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How to tell if you have a water leak underground

Ever noticed your water bill going up, but you’re not using more water? This could mean you have a leak underground. Finding these leaks is key to saving money, reducing water usage, and keeping your property safe.

If your home is over 15 years old, it might have leaks. A family of four using over 12,000 gallons a month could have a big leak, says the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Leaks under concrete can also cause cracks in your foundation, making your home weaker.

Look out for damp floors, rising water bills, and sounds of running water with all taps off. These signs mean you might have a leak. It’s important to check for these and fix them early to save your home, money, and reduce unnecessary water usage.

Key Takeaways

Timely detection of underground leaks can save thousands in repairs.
Homes older than 15 years have a higher risk of underground leaks.
Check for damp flooring and unusual sounds of running water with no fixtures in use.
Rising water bills could signal a water leak underground.
Conduct a DIY meter test or contact a professional plumber for assistance.
Address signs of water pipes leakage promptly to protect your property.

Signs You May Have a Water Leak Underground

Finding an underground water leak early can save you a lot of money and water. Keep an eye out for these signs to catch problems early:

Unexplained Increase in Your Water Bill

A sudden jump in your water bill without using more water is a big clue. If your water supply bills go up without any change in your habits, check for leaks.

Patches of Wet or Damp Areas

Wet spots on your lawn or garden with no rain can mean a leak. Look for cracks, bulges, or holes too. These are signs that can help detect an underground water leak.

Reduced Water Pressure

Low water pressure when you’re taking a shower or using the sink is a red flag. It means water is leaking from underground pipes.

Sound of Running Water

Listening to running water sounds, but no taps are on, means you have a leak. This noise means you need to fix it fast to stop more damage.

Potential Sign	Possible Cause
High Water Bill	Hidden Water Leak
Standing Water or We Spots	Underground Leak
Reduced Water Pressure	Water Escaping From Pipes
Sound of Running Water	Leak Within Pipes

Conducting a Water Meter Test for Leak Detection

Checking your water meter is a top way to find underground leaks. First, turn off all devices that use water. Then, note the meter reading. Make sure no water is used during the test.

Steps to Perform a Meter Test and Check Your Water Meter

Here’s how to do a meter test right:

Find your water meter, usually near your house or in a basement.
Turn off all devices that use water, like taps, toilets, and machines. Make sure no water is running.
Write down the meter’s current reading. This helps you see if there are changes later.
Wait a few hours without using any water. This helps get an accurate reading.
Check the meter again. If the reading has changed, it might mean there’s a leak underground.

Watching the meter’s leak indicator is also key. If it moves when all water is off, there’s likely a leak.

Interpreting Meter Test Results

It’s important to understand the meter readings. After the test, compare the first and last readings. If they’re different, you have a leak. Then, look for signs like sinkholes, wet soil, or fast-growing grass.

Experts use special tools to check further. Things like thermal imaging or ground-penetrating radar can find leaks without harm. Knowing what your meter test shows helps you fix the issue fast.

Regular checks and knowing the signs can stop leaks from causing big damage and costs. So, always check your water meter to keep your plumbing in good shape.

Using Technology to Detect Underground Water Leaks

Nowadays, finding underground water leaks is more precise and less damaging. Thanks to new technologies, you can spot leaks accurately and protect your property.

Acoustic Leak Detection

Acoustic leak detection uses sound waves to find leaks in pressurised systems. It has special microphones that pick up the sound of water escaping. This way, even tiny leaks can be found easily.

Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging is a popular way to find hidden leaks. It uses infrared sensors to see the heat from leaks. This makes it easy to see where moisture is causing damage. The images from thermal imaging help find leaks fast and accurately.

Electronic Leak Detection

Electronic leak detection finds leaks by measuring electrical changes. It’s great for finding underground leaks. It shows where the leak is and helps avoid a lot of digging.

Hydrostatic Pressure Testing

Hydrostatic pressure testing is key for finding leaks underground. It watches for pressure changes in the water system. A drop in pressure means there’s a leak, helping experts find it quickly.

Technology	Description	Advantages
Acoustic Leak Detection	Utilises sound waves	Highly precise
Thermal Imaging	Uses infrared technology	Non-invasive, quick identification
Electronic Leak Detection	Measures electrical conductivity	Accurate, minimal excavation
Hydrostatic Pressure Testing	Monitors pressure drops	Effective for detecting breaches

When to Call a Professional Plumber

Dealing with leaks in your plumbing can be hard. Minor leaks might be easy to fix, but underground leaks need a pro. Here’s why getting expert help is a good idea.

Benefits of Professional Leak Detection

When you think there’s an underground water leak, getting a pro to find it has many perks:

Accurate Detection: Experts use special tools like ground-penetrating radar and acoustic devices to find leaks without harming your property.
Non-Invasive Methods: New techniques help find problems without digging or causing damage.
Prevention of Costly Repairs: Finding leaks early and precisely stops big and pricey damage to your plumbing.

Types of Professional Services Available

Companies like Hamblin Water Mains are experts in finding leaks. They provide:

Ground-Penetrating Radar: This tech maps and finds leaks without digging.
Acoustic Leak Detection: Uses special devices to hear leaks through sound.
Thermal Imaging: Finds leaks by spotting temperature changes with infrared cameras.
Hydrostatic Pressure Testing: Checks your plumbing’s strength by measuring water pressure.

Choosing the Right Specialist

When picking a plumber, think about these things:

Experience: Go for experts who know how to fix underground leaks well.
Technology: Make sure they use the newest tools and methods for finding leaks right and causing less trouble.
Timely Service: Quick action is key to stop more damage. Look at reviews to see if they’re reliable and quick to respond.

Getting a pro plumber for underground leaks protects your property, cuts down on expensive fixes, and keeps your plumbing working well. Fixing leaks early saves a lot of time and money later.

Conclusion

Spotting an underground water leak needs you to be alert and quick. Seeing your water bill go up or your water pressure drop is a clue. These signs mean you might have a leak.

Using the meter test or high-tech tools like infrared thermography helps find where the leak is. This is key to stop leaks from harming your home. If you don’t act fast, you could face big repair bills.

Even though you can try to find leaks yourself, experts have better tools. They use things like acoustic listening devices and ground microphones for precise leak detection. Regular checks on water pressure also help stop leaks before they start.

If you think there’s a leak, get a pro plumber to check it out. They can find and fix the leak well. This saves your home from damage and keeps costs down. Acting fast keeps your home safe and comfy.

Get a quote from a plumbing expert today!