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Dig-free repairs to leaking water mains could be fast-tracked

We're proud to announce that Origin Tech has had it's second feature in The Times, highlighting our mission to transform the water industry through cutting-edge solutions like Origin Orbit® satellite leak detection and Origin No Dig® trenchless leak repair technology. The article shines a spotlight on our drive to deliver smarter, more sustainable solutions, including the development Origin No Dig® Mains repair. 🔧💧 This type of recognition reinforces the our commitment to innovation and the impact we're making to support utilities worldwide.

A British company that has carried out 7,000 repairs on water leaks without the need for costly and disruptive excavations is set to tackle mains pipes next as the industry tries to bring down high leakage rates.

Origin Tech, which has developed “non-disruptive leak detection and repair technology” called Find and Fix, has applied for a new patent for mains leakages. It expects to win fast track approval for the patent this year because of its potential environmental benefits.

The firm’s technology, which allows engineers to identify and quickly repair leaks without the need for excavation or even knowing the exact location of the problem, is already being deployed by 11 UK water companies, including Thames Water, Yorkshire Water and United Utilities.

A worker in orange safety gear pours water from a large plastic jug into an apparatus under a tent, surrounded by other workers and equipment.

A team from Origin demonstrate the technology

At the core of the system are two proprietary technologies: Origin Orbit, which uses AI-driven analytics and satellite scanning to pinpoint leaks within a 30m area, and No Dig technology which is able to seal leaks by injecting a non-toxic solution into the water network through the pipe, where it forms a plug.

The result is a leak repair process that is up to ten times faster and significantly cheaper than digging trenches, according to Origin Tech. The technology also prolongs the life of infrastructure by sealing leaks before they lead to pipe failure.

Martin Jackson, Northumbrian Water’s information services director, said: “Origin’s technology is transforming how we find and fix leaks, allowing us to detect and repair leaks before they show at the surface. Alongside our traditional methods, it’s helping us respond faster, reduce disruption and protect water supplies, delivering benefits to both our customers and the environment.”

The patent-pending mains trenchless repair solution enables the rapid sealing of leaks in larger pipes up to eight inches in diameter without full excavation.

Three billion litres of water is leaked each day across the network — equivalent to 1,202 Olympic-size swimming pools.

John Marsden, director and founder at Origin Tech, which has just secured a multimillion-pound investment from the Business Growth Fund, said: “This patent is a major milestone. Not just for Origin Tech, but for the future of water infrastructure in the UK. Fixing mains leaks without excavation has been an industry aspiration for decades. We’re turning that ambition into reality, cutting time, cost, and disruption, all while helping water companies meet their environmental and operational goals.”

The company says it has grown by almost six times since 2022 when it did its first “no dig” job. Turnover in the latest financial year was £8.5 million versus £4.9 million in 2024, an increase of 75 per cent.