31 October 2008
Yorkshire Water is testing new "platelet technology" which it claims can allow water pipes to be repaired from the inside. Such a development would reduce the need to dig up roads in order to fix leaks, it states. According to the company, the technology works in the same way that platelet particles in the blood seal human wounds by clotting. In this case, platelet particles are inserted into water supply pipes under pressure, where they travel along and locate leaks, forming seals over them. "We know our customers get most frustrated when they have their supplies interrupted or they are inconvenienced by road works and this technology has the potential to take all that away," said Richard Flint, chief operating officer at Yorkshire Water. According to the BBC, the company insisted the platelet particles have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they pose no risk to health. Meanwhile, Countryside Properties is urging homeowners to protect their water pipes this winter by ensuring gutters and drains are free from leaves and other debris and insulating exposed water pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting.