Water leakage is the biggest nightmare for any homeowner. It causes problems in homes, such as infrastructure weakness, mold and mildew growth, and disease outbreaks. Detailed water leak detection is challenging as it can remain hidden for years, showing minor signs. However, we are here to tell you how to find the leakage before it becomes a disaster.
What Are The Ways to Tell if You Have a Water Leak Underground?
When a leak is found in your underground pipes, it typically has several different causes. Some of the prominent causes are
- Friction
- Corrosion
- Soil shift
- Water chemistry
- Poor installation
- Low-quality pipe material
- Age of the pipes
All these reasons can cause underground water leakage, which does not show signs for a long time. Homes that are 15 years old or older are particularly susceptible to underground water leaks. It is daunting when you suspect a leakage but cannot decide whether to call a professional. Dont worry, we came here with a few signs that can allow you to indicate underground water leaks in your home or office.
Some of the visible signs are as follows.
Low Water Pressure
If you continue to experience low water pressure in your kitchen or bathroom taps, you might be experiencing water leakage. If only one or two taps are leaking in the building, there might be a minor leakage. However, if the whole building’s faucets are dripping, it means that there is an underground leak at your place.
Constant Running Water Meter
Check your water meter periodically; it will tell you whether you leak. For this, you can conduct a small test. Shut off the water from its main source. Afterward, go to the meter and check its number for 5 minutes. If the numbers are still increasing, it is evident that you have an underground leakage keeping the bill running.
Look at Your Bill and Usage
Keep track of the usage and the average bill of your home. According to stats given by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if an average family of four is getting a bill for 12000 gallons of water per month, it is evident that there is an underground leakage. An average family of four uses around 4500 to 5000 gallons of water per month. Moreover, go to the water meter, tally the numbers on the meter, and write on the back of the bill. If the number changes drastically, call a reputed company and detect the leakage immediately.
Puddling in Lawn
Monitor your backyard, especially your garden, to find a water leak underground. If the grass is growing at surprising speed or you see puddles of water in the ground for no apparent reason, the pipes under your yard are definitely leaking. A typical plumbing system starts from the yard, so the leakage starts in its initial phase.
Excess Water in the Soil Around the Home
If you see water gathered around your building without any apparent reason, call the plumbing company and get the underground pipes checked as soon as possible. Ignoring this can cause potholes or, worse, sinkholes in your building, significantly destroying the foundation and value of your home or office.
Crack in Foundation
Go to the basement or check each room of your home to detect leakage. Constant leakage causes cracks in the building’s foundation. These are tiny cracks that everyone ignores. However, if there are a lot of cracks in every room of the building, calling a durable plumbing company is advisable.
Gurgling Sounds
Water leakage often causes weird sounds coming from your taps or walls. Turn off the main water valve and try to listen to the sound. If you suspect a gurgling sound coming from your wall, floor, or taps, it is evident that you have an underground water leakage that needs immediate attention.
Damp Flooring or Walls
If you notice the floor seems a bit damp or dampness in your drywall, that’s an alarm. If the leak has been active for a long time, you may even start to smell mildew or see mold. If you also feel warmth in some areas of the floor, this could mean the leak is in the hot water lines.
What To Do After Finding An Underground Leakage?
You detected one or more signs of underground water leakage at your home. Now, what to do? Do not ignore this for long, as it can cause serious safety and health problems for the residents. First, call your nearest plumbing company and ask them to conduct a thorough inspection.
They will conduct an in-depth inspection using thermal imaging, trace gas, or other tools to find the exact place and cause of pipe leakage. Afterward, they will tell you how to fix it and apply preventive measures so you don’t have to face this problem for long. For houses older than 15, they often suggest changing the whole plumbing line as pipes are ruined by corrosion or rust.
Detailed water leak detection is necessary for a safe and hygienic home or office. Do not ignore minor signs, and get professional help to prevent accidents or disease outbreaks in the building. Whether you need a repair, installation, or a complete replacement, an experienced team can provide satisfactory results.
Did you detect an underground water leak at your place? Call Ted’s Plumbing Company now and leave all the worries to our skilled technicians. We will inspect, detect, and fix the problem using the latest technology and systematic strategies so you don’t have to face these problems for a long time. To book your building inspection, visit our website now!
FAQs
How are underground water leaks detected?
Finding a water leak is challenging, but a professional team can use the latest technology. They use sewer cameras or trace gas for minor or major leaks.
Can I use my phone to detect underground water?
Apparently yes, there is an application for underground water leaks. Keep the needle according to the app, it will tell you where leakage occurs in your underground pipes.
How do you diagnose a hidden water leak?
First, check your water meter for hidden leaks. Turn off all the water in your home and record the number on your meter. Wait at least 20 minutes, and return to recheck your meter. If the meter reading has changed, that means you leak.
