Leak Detection

In the case that a leak is suspected, the following procedure should be followed to locate the leak.

1. Organize a group of volunteers to help with the process
2. Schedule a date and time to search for the leak
3. Notify the Yodelin google group of the leak detection work. Residents should refrain from water usage during the leak detection.
4. Retrieve the Large Valve Key and Small Valve Key, both will be needed to open and close blowoffs and shut offs.
5. Station one person at the Pumphouse to observe the pressure and water outflow. It will be important that this person can quickly communicate with the person leading the valve shutoff effort. Walkie talkies could be useful.
6. Note the current pressure on the Mains Pressure Gauge and the outflow on the Totalizer
7. Turn each mains shut off valve off one at time, and wait a couple of minutes, check with the person at the pumphouse to see if the pressure has increased.
   1. Main Shutoff Division Two
   2. Main Shutoff Division Three First
   3. Main Shutoff Division One Mid
   4. Main Shutoff Division One Upper
8. If the pressure increases when Main Shutoff Division Three First is shutoff, very slowly open Main Shutoff Division Three First and shut off Main Shutoff Division Three Mid. This will tell you if the leak is in the upper or lower portion of division three.
9. Once you have isolated which section of the main the leak is in, slowly reopen the valves to that division, starting from the pumphouse and working toward that area.
10. Begin shutting off all of the Cabin Shutoff Valves valves in that section of the main.
11. If the pressure returns to normal with all shutoff valves off, the leak is between the valve and a cabin.
    1. One by one reopen the valves, check with the person at the pump house to determine when the pressure drops.
    2. Once the leaky cabin is isolated, set that cabin's shutoff valve to the closed position. Return all other shutoff valves to the open position and return the boxes to their original isolated state.
12. If the pressure does not return to normal with all of the valves closed.
    1. Double check that all valves have been closed.
    2. Inspect the road and shoulder for any signs of extra water
    3. If there is no apparent wet spot in the area, you may need to employ the services of a leak detector.
       1. In 2025, we used the services of Melex Leak Detection. They were able to efficiently and accurately detect the leak location. Their process fills the effected section of the main with gas and then uses detection equipment to see where the gas is surfacing.