Water Flow Indicator helps to identify water leaks faster

David Key was employed this season to manage the dairy farm of Walter and Robyn Judd, milking 940 cows near Marton. The owner of one of the farm’s lease properties, where he grazes beef cattle and dairy replacements, called him about a long-suspected leak. “The owner was certain there was a leak. I spent hours looking for it then got frustrated and went into town to find some sort of gauge to look at the water flow on the property,” says David.

“A plumber at our local electrical store sent me to our rural supplies shop where I found Gallagher’s new Water Flow Indicator. I bought the unit and a couple of joiners, went home and set it up. It’s a really simple concept and it was straight forward to install. Within minutes I could reassure the lease block owner there was no leak.”

The unit, which comes in two sizes and fits most water lines, is made up of a clear piece of piping, with an orange impellor in the middle of it. The impellor spins as water is flowing through the system, showing any irregular water flow, water direction and speed. “If there’s no water flowing through the system the impellor won’t spin. You know your lines are full and you don’t have a leak. It’s an easy guide and it certainly helps find leaks faster,” says David.

Product Features

By installing the Water Flow Indicator at important junctions in water lines, farmers can find leaks quickly by visually checking for abnormal water flow.

The dual colour impellor makes it easy to see water direction and speed. It is compatible with standard pipe fittings and is available in 1¼” (32mm) and 2” (50mm) sizes. It is made of high quality, UV-resistant, engineering-grade plastic that’s easy to install and clean.

David believes the Water Flow Indicator would be useful on large blocks of land or installed at strategic places in water lines around dairy farms. “Just by putting it in the right place you can see what’s happening with the water flow on your property,” he says. “If water is flowing into the property that shouldn’t be, you’ll know straight away, and you can cut off that block while you fix the leak.”

David understands that smart water use is becoming increasingly important for farmers, both from an environmental and compliance perspective. He believes the Water Flow Indicator is a practical way to save water, time and money. “In my area, the regional council is asking some farmers to fit water meters to their bores to measure water use and ensure they are complying with their consents and regulations,” says David.

“It makes economic and environmental sense to conserve water and not waste it. The Water Flow Indicator is a simple device that’s easy to fit. You just look at it and see if the impellor spinning or not. It’s instant piece of mind.”