How to Find an Underground Water Leak

Dealing with an underground water leak can be a perplexing and challenging experience, especially when it goes undetected for an extended period. It can result in significant damage to your property and lead to escalating water bills.

Knowing the causes of underground leaks, the potential damage they can cause and what to do about them can go a long way towards protecting your home and property at large. So let’s take a closer look.

Causes of Underground Water Leaks

At first glance, an underground leak may seem like an “out of sight, out of mind” issue. However, if it’s left unresolved, it could wreak havoc on your property. Therefore, understanding the common causes of these underground leaks is crucial in minimising any potential issues.

• Natural disasters or ground movements – Earthquakes, landslides, or natural ground shifts can crack pipes, causing underground water leaks.
• Tree roots – Tree roots infiltrate underground pipes seeking moisture, leading to cracks and water leaks.
• Incorrect installation – Incorrect installation or sealing of water pipes can result in gradual underground water seepage.
• Corrosion – Corrosion from soil chemicals degrades metal pipes over time, causing underground water leaks.
• Freezing temperatures – Freezing temperatures can cause water in pipes to expand and burst, leading to underground leaks.

Understanding these causes helps you detect and prevent underground water leaks early on. This knowledge can save you from high water bills and potential property damage.

How to Detect Underground Water Leaks

Identifying if you have a water leak underground, even before it causes colossal damage, is of vital importance. Certain symptoms may hint at a possible hidden underground leak. Being observant and detecting these signs early can save your property from undue water damage and you from unnecessary headaches.

Spike in Water Usage

Water is a precious resource; one you should use sensibly. However, if there’s a sudden surge in your water bill that does not track with your normal water supply usage, you could be dealing with an underground water leak. These situations can happen when a lot of water leaks underground, resulting in excessive water usage without the property owner knowing.

Pooling of Water

When there’s a water leak located underground, the water has to go somewhere. In many cases, it will simply rise to the surface. So if you notice unexpected areas of water pooling on your property, even in the absence of rainfall, it could indicate the presence of a leak. It forms a swampy area that can often damage the landscaping, so take note of these wet spots around what should be a dry surface.

Decrease in Water Pressure

An indication that you may have a water leak underground can be a sudden drop or fluctuating water pressure. Reductions in water pressure can be a result of an increased number of exit points for the water due to leaks. Thus, if you sense an unusual delay in filling up your tub or a decrease of pressure in the shower, it might not be an issue with the water supply but with your pipes or underground water leaking out.

Unusual Sounds of Running Water

Sometimes, if you listen closely, you might hear the noticeable sound of water running underground even when all water appliances are turned off. This gurgling or hissing sound signifies the presence of an underground water leak, causing water to flow when it shouldn’t.

Take a Water Meter Reading

To detect an underground water leak using your home water meter, turn off all water fixtures, read the meter, wait 30-60 minutes, and take a second reading. If the readings differ or the leak indicator moves, there’s a leak. Check for unusual wet spots or lush vegetation in your yard.

Whenever any of these signs appear, there’s a high probability that an underground leak is silently causing havoc underneath your property. Therefore, timely engagement with professional leak specialists is crucial to avoid dealing with unwarranted property damage costs and extremely expensive and arduous repair works later on.

Dangers and Hazards of Undetected Underground Water Leaks

The potential hazards and effects of an undetected underground water leak can be rather daunting. Some of these hazards include:

• Foundation damage: Water leaks can compromise the structural integrity of buildings, posing significant safety risks.
• Sinkholes: Water leaks can cause erosion and softening of the soil underneath the ground. This can lead to sinkholes, posing risks to both people and property.
• High water bills: Undetected leaks can lead to excessive water wastage, which reflects on the water bill.
• Environmental damage: Water leaks can cause soil erosion, loss of vegetation, or contamination of groundwater resources.

With such consequences in mind, it becomes apparent that detecting underground leaks as early as possible is of paramount importance.

Professional Leak Detection: Why Working with a Specialist Matters

Identifying the location of the leak in an underground water leak can be a complex process. Leak specialists possess the expertise and advanced technology required to detect even the most challenging leaks with minimal disruption to property.

Professionals utilise a variety of methods such as:

• Acoustic leak detection: Using ultra-sensitive microphones, leak specialists can detect sounds produced by dripping water underground.
• Thermal imaging: By analysing variations in surface temperatures, this technique can pinpoint underground water leaks with minimal invasiveness.
• Radio processing unit: This advanced technology uses mathematical algorithms and data from sensors to locate leaks in pressured pipes.
• Smoke testing: By releasing harmless smoke through pipes, specialists can visually locate escaping smoke from the leak source.

Each detection method may be employed depending on the property’s specific conditions and underground pipe configurations.

Keep Your Plumbing System Leak-Free

Undeniably, untreated underground water leaks can have hazardous consequences for property owners. Identifying these leaks in their infancy can save owners from costly burst pipe damage, repairs to your plumbing system, environmental consequences, and inflated water bills.

Considering the complexities surrounding the detection and fixing of underground leaks, enlisting the services of a professional leak specialist is the best course of action. These experts possess the tools and expertise necessary to remedy such situations efficiently, ensuring that your property remains secure and your water usage remains efficient.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.