Engineer turns to water divining to detect faults

An engineer in the UK is turning to the traditional art of water divining to detect incidents of burst or damaged water pipes, it has been revealed.

When his high-tech radio wave equipment fails him, United Utilities employee Steve Robinson turns to two old welding rods in the back of his van to practice water divining, which involves using metal rods to detect water flow underground.

The method has proved to be so accurate and successful that his fellow colleagues call Mr Robinson when a particular case has left them stumped.

He stated: "I've tried using the technique to find electricity lines, sewers and gas pipes, but it just doesn't work. As long as the pipe's got water running through it, I can find it for you."

In 2006, engineers used water divining to help stem leaks and tackle droughts that hit the south-east of England during the summer months, reported the BBC.