure, it is necessary to plan and budget for resources that will investigate and implement the necessary corrective steps to the water supply system…
South Africa loses about 40% of its water through leaks and unaccounted-for water. This triggers the need for the architectural and maintenance industry to consider investing in a Smart Water concept as an innovative approach to improve efficiency and sustainability. The advancement in technology has led to the development of quick “leak detector” devices that enable a quick detection and location of leaks within the network system, including the so-called hidden leaks which lose water into the ground through gaps derived in impaired pipelines.
Smart water systems use equipment and technology like sensors and control panels to detect and relay information about leaks and variation in water pressure. This system can be integrated with automated shut-off valves that automatically switch off the water supply when a leak is detected. To a certain extent, buildings could be complemented by divine landscapes which will then necessitate the extension of the smart water system to help detect leaks within the landscape’s irrigation system. To assist with reducing the unnecessary water leaks, each water offtake in the landscape should ideally be fitted with its own meter that is either monitored manually or, preferably, via a smart device. Moreover, it’s essential to consider other areas where water leakage could pose a significant problem. For instance, a constantly dripping faucet or a leaking toilet can result in an average daily water wastage of 30 to 60 litres.
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To address these issues and reduce water expenses, Water Wise provides straightforward DIY solutions, including:
Monitor your water usage: Reading your water meter at the beginning and at the end of each day/ every month can help you gauge your household and business water consumption.
Irrigation system leaks: If an irrigation head is steadily dripping water when the system is off, you may have a leaking valve underground or a worn diaphragm which needs to be replaced. It’s always best to call in the professional landscaper to step in and patch things up properly.
Landscape inspection: It’s a good idea to periodically inspect your landscape for irrigation system problems, such as moist ground, which indicates an underground leak.
Toilet leak detection: To check if your toilet is leaking, simply add approximately four to five drops of food colouring into the toilet tank/cistern. If you notice the colouring seeping into the bowl without flushing within 30 minutes, it signals the presence of a leak that requires immediate repair.
Fixing leaking taps: Address tap leaks by replacing worn-out tap washers.
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