Underground water leaks can be a terrible nightmare for every homeowner. These hidden leaks not only waste precious water but can also lead to significant property damage and costly repairs if left undetected. The challenge lies in the fact that underground leaks are often difficult to spot until the damage becomes severe. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not know how to detect water leaks underground.
Furthermore, underground water leaks can cause structural cracks, sinking, increased water bills, mold growth, and landscape damage. This is why early detection is crucial. In this article, we will discuss some causes and signs of underground water leaks. Also, we will provide some insightful tips on how to detect water leaks underground in your home and the next steps to take to fix the issue.
What Causes Water Leaks Underground?
Some common causes of water leaks underground include:
- Tree roots: Roots from trees and shrubs can invade and break water pipes, especially in older homes or plumbing systems.
- Extreme weather: Freezing and thawing cycles can cause pipes to expand and contract, thereby leading to cracks.
- Pipe corrosion: Over time, pipes degrade due to rust and mineral buildup, and this can cause leaks.
- Old or poor-quality pipes: Pipes deteriorate with age, particularly those made from inferior materials like iron or clay. As these pipes weaken, they become more susceptible to cracks and breaks, thereby leading to leaks.
- Shifting soil or ground movement: Earthquakes, construction activities, or natural soil shifting can damage pipes, and this can lead to underground water leaks.
- Water pressure fluctuations: Sudden changes in water pressure can stress pipes, resulting in cracks or leaks.
- Improper installation: Pipes that are not installed correctly can be more prone to leaks and damage.
- Groundwater erosion: Continuous water flow can erode the soil around pipes, causing them to shift and potentially break.
Signs of an Underground Water Leak
Unusually High Water Bills
One of the first signs of an underground water leak is unusually high water bills. If you notice a sudden spike in your water bill without any significant change in your water usage habits, it could indicate a hidden leak. Regularly comparing your water consumption over several months can help you spot any unusual increases. If you’ve ruled out other potential leaks inside your home, it’s time to consider the possibility of an underground leak.
Wet Patches in the Yard
Another indicator of underground water leaks is wet patches in your yard. Random wet areas, especially during dry weather, can be a sign of an underground leak. If these wet patches appear when there hasn’t been any recent rainfall, this could further indicate a leak. Additionally, areas of your lawn that are greener and more lush than the rest could be benefiting from an underground water source due to a leak.
Decreased Water Pressure
Decreased water pressure is another common sign of water leaks underground. A noticeable drop in water pressure at your faucets can suggest that water is escaping from the pipes before it reaches your home. Fluctuating water pressure can also indicate that water is leaking out of the pipes underground.
Foundation Cracks or Sinkholes
Foundation cracks or sinkholes can also be a result of underground water leaks. Water leaks can cause the soil to shift, leading to cracks in your home’s foundation, walls, or floors. Leaks can erode the soil, causing the ground to collapse and form sinkholes or depressions. Shifting foundations due to underground leaks can cause structural displacement, making it difficult to open or close the doors and windows in your home.
How to Find an Underground Water Leak
Furthermore, detecting and fixing underground water leaks early is crucial to save yourself from the headache of extensive repairs and water damage. Some possible ways to find an underground water leak include:
Meter Test
The meter test involves switching off all water appliances in your home and then checking your water meter readings. To perform a meter test, start by turning off all water appliances in your home. Then, check your water meter and note the reading. Wait for 1-2 hours without using any water. If the meter reading changes during this period, it’s likely that you have a leak. Even small movements in the meter dial can indicate a slow leak, so be sure to check for subtle changes in your meter reading.
Hiring a Professional to Locate Underground Leaks
However, if you are unable to find the leak yourself, you may need to hire a professional. Professionals have advanced tools like video pipe inspection, acoustic detection, and ground-penetrating radar. Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric offers professional video camera inspection to help detect underground water leaks and other hidden plumbing issues.
What’s more, during the professional inspection, an expert will use a combination of state-of-the-art- tools and advanced techniques to confirm the location and severity of the leak. The average costs for leak detection and repairs can vary, including possible expenses for pipe replacement or trenchless repair methods.
Find Underground Water Leaks with Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric
For reliable and professional pipe repair services, always call on our experts at Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric. We are your go-to solution for detecting and repairing underground water leaks and other plumbing issues. We utilize state-of-the-art video inspection technology to accurately locate leaks. Also, we offer professional pipe repair options, including trenchless pipe replacement and pipe relining, to help ensure minimal disruption to your property.
In addition, we understand the urgency of underground water leaks. Therefore, our dedicated team will respond quickly to your call and provide a fast, effective, and long-lasting fix to the underground water pipe damage in your home. We offer sewer camera inspections in Spring, TX, and we’re proud to serve homeowners across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and the Greater Houston area.
