Have you seen a change in your water bill in recent months? Or maybe your yard has been showing signs of water stains lately? Don’t ignore these signs because they could be caused by groundwater leaks!
To solve this problem, it is important to know how to find a leaking underground pipe. In this article, we will cover all the major steps in the process of detecting underground leaks in your home. Plus, we’ll include some relevant tips on how to handle a simple pipe leak to save money.
How does a small leak cause big damage to your household?
For some, a water leak may be a simple problem that does not require immediate action. Despite its seemingly minor impression, a small water leak could actually cause major damage in the future. Water leaks that are continued to be ignored lead to floodingfire and other dangerous accidents.
And while these are definite consequences, there are other areas affected. First, your finances would be adversely affected due to repairs and even replacements. Therefore, it is highly recommended not to ignore a «small problem» so that it does not become a major problem.
What are the causes of a pipe leak?
There are various reasons for damaged underground pipes. It can be caused by the movement of soil where the pipes are installed or the growth of invasive roots. Temperature also plays an essential role in water supplies, sewage pipes and general sanitary systems.
First, if there is a significant drop in temperature, which causes the water flowing through the pipes to freeze, then there is a large percentage of the pipe that will burst. Another possible reason for leaks is due to corrosion of pipes, especially metal-based materials such as copper pipes and brass pipes.
How to discover possible underground water leaks?
There are key ways to determine if there is a leak in underground pipes. You need to keep an idea about them so that you can take the necessary actions as soon as possible.
1. Check your water bill.
This is definitely one of the safest factors to keep in mind when it comes to pipe leaks. He has yours water bill has it undergone a drastic change in recent months? Have you been paying more than normal water expenses without significant changes in your daily routine?
If the answers to these questions are yes, then there is a high chance of a leak in the pipes. However, this step may not give you solid evidence of the problem. Hence the need to further establish the cause, which leads us to our next step.
2. Check the discrepancy with the water meter.
Another way to confirm plumbing problems is to evaluate the operation of the water meter. The water meter is a major aspect of a home’s water supply and is usually located along the curb of your home. This equipment, along with the main valve, is often fixed in a box with a lid.
Thus, you may need a large screwdriver to open it. After locating the box, be sure to close your household’s main shut-off valve. Afterwards, see if the meter works even when the valve is off.
Most water meters have a leak indicator which is often characterized by a tiny triangle. The color of the leak indicator can be white, blue or red. Generally, if the house uses water, the indicator rotates. On the other hand, if water is not used, then it should not move.
So, if the indicator is still spinning despite all the water sources in the household, such as faucets, washing machines, toilet bowls and others are already turned off, it means a leak in the pipes. In the meantime, if your water meter doesn’t come with a leak indicator, you should take the meter reading manually.
To accomplish this task, you need to take into account the current meter reading before. Then leave the main valve for 30 minutes or an hour. After that, check the reading of the new meter and if there is a change despite the fact that no water is being used, then it simply means a leak in the underground water supply pipes.
3. Determine the cause of the leak.
Underground leaks can be difficult because you couldn’t see the exact location of the pipes. In addition, the water supply pipes in some houses could be very extensive, doubling your problems. Moreover, there can be leaks on main pipes, elbow connectors or other pipe fittings, which means a large cross-section to uncover.
Therefore, you need to keep an eye out for visible signs. We’ve gathered some of the most visible pointers below for your guidance:
If you come across a series of wet pots, it is a clear indicator of damaged pipes around the area. Therefore, you should act immediately to avoid foundation fatigue that would eventually weaken the structure of your home.
- Pavement deformation
A rocking along the pavement is another result of a groundwater leak. The unusual flow of water causes the surface of the earth to deform and create a change in the walkway. And unfortunately, this can be a very expensive problem if left unattended.
Sinkholes or also known as potholes are another visible sign of a cracked pipe. These, however, can be very dangerous, especially when the sizes are too large. Water can come out of the holecausing intense flooding and other possible accidents.
- Water pressure drop
Low water pressure could also be an indication of a broken pipe. So, if you’ve been experiencing thin water coming from your sink or faucet, be sure to probe your water meter for other signs of an underground pipe leak.
Dirt on the water line is sometimes caused by damaged pipes. Downspouts generally suck dirt and other harmful sediments into the pipe and into your home’s water supply. And if there is water contaminationcan be potentially dangerous to your health.
Has there been an unpleasant odor around the kitchen sink or toilet area lately? If you can’t find the visible source of the bad smell, it may be underneath! Cracked pipes running through sinks and drains are some of the possible reasons for the smell.
Although sounds are not usually used to detect water leaks on underground pipes, they can still be useful in mitigating the problem. Leaking sounds are often associated with hissing or splashing. So try to focus on the area with the loudest sound and try to look for a pipe vibration.
If you’ve gone all out to determine the location of the leak and to no avail, it’s time to contact a plumber for help. Plumbers are the most reliable professionals who can help you with effective leak detection.
They have leak locators like sewer scopes to easily detect the major source of leaks. In addition, I sometimes use nitrogen gas to pinpoint the exact location of the problem. Moreover, plumbers are skilled in repairing and replacing damaged pipes in an excellent manner.
How to solve water leaks on underground pipes?
Before doing the repair yourself, it is important to first determine the exact ownership of the leaking underground pipe. Why? Because there are some communities with set rules when it comes to leaking pipes.
For example, if the leak is found in the vicinity watermeter or the house in general, then the homeowner is responsible for the repair. Meanwhile, if the leak is found on the street portion of the water meter, then the city assumes responsibility. If you’re not sure, simply call the city’s zoning office.
If you have established your owner, you can now begin the repairs.
Step 1. Close the main valve.
The first step is to make sure the main valve is turned off to isolate the problem area and prevent water contamination.
Step 2. Start digging the trench.
Water supply lines are normally positioned 1 to 3 feet below ground or soil. So, it will not be so difficult to dig a trench. During digging, there may be water accumulationhence the need to save water using a bucket.
Step 3. Have a clear view of the damaged pipe.
Keep digging and try to create a spacious access around the leaking pipe so you can easily work on the repair. You can use a hand trowel for a convenient digging process.
Step 4. Repair or install a new pipe.
Once you’ve exposed the damaged line, it’s time to cut damaged area. It is important that you replace it with the same pipe material.
Step 5. Assess the replacement and fill the trench.
After completing the repair of the leaking pipe, you can now test it by turning on the main valve. Make sure you review the changes properly. If the water meter is now working fine, refill the trench.
Conclusion
Finding underground water leaks can be a tedious process. From now on, if you want to skip the step-by-step procedures, you can definitely get help from the experts. But of course, having deep knowledge about these aspects can be very helpful.
