Underground water leak detection is an important process for homeowners and property managers. It helps to find leaks in pipes buried beneath the ground before they cause serious damage. Detecting leaks early can save a lot of time and money by preventing bigger issues like water damage or expensive repairs.
In this blog, we’ll walk through how you can identify underground leaks, the tools used for detection, and how to handle leaks once they are found.
What Are The Common Signs of Underground Water Leaks?
When a water pipe underground leaks, it can be hard to spot right away. However, there are several signs that can help you figure out if something’s wrong. Keeping an eye out for these signs can help you catch a leak early and avoid bigger issues down the line.
Here are some of the main signs:
Sudden Increase in Water Bills
If your water bill suddenly spikes without any change in your usage, it could be a sign of a leak. Leaks cause water to flow continuously, which can show up on your bill even if you haven’t used more water than usual.
Unexplained Wet Spots or Puddles
Finding wet spots or puddles on your lawn or in other unexpected areas could point to an underground leak. If the wet areas don’t dry up or seem to appear for no reason, it might mean water is leaking from a pipe below the surface.
Lush or Unusual Vegetation Growth
If certain areas of your yard or garden seem unusually green or lush compared to the rest of your landscaping, a leak might be the cause. The extra water from the leaking pipe can encourage more plant growth in the area.
Cracks in Pavement or Foundation
Underground leaks can weaken the ground and cause cracks in nearby pavement or even your home’s foundation. If you notice these cracks, it could be because water is escaping from a pipe below.
Low Water Pressure
If you’re experiencing a sudden drop in water pressure throughout your home, it could be a sign of a leak in one of your pipes. When a pipe leaks, the pressure inside the system decreases, affecting water flow.
Sounds of Running Water
If you hear the sound of running water when no faucets are turned on, it could mean water is leaking underground. These sounds often come from pipes leaking into the soil, making a distinctive noise as the water escapes.
Advanced Technologies in Leak Detection
Detecting underground water leaks has come a long way with the help of modern technology. Today, there are advanced tools that make it easier and faster to find leaks with minimal disruption to your property. These technologies improve the accuracy of detection and help fix leaks with less hassle.
These three technologies are the latest ones to detect a leak:
Trenchless Leak Inspection
Trenchless leak inspection is a method used to find leaks without digging up your entire yard or driveway. It involves using special equipment that sends cameras or sensors through pipes to detect any issues. This method is less invasive, which means less damage to your property and quicker repairs.
Leak Noise Correlators
Leak noise correlators are tools that pick up sounds created by water leaking from pipes. These devices are placed along the pipeline and can locate the source of the leak by analyzing the sound waves. It’s a very effective method, especially in areas where digging is not an option.
CCTV Drain Cameras
CCTV drain cameras are small cameras that are sent into pipes to visually inspect them for leaks and blockages. These cameras provide real-time images, allowing plumbers to spot exactly where the leak is and how to fix it. It’s a precise and efficient way to locate issues deep underground without causing unnecessary damage.
What is the average cost for leak detection?
The cost of underground water leak detection varies based on the method employed. Trenchless leak inspection, which uses advanced technologies to detect leaks without extensive excavation, typically ranges from $500 to $1,000. This method is advantageous for its minimal disruption to landscaping and infrastructure.
Leak noise correlators, specialized tools that detect acoustic signals from leaks, have equipment costs ranging from $2,999 to $5,000. Service providers may charge additional fees for the use of such equipment during leak detection services. CCTV drain cameras, used for visual inspection of underground pipes, typically cost between $300 and $1,500 for a professional service, depending on the complexity of the job.
These methods offer varying levels of accuracy and cost-effectiveness, and the choice of method often depends on the specific circumstances of the leak and the property involved.
Ready to Detect Underground Water Leaks?
If you want to ensure your plumbing system is in top shape before any major damage occurs, now is the time to schedule your underground water leak detection. At NuFlow DFW, we use state-of-the-art equipment like acoustic sensors, CCTV cameras, and trenchless technology to find and fix leaks without the mess. Our team provides honest, reliable service, backed by a minimum 5-year warranty on installations.
Whether you need a quick inspection or comprehensive pipe repair, we keep your home safe and your plumbing system running smoothly all year long.
If you live in the Dallas or Fort Worth area, our licensed professionals are ready to help. We deliver fast, expert service and offer a free 15-minute consultation to get you started. Call NuFlow DFW today to keep your pipes leak-free and your home protected.
