HE ADMITS he has no idea how it works – but the ancient art of water divining is being used by a utility company engineer to locate and fix burst water pipes.

Steve Robinson, a technician for United Utilities, often dumps his high-tech radio wave detection devices for two old welding rods in the back of his van.

And such is the laser-like accuracy of his methods he’s often called upon by other colleagues trying to locate burst pipes buried deep underground.

Now United Utilities, who insist they remain committed to using the most advanced facilities available to detect leaks, have admitted his unconventional methods have proved useful. Mr Robinson, 47, a father of three from Upton, Wirral, was introduced to the art by a retired colleague.

He said: “I must confess, I’ve absolutely no idea how the process works, or even what it’s called – but it certainly gets results.

“I just hold on to the rods and let them go where they want.

“When I hit water, they cross over. It’s nearly always accurate. Some of my colleagues were a bit sceptical at first, but they’ve learnt to trust it over the years.

“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.”