API Completes industry first hydrant entry pipe assessment with water & sample extraction
API successfully completed its first trial project to inspect a live potable water pipe under pressure, and to then extract a sediment & water sample from deep within the host pipe.
The modified PIPA Hydrocam™ system was used to inspect internal pipe condition and configuration under pressure, then to extract samples at different pipe intervals. The unique feature of this system is that it enters a pipeline via a standard type 2 fire hydrant, without excavation trial holes, or the need to swap these fittings out to through bore fire hydrants.
All locations inspected have recorded invaluable pipe condition data which will be analysed by an approved laboratory with detailed data reports provided back to the client, all part of every under pressure pipe inspection survey.
Project Approach
API delivered pressurised CCTV & acoustic inspections, also water and sediment sample removal from inside live potable water pipes. Access points were existing type 2 fire hydrants.
A chlorinated camera tube assembly was introduced through a pressure-rated sealed entry system. The insertion equipment prevents loss of pressure and contamination to the water network.
To collect water samples: Water is drawn directly from the flowing main into sterile sample containers.
Samples can be tested for microbiological, chemical, or physical parameters.
To collect sediment samples: Deposited material on the pipe invert is captured using specialised retrieval tools attached to the camera cable close to the sensor housing.
The sample can then be analysed for corrosion deposits, biofilm present, mineral scale, metals, or accumulated debris.
New Sampling Technique Benefits:
No interruption of customer water supply.
Representative samples from inside the main rather than from a hydrant area alone.
Useful for assessing:
* Sediment accumulation
* Corrosion and tuberculation
* Water quality issues
* Biofilm growth
* Discoloration complaints
All extracted samples can be delivered directly to water companies, or analysed by our approved laboratory with results provided in a detailed data report.
For more information, or to book a free demonstration survey, please contact: in**@****uk.com
Pressurised CCTV & leak detection, sediment & water sample extraction in all pipe materials via existing fire hydrants is a water industry game changer in 2026!
Camera entry points
The PIPA systems are designed for safe use on many style fire hydrants, many other valves and pressure fittings installed directly on top of a water mains. The pipe set up proved to be ideal without the need for modifications from standard PIPA UK specifications.
Camera inspection results
*Standard fire hydrants were successfully used to survey pipelines both upstream & downstream
*Pipe condition & configuration assessments were successfully completed by API
*A detailed data report was submitted to the client
*No expensive trial holes required
PIPA Representative Fabio Orlandi: We are getting lots of interest from many UK water companies & International clients on the Hydrocam™ system, and are very pleased to see API successfully operating and 
delivering amazing results using the new sample extraction system.
The Hydrocam™ system already offers zonal studies to remove the need for trial holes to determine true pipe condition under pressure, the next progressive stage was always to obtain samples to add another layer of quality data to water company’s scientific teams.
PIPA has developed the widest range of pressurised pipe inspection products commercially available in the world, and has worked with the majority of the UK water utility companies and a wide range of clients overseas.
For more information on the Hydrocam™, Flowrider™ or any PIPA system please contact: sa***@*****uk.com