MAINTENANCE OF WATER SUPPLY MAINS SUB : WS&SE GTU DIPLOMA

1. CHAPTER-6
MAINTENANCE OF WATER SUPPLY MAINS
 SUBJECT : WS&SE
 BY : D.D.DATTANI
 ( M.E.TRASNPORTATION )

2. INDEX
 NECESSITY OF MAINTENANCE OF WATER SUPPLY MAINS
 LEAKAGE DETECTION TECHNIQUES
 METHODS TO PREVENT LEAKS/WASTAGES
 MEASURES FOR CONSERVATION OF WATER
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3. NECESSITY OF MAINTENANCE OF WATER SUPPLY MAINS
 The distribution system of water supply should be maintained regularly so that the equipment's
employed and the processes followed can work smoothly without interruption.
 A well designed and properly laid water distribution system may prove to be highly efficient in its
operation if it is properly maintained.
 If water supply mains are properly maintained, leakages in the pipes are minimised.
 As the leakages are reduced, the consumers get sufficient quantity of water at desired pressure
 Periodical inspection and checking of water supply mains helps in preventing any major breakage in
pipeline and shutdown of water supply.
 Routine maintenance is necessary to prevent mixing of contaminated water in the drinking water, thus
helps in preventing spread of water borne diseases.
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4. MAINTENANCE OF DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM INCLUDES:
 The flushing of water pipes at dead ends a Checking of valves, hydrants and other fittings.
 Records regarding lengths of pipes laid, lengths of pipes repaired, expenditure incurred, number of fire
hydrants, number of service connections provided.
 Adopt measures to prevent leakage.
 Cleaning of water pipes by scraping devices.
 Checking of meters periodically.
 The map showing the up to date latest layout of distribution pipes in the locality should maintained.
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5. LEAKAGE DETECTION TECHNIQUES
 By direct observation.
 By sounding rods.
 By hydraulic gradient line.
 By using waste water meters by coloured water.
 By compressed air.
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6. LEAKAGE DETECTION TECHNIQUES-BY DIRECT OBSERVATION
 This method consists of practically observing
 A wet spot on the ground.
 luxuriously grown grass in a lawn.
 emergence of a spring at an odd place.
 At such places the ground is excavated and the pipe joints repaired.
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7. LEAKAGE DETECTION TECHNIQUES- BY SOUNDING RODS
 In this method, a sharp pointed metal rod is inserted into the ground in such it may touch the pipeline.
 The "hissing sound of the escaping water can be heard by placing the ear on the top of the rod.
 This will confirm the leakage point.
 On withdrawal of the rod, its moist or muddy point will preliminary indicate the of leakage.
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8. LEAKAGE DETECTION TECHNIQUES- BY HYDRAULIC GRADIENT LINE
 By hydraulic gradient line :In this method, the pressures at various points along a suspected pipe line are
measured and hydraulic gradient line (HGL) is plotted.
 The appearance of any kink or change in slope of the hydraulic gradient line will indicate the location of
a leak in the pipe line.
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9. LEAKAGE DETECTION TECHNIQUES- BY USING WATER METER
 The name given to these meters is 'misleading' because these meters do not measure the actually wasted
water, but only measure any unusually high flow passing through a water main during the period of low
consumption, such as during night or early hours of morning.
 This unnatural excess flow from a portion of the pipe will indicate the leakage of the water through the that
section of the pipe.
 This test is generally conducted at night times.
 The method consists in, first of all isolating a particular suspected locality and closing all the valves excepting
the one connecting area chosen.
 The meter is then fitted at the head of the main supply pipe and water is allowed to flow into the locality.
 Now the various laterals or branches of the locality are aggresively shut off.
 The recorded flow through the meter will indicate a large drop in the recorded flow will indicate that the pipe
is leaking.
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10. LEAKAGE DETECTION TECHNIQUES
BY USING COLOURED WATER & BY COMPRESSED AIR
 By using coloured water
 The water is mixed with some soluble colour and the coloured water is allowed to flow through the
water pipes. The coloured water can easily identified at the point of leakage.
 By compressed air
 The compressed air may be blown through the water pipes.
 The air bubbles will be seen point of leakage.
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11. METHODS TO PREVENT LEAKS/WASTAGES
 Proper design
 Good quality fittings
 Proper joints
 Strict inspection
 Installation of water meter
 Service connection
 System of supply
 Propaganda
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12. MEASURES FOR CONSERVATION OF WATER
 Installation of water meters
 Inspection
 By educating public opinion in favour of using water economically
 System of supply
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13. ROLE OF GENERAL PUBLIC IN WATER CONSERVATION
 OTHER MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES :
 Use sprinkler irrigation in your garden.
 Don't over water your lawn.
 Use waste water in flush.
 Turn off water while brushing teeth.
 While going outdoor, turn off the main valve of water line.
 Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily.
 Operate automatic washing machine when it is fully loaded.
 Use grey water for garden and toilet flushing.
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