Post By Admin
September 13, 2024Have you ever noticed a random wet patch out the front yard, or knew your bill should have been lower from last month? Most likely, these could be signs of an underground pipe leak.
While detecting underground water leaks can be challenging, they can lead to incredibly costly damage if not controlled. So, what can you do about it?
Not to fret – we have your back! So, in this guide we are going to touch on all of the steps and processes that you can follow in order to find an underground water leak location easily.
And if you need professional help surrounding Melbourne areas, there’s always a leak detection service that you can trust! Ready to uncover the mystery? Let’s get started!
Causes of Underground Water Leaks
The fact is water leaks into the underground do not just occur randomly – there is often a sneaky culprit to blame. Did you ever wonder how to tell if a pipe burst underground?
Well, we go into further about detection – what could be causing it in the first place?
- Roots in pipes. Trees are wonderful, but their roots can wreak havoc on your plumbing. If a tree is planted too close to your pipes, the roots naturally search for water, and guess where they end up? Right in your pipes! Over time, these roots can crack or even fully block the pipes.
- Shifting Soil or Ground Movement. Have you noticed any unusual cracks or shifts in your yard? Changes in soil conditions—whether from construction, erosion, or natural shifts—can lead to underground pipes bending, cracking, or bursting.
- Old or Corroded Pipes. If your pipes are getting up there in age, it’s only a matter of time before they give way. Old, corroded pipes are more prone to leaks, especially after years of wear and tear.
So, have you dealt with any of the problems? These common causes might be a good place to start.
Underground Water Leak Location: How to Spot It?
So now that you know what causes these underground water leaks, the question is how do you spot them exactly? It can be a puzzle to locate an underground leak, but there are typical signs you may notice.
If you are looking to narrow your options before contacting a professional, give the following methods a try. Now, how to find a water leak underground? Let’s break it down!
1. Find Wet Spots
One of the most obvious signs that there is something wrong with your system (aside from no water) would be unusual wet spots in gardens and lawns.
Do you have areas that are constantly soggy, even when it hasn’t rained? That could be water escaping from a burst pipe underground.
Take a walk around your property and pay close attention to areas where grass seems greener, or puddles form without reason.
2. Check for Unexplained Puddles
Additionally, another warning line is when you start observing puddles in certain areas without any rain. These puddles would be forming due to the water leaking beneath the surface.
Water shooting up through a burst pipe can create pools of water on the surface.
3. Look for Cracks in Driveways or Walls
Did you know that the cracks in your driveway, pavement and even on your house foundation concrete could signal a leak coming from under it?
If a pipe bursts and water pressure builds, it can shift the soil beneath the hard surface and cause cracks.
4. Notice Lower Water Pressure
The sudden drop in your water pressure at home could be because water is leaking before reaching your taps. So, if your garden hose, faucets, or showers are not flowing as usual, you might have a leak underground.
So, have you spotted any of these signs? If so, it’s probably time to dig a little deeper or call in a pro to confirm the source.
How to Tell If You Have a Water Leak Underground?
So, you’ve spotted some unusual signs around your property, but how do you know for sure if you’ve got an underground water leak? While you can do a bit of detective work on your own, sometimes it’s tricky to know for sure. The good news?
There are some common methods to confirm whether you have a leak. And if you’re wondering, how does a plumber find a water leak underground?—we’ll touch on that too!
Here are a few things you can try to help confirm whether you’ve got an underground leak on your hands:
- Monitor Your Water Metre. An easy DIY method is to check your water metre. Switch off all water sources in your house, then go back to see the metre again. If your metre is running, then you probably have water somewhere that is not going where it should be (like down the drain).
- Check if Your Water Bill Increases. Have you seen a sudden increase in your water bill even though your household’s water usage is per usual? This could be a huge hint that your water is leaking underground.
- Listen for Unusual Sounds. Constant strange sounds of water running? Yet you can’t seem to track it down even when you have turned off all faucets. Well, this may indicate an underground leak.
- Call in the Experts. If you are still not confident or want to get rid of the guessing game then it is time to leave it to a professional. Thus, how does a plumber find a water leak underground? Thanks to their expertise and specialised tools, they will be able to pinpoint the exact site of a leak without having to tear up your whole yard.
Unsure if you have a leak yet? Hopefully, these methods can be helpful! If you have any doubt in mind, it’s best to bring in a plumber to confirm and fix it before the leak worsens.
Conclusion
It can be a daunting task to find an underground water leak location, much like finding the source of sneaky little pests around your house. Fortunately, there are some ways to spot some of the most common signs before it gets worse.
Signs like unexpected wet spots in your yard, a mysterious hike in your water bill – catching these problems early can save you time and money down the road.
Keep in mind, some leaks can be too tricky to identify. This is where the experts step in – reach out to Neighbourhood Plumbing Melbourne right away!
Our team can help you locate the underground water leak with precision and fix it before it causes any more damage. Got a leak? Let us help you solve it today, call us on 0488 885 122.
About the Author
From unclogging the toughest drains to repairing leaking toilets, Ricky is a seasoned plumber who has brought his craftmanship to homes across Melbourne. He is passionate about sharing plumbing tips just as much as he is about fixing your plumbing issues. So, when your taps or pipes begin leaking, you know who to call.
