An underground water leak is like a silent infiltrator, subtly eroding pipe integrity and manifesting in potentially destructive ways. Although it is challenging to find these leaks, it is not impossible.
But before calling the plumber, are there indicators you could be staring at underground leaks in your property? If you have seen unusual water meter activities, damp spots in the house, cracked walls or pavements, irregular vegetation growth, warping floors, dirt water, or low water pressure, these could be the signs.
In this blog post, we will explore:
Signs of Underground Water Leaks
1. Unusual Water Meter Activity
Is the water meter pointer spinning even when all the water outlets are shut off? This shows a potential discrepancy between water usage and meter readings. An unusual increase in water bills could result from the leak.
To ascertain an underground water leak, shut off all the taps and check the meter reading; after an hour, check whether the meter readings have gone up. If this is the case, it is advisable to call a plumber for a pipe inspection.
2. Moist Soil and Irregular Vegetation Growth in the Yard
Water can seep through the soil if there is a crack or breakage. You can notice this with moist soil that causes irregular vegetation growth. Identifying the leak’s location is easy if you see these signs. The integrity of the pipes should also be assessed to ensure they are in good condition.
3. Cracked Basement Walls or Pavements
When moisture goes unchecked, it can damage pavements and walls as it infiltrates through the materials. The water can also interfere with the structural integrity of a building if it affects the foundation. So, you should seek remedies to prevent costly damage to your property.
4. Moldy and Warping Floors
Apart from cracks, you should check for molds on the floor and walls. For wooden floors, moisture causes warping (distortion, bending, or unevenness of a floor surface). The difference in temperature causes the problem and could even lead to an unpleasant smell.
5. Dirt or Air in the Water
In extreme cases, dirt can infiltrate through the cracks or broken pipes and come out through the taps. If this happens, it can cause contamination of the water supply, posing serious health risks to those who consume or use the contaminated water. When air is trapped in the pipes, it could lead to airlock, reducing the water pressure and preventing smooth water flow.
6. Low Water Pressure
For maximum water pressure, all the pipes and taps need to be in optimal working conditions. You can identify an underground water leak with reduced flow from the taps and showers due to clogged, eroded, or ruptured pipes. If there is an issue with the water supply, the utility company will notify you.
How We Detect Underground Water Leaks
Unlike surface leaks, underground leaks require more than observation to ascertain their location and extent. That is why you need a plumber to inspect the pipes and give remedies for the problem. Here are some of the methods we use to detect underground leaks.
Thermal Imaging
This innovative technology entails the use of infrared radiation to detect temperature differences. The non-invasive technique helps locate pipe leaks and blockages by transmitting thermal patterns.
Thermal imaging is an effective technology that also prevents the disruption of your property landscape with excavations. Apart from leaks, plumbers use the method to detect water damage, mold growth, and structural issues.
Acoustic Listening
When there is an underground leak, pipes produce abnormal sounds, which can be detected with sensitive microphones or sensors. Through the technique, plumbers can identify sounds like hissing, dripping, or gurgling and pinpoint the source of the problem. The method not only reduces the cost of repairs but also saves the time used to detect and deal with plumbing problems.
Conclusion
Underground water leaks are more complex and challenging to identify and fix than surface problems. So, you need the services of an experienced plumber to pinpoint the exact location of the issue. Apart from that, non-invasive technology is necessary to minimize the disruption of your property’s landscape.
If you are looking for a plumber to repair or detect underground leaks, Total UC is the team to call. Through our non-invasive technology, we dissect the pipes to identify the problem and propose the most suitable remedies for the leaks.
