A Shazam-like Household Water Leakage Detection Method

This research proposes a novel approach to household leakage detection by means of sound signal recordings. The approach consists of recording the sound signals that are produced by water fixtures and appliances, and then use these recordings to detect any abnormal situation which may be an indication of a leak. The method comprises three major steps: recording, storing and processing of sound signals. The recording step is done by means of a non-intrusive sound sensor that sends records remotely; the storage step is made in a database of sound signals for different types of uses; finally, the processing step is made through a sound signal identification software tool that is able to search the database libraries for related sounds, in a similar way as the Shazam app for music. Tests of the leak detection method are presented for data collected in laboratory conditions. Results show that this detection method has a potential to help reducing leakages through an easy-to-install and non-intrusive sensor.