Underground water leaks can cause serious damage to your property, and they can be challenging to detect. If you suspect that you have a water leak underground, it's essential to find it as soon as possible. This Step-by-Step Guide will help you identify, locate, and fix a water leak underground.
The first step in finding a water leak underground is to check your water meter. Turn off all the water sources in your home, including your washing machine, dishwasher, and outdoor hose. Write down the meter reading, wait 15 minutes to an hour, and check the meter again. If the reading has changed, you likely have a water leak.
Next, search for signs of water damage around your property. Check your walls, ceilings, floors, and baseboards for discoloration, peeling paint, or wallpaper. Additionally, look for wet spots on the ground around your home or in your yard. Follow the path of the damp ground until you find standing water, which may indicate an underground leak.
If you cannot visually identify the leak's location, try using a listening device. Many home improvement stores sell water leak detectors that you can use to listen for running or dripping water. Place the detector near your plumbing connections or along the pipes' path until you hear the sound of running water, which will indicate the approximate location of the leak.
If you still cannot find the leak, try conducting a pressure test. First, turn off the main water valve to your home and remove the pressure gauge from your outdoor spigot. Then, connect a pressure testing gauge to the spigot and turn the main water valve back on. If the gauge reads any pressure, it may indicate a leak in your plumbing system.
If you have followed these steps and still cannot locate the water leak underground, it's time to call a professional. A licensed plumber will have the equipment and knowledge necessary to locate and repair the leak, preventing further damage to your property.
Water leaks underground can cause serious damage to your home if left untreated. By following these steps, you can identify, locate, and repair a water leak, saving you time and money in the long run. If you cannot locate the leak on your own, be sure to call a licensed professional in your area.