Stopping that irritating drip from the kitchen faucet can be easy enough. But how about managing an underground water leak?
Not only is detecting the exact leaking point frustrating, but fixing the problem is more challenging.
This may be hard to believe, but an average American family loses as much as 180 gallons per week from water leaks. Underground leaks, are harder to detect and are one of the major reasons behind this number.
To prevent a leaking pipe from draining your wallet, the first step is to identify the signs of a water leak in your home. But answering the question of how to detect water leaks underground, requires you to know a few important points.
1. Check Your Water Meter
The first step to check for signs of a water leak is to check your water meter. The good news is that most water meters have a leak indicator. Generally, this is a colored triangle or a dial that rotates when water is being used.
If the meter doesn’t have a leak indicator, start by noting the reading in the meter. The minimum test period for checking a leak is two hours. Make sure that no water is used in this period, including flushing of toilets. If there is a reading change after this period, your water lines have a leak.
Is there a way to check whether the leak is outside or inside?
There is. First, locate the main shut-off valve in your home. There is no standard location for this valve, and it can be below the outdoor faucet, in the basement, or near the water heater. Note, the water heater valve is only for hot water.
Shut off the water supply from the valve and check the leak indicator. You can use the meter reading method too. If the indicator keeps moving, the leak is outside the house.
2. Pay Attention to the Water Bill
Unless there is a major change in water use, a sudden increase in the water bills is one indication of an underground leak. The bill for a particular month can be high, or the amount can rise slowly over a few billing cycles. In that case, it’s time to put on your thinking hat and investigate the hidden cause.
Compare multiple bills over a few months to determine the exact nature of the spike. Keep in mind, the water rates may have gone up, or your water meter might be malfunctioning.
3. Inspect the Area Around Your Water Main
If you suspect an underground leak, inspect the area around the water main. At times, you might find water puddles or unusual damp spots near the area. In other scenarios, the signs are not so obvious. Then it’s time to check for secondary signs of water leakage.
Is there an odd patch of green grass or thick vegetation in your garden or yard? That might indicate the spot for the underground pipe leak. In some scenarios, leaky pipes can also cause sinkholes to appear in the yard. If the water leak is under a concrete slab or pavement, you may find cracks or bulges appearing on the surface.
Underground pipes can leak due to various reasons. These can be rusting, invasive roots from plants, or excess water pressure.
The standard water pressure in domestic water pipes is between 60 to 70 PSI. If the pressure has dropped, the reason is simple. Not enough water is flowing through the pipes.
Now, this can happen if there have been some changes to the water supply system in your city. Or else, check the water meter valve and the main house shutoff valve. These two valves should be fully open to ensure optimum water pressure. If the valves are fine but the water pressure is still low, chances are that your pipes are clogged or leaking.
Before you start digging up the pipes, one way to confirm the leak is to use a smart water leak detection system. Such systems can use smart sensors, that detect the electrical conductivity of water or sudden pressure drops along a pipe. Other options include the use of acoustic sensors or ultrasonic waves to detect leakages.
4. Hire a Professional
A leaking pipe will not just drain your wallet but can damage your home as well. If the damage has been detected, prompt action is a must to fix the issue. A professional can detect a leak more easily and suggest the best methods of containing the damage.
While DIY plumbing projects can be a cheaper option, you will need the right expertise or tools to diagnose and fix the problem in the best manner. Otherwise, you might end up making the scenario even worse.
Many underground leaks present a complex problem that can be fixed effectively only by an experienced professional with the right knowledge. Besides, a professional plumber can also help you avoid further problems in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a tool to find underground water leaks?
Various advanced tools are used for detecting underground water leaks. Some of the common options are ultrasonic leak detection, thermal imaging, and acoustic leak detection. In more complex scenarios, ground penetrating radar (GPR) is used for leak detection as well.
How do you check for underground pipeline leakage?
Underground pipeline leakage in a home can be detected by checking the water meter or checking for visual signs. To detect the exact location of the leak, professionals can use advanced leak detection methods.
What is step testing in leakage?
Step testing is used to detect water leaks in a distribution zone with a large network of pipes. Here, valves are shut in sequence, isolating specific sections of the pipeline while the flow is checked by special devices like mobile ultrasonic meters. The method isn’t used for homes and is mostly applied for checking municipality water networks.
What is the best underground leak detector?
There are multiple methods to detect a water leak underground and the best option depends on the specific conditions of a situation. So, choosing one over the other is not easy. It’s best to take the help of a professional who can decide which is the best option for your home.
Final Thoughts
Underground water leaks can be unique depending on the specific conditions of your home. Timely detection of underground water leakage problems is a must for safeguarding your home from damage. To accurately detect a water leak underground and fix it, you need the help of professional plumbing services.
With a team of dedicated professionals. Beach Plumbing is a reliable plumbing company in Southern California for underground water leak detection services. Our trained plumbers use state-of-the-art technology to detect the tiniest of leaks and help in finding the best solution for the issue.
Learn about our leak detection services today!