How to Find a Water Leak Underground
Water leaks can be the worst nightmare of home ownership. Not only can they lead to significant property damage and increased water bills, but they may also pose health hazards through mold and mildew growth. When suspecting underground leakage of any sort, it's critical to act swiftly in identifying and rectifying it as soon as possible. Mr. Rooter Plumbing shares underground water leak detection tips along with steps you should follow to detect and repair underground water leakage issues.
Signs of an Underground Water Leak
Before diving in and trying to locate an underground water leak, we must recognize any signs indicating an issue. Common symptoms of an underground water leak include:
An unexpected increase in water bills: One telltale sign of an undetected leak is sudden and unexplainable surges in monthly bills for water usage.
- Lower Water Pressure: If you notice an acute decrease in the pressure throughout your home, this could indicate an underground leakage issue.
- Wet or Soggy Areas: Any persistent dampness or sogginess in your yard, driveway, or basement could indicate an underground water leak.
- Mold and Mildew: If mold or mildew appears in areas that typically remain dry, this could indicate excessive moisture from an unseen water leakage source.
- Unusual Sounds: If you hear running water even though no faucets are turned on and no water appliances are active, this could indicate an undetected leakage source.
- Steps for Finding an Underground Water Leak: Once you recognize signs of an underground water leak, take immediate steps to locate it. Here are the steps:
- Start By Turning Off the Water Sources: As part of any successful inspection, turning off your main water supply is vital in order to prevent further water damage as well as ensure safety during its process.
- Check Your Water Meter: Locate your water meter and take note of its reading. Wait several hours without using water in your home before revisiting it; an increase indicates a possible leak.
- Examine Your Yard: Carefully examine each corner of your backyard, paying particular attention to damp or wet spots and places where grass appears unusually lush or discolored.
- Use of Listening Device: Plumbers or plumbing service companies may employ special listening devices to detect when the water has leaked underground and pinpoint its exact location. These listening devices let professionals detect underground water escaping as leakage and quickly pinpoint its exact spot.
- Conduct a Pressure Test: A pressure test involves pressurizing your plumbing system, monitoring for changes in pressure levels, and noting any reduction in pressure that indicates possible underground leakage. A significant reduction in pressure could indicate issues.
- Consult a Professional: If your efforts to locate a leak fail, consulting with an expert plumber specializing in water leak detection may be the key to finding and fixing it quickly and successfully. They possess the tools and experience needed to identify and address it efficiently.
Once You Identify An Underground Water Leak
After successfully identifying an underground water leak, the next step should be addressing it quickly to minimize damage and preserve your infrastructure. Below is how you should approach water leak repair:
- Excavation: To reach the damaged pipe in your yard, the affected area must be excavated to gain access. Professionals should only handle heavy machinery for this process to ensure maximum safety and avoid potential injuries to themselves and others.
- Pipe Replacement: When damaged sections of pipes need replacing, an experienced plumber should assess their extent and decide if partial or complete pipe replacements are required.
- Testing and Inspection: After repairs have been completed, the plumbing system should be subjected to further scrutiny to verify whether all issues related to the leak have been effectively addressed. Typically, this involves pressurizing it again and inspecting for additional remaining issues.
- Backfill and Restoration: Once repairs have been verified, any excavation areas will be backfilled, and landscaping or structures affected by excavation will be restored to their previous state.
- Preventative Measures: To guard against future underground water leaks, consider investing in regular plumbing inspections and maintenance checks. Early identification of potential issues can save time and money in the long run.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing
Finding and fixing underground water leaks may seem daunting, but with sufficient knowledge and professional assistance from Mr. Rooter Plumbing, you can successfully detect and resolve them. Keep an eye out for signs of hidden leakage. Feel free to reach out should any become apparent, such as professional plumbing service when necessary. Timely action could save costly repairs and water wastage, protecting both you and your home against costly expenses in repairs and conservation measures.
