Surefire Ways to Spot an Underground Leak
Underground water leaks are some of the most insidious and notoriously difficult types of leaks to find. First, it's not always apparent off the bat that there is even a leak present. Some homeowners find out too late that an underground leak has been wreaking havoc in their homes, usually when a lot of damage has already been done. Second, because of the location of an underground leak, it's difficult to visibly determine where the leak is coming from to fix it.
The good news is that a homeowner can figure out if they have a hidden water leak in their hands. There are signs to watch out for and methods to determine this, all laid out in the following paragraphs, so read on:
Watch Out for These Signs
Homeowners who are in tune with their houses' ins and outs usually feel that there is something wrong before they figure out what the problem is. It is entirely valid to follow that hunch, and if any of the following signs can be ticked off the list, then it could be an underground water leak.
- Drop in water pressure - one of the first signs of a leak is usually a decrease in water pressure. This happens because a leak prevents the full volume of water from coming out through the tap. This is important to note, especially if no visible water is escaping from a pipe or fixture around the house.
- Puddles of water in the yard - pools of water collecting outside without a visible source or explanation could indicate a leak just below the surface, causing that puddle to form.
- Sound of running water - if all the taps in the house are closed and yet homeowners still hear the sound of water running, it might be because water is escaping through a leak instead of a fixture.
- High water bill - any of the above signs combined with an inexplicably high water bill is a sign of a leak, especially if there have been no changes in the household's water consumption habits.
The Water Meter Says It All
If the signs point to a possible hidden water line leak, it would be prudent to perform this little test to see whether it's time to call in the professionals. To begin, shut off the main water valve in the house to ensure that water isn't being used indoors. Next, look for the house's water meter and check if the leak indicator - a small triangular-shaped indicator that could be colored red, green, or blue - is spinning. Without a leak, the effect of shutting off the main water valve would be for the meter to stop spinning. If it continues to spin, water is flowing, likely out of a leak.
It is still possible to conduct this check for homes whose water meters do not have leak indicators. All that needs to be done is to shut off the main water valve and then get the water meter reading. After 30 to 60 minutes, return and check the meter reading again. If it has changed, then there is a leak.
When In Doubt, Call the Pros
Finding and fixing an underground leak is no simple task. It involves using specialized equipment and several hours of dedicated labor, even the possibility of digging a trench to get to an underground pipe. While it is possible to DIY this repair, the best option is still to call professional water leak detection services. Leak detection services are fully equipped and experienced to handle these situations. Homeowners would do well to lean on their expertise to ensure that their water leak problems are resolved thoroughly, all while saving them time and money that could result from a botched DIY.
About City Plumbing
City Plumbing is a reliable plumbing services provider in Philadelphia and its surrounding neighborhoods. Their flat-rate pricing, 24/7 service availability, and true satisfaction guarantee all speak to their dedication to providing the best service to the people in their community. They have a team of trusted technicians equipped with fully stocked trucks and use the latest technology to ensure that they provide the right solutions on the first try. Call them today for all plumbing services in Philadelphia, PA.
