Water Mains

When a leak has been detected and the position has been proven (see leak detection page) the leak can be repaired or eliminated by replacing a section of pipe or, if more economical or there are multiple leaks, relaying the whole supply.

Leakage is not the only reason for renewing a water main. Renewal may be required to increase flow, to replace a lead main, to divert a main or to increase its length.

When our quotation has been accepted a mutually convenient appointment will be arranged for the works to be undertaken.

Before works commences we can take care of all arrangements involving water shut downs, notifications, highway opening notice applications and traffic management requirements.

Water Mains

Water Mains Repair

Repairs are only feasible when the leak has been pinpointed either visually (when water is evident) or by leak detection.

Repairs are undertaken by exposing the leak and either cutting the main, removing the defective piece of main and installing a new piece of pipe or by using a clamp to stop the leakage.

Water Mains Renewal

There are a number of options when renewing a water main. Using our experience and expertise we would recommend the most appropriate method.

These methods include:

Open Cut

This is the more traditional method involving trenching the required distance (using our own qualified mechanical digger driver and machinery or by hand if this is not feasible). The pipe is laid in the trench and joined by the following techniques:

Butt Fusion Welding

A machine heats the end of both pipes and then pushes them together to form a weld. The end result is a fusion joint that is as strong or stronger than the pipe itself.

Electro Fusion Welding

Collars are used on the ends of the pipes, which are heated and fused to the pipe.
Or the other options include using Trenchless Technology these methods are as follows:

  • Directional Drilling
  • Pneumatic and Hydraulic Bursting
  • Impact Moling
  • Auger Boring and Steel Pipe Ramming

There are a number of options when renewing a water main. Using our experience and expertise we would recommend the most appropriate method.

Mains Pressure and Flow Testing

After installation of a water main, a pressure test is carried out to prove there is no leakage on it before water is allowed through the new pipe.

We also complete Pressure and Flow testing on pipework to determine the condition of existing pipework.

Pressure testing is carried out using compressed air. After the testing is completed M & S Water can provide a certificate of testing and report on request.

Mains Chlorination

To ensure mains are kept clean and safe for drinking water they need to be chlorinated, this is normally following a new installation but can be at regular intervals when water regulation specify.

M & S Water chlorinates the main and produces the appropriate paperwork and documentation.

Sluice Valves (SV)

SV are installed to control the flow of water through a straight pipe and as a shut off valve to isolate the supply. M & S are able to provide a tracing and mapping service and advise where valves should be installed.

M & S are usually able to repair defective valves without the need to replace them, which is more cost effective. This involves ‘re-packing’ the valve to re seal it. Re-packing is completed with or without excavating, depending on how much room is around the valve.

When it is not possible to repair a valve then M & S can replace it. This will normally require excavation but M & S will undertake this with minimal disruption.

Fire Hydrant (FH)

he primary purpose of a FH is to allow water to be drawn off a water main or fire main by the emergency services. M & S are able to provide a tracing and mapping service and advise where FH should be installed.

M & S are usually able to repair defective FH without the need to replace them, which is more cost effective. This involves ‘re-packing’ the FH to re seal it. Re-packing is completed with or without excavating, depending on how much room is around the valve.

When it is not possible to repair a FH then M & S can replace it. This will normally require excavation but M & S will undertake this with minimal disruption.

Water Meter

M & S Water Services offer a wide range of water meters that can be installed and maintained at customers request. Customers normally require this option so they are able to monitor the amount of water being used and check for leakage. These are used best when there are many legs on the supply and a meter is positioned on each leg.

We can also fit Automatic Metering Solution (AMR), which has the following benefits:

Provides monitoring of your water network 24/7 – 365 days per year. It will show a complete supply performance and profile.

AMR will show you data that is currently going un-detected.
AMR will flag peaks and troughs of the water consumption, and any anomalies that could be leaks or assets demanding constant water. It will show high demand or mis-use.

It allows more proactive water management and helps you identify problems rapidly, saving time and money and of course water.