A query from the Thames Water billing department generated another visit from the Customer Side Leak Detection Team. I had already realised we had another major leak in the ancient 4" hydrant ring that supplies all the water around the wharf weeks ago and had visits from the same team in the previous week. Jules was not your run of the mill TW flunkie. He had the calm, assured and friendly disposition that you would like in any workman. I showed him round and pointed out all the likely locations I had chalked. He agreed and used a long steel rod with an earpiece on one end to listen to various valves. pipes and drain covers. We both agreed the most likely area to start digging ANOTHER! hole in the ground.
I asked Jules if he had any fancy equipment that could help us detect the layout of the underground pipes. He went back to his van and came back with a pair of long L-shaped bits of old coat hanger.
Jules confidently scanned the area with his makeshift divining rods. The rods duly waved about in a very positive and consistent way. I was sure he wasn't twiddling like you might suspect a ouija board operator might. He chalked out the pipe run, bends and even the exact location of the leak. Subsequent digging proved him 100% accurate. He gave me a long handshake when he was done and said 'you look a little de-hydrated yourself '. He was right about that too. Big hangover this morning :)
