Underground water leaks are one of the most devastating plumbing problems. This sneaky problem can go on for months without being detected while it secretly wreaks massive havoc on your building, says Rent Pros Management.
Even when the signs of an underground water leak are seen, those signs are often misinterpreted as a different kind of plumbing problem. As a result, homeowners will sometimes waste vast amounts of time and money fixing a wrong problem.
But why are underground water leaks so hard to find?
It is because the pipes are buried in the ground. Unlike surface leaks, when you have an underground leak, you don’t see water cascading from the broken pipe. Instead, water is discharged into the surrounding soil, leaving no traces of the problem.
Sometimes, the leak is found after the resulting damage has become visible above the ground. Usually, at this point, it has caused severe damage to the landscaping, building and surrounding structures like driveways or walkways.
How do you detect an underground water leak before it damages your home? So much depends on how deep the pipe is: if the pipe is under a slab, if there are concrete or asphalt surfaces in the area and if the location is covered by trees and bushes.
Finding an underground leak is a task best left to a professional plumber, and in this post, we explain the different methods used by plumbers in Chicago to find underground water leaks.
How professional plumbers detect underground water leaks
As a first step, the plumber will look around your home for signs of the possible presence of an underground leak. Some of the signs they will look for include;
- Cracks in paved surfaces like driveways and sidewalks.
- Wet or spongy patches in the lawn, often with unusually green grass.
- Low water pressure in your home but not in neighboring homes.
- Hikes in the water bill that are not accompanied by changes in your water usage patterns.
- Musty odors around the home indicate the presence of mold and mildew.
- Muffled sounds of running water inside the walls, flooring and other structures.
- Discoloration on walls and ceilings due to water damage.
After this initial step, the plumber will proceed to advanced tests that are based on several different techniques and technologies:
The water meter test
This test is done to check if the leak is inside the building or in the main water line. The water supply to the house is shut off at the main shut-off valve. If the water meter continues to read, the leak is in the main water line.
Pressure testing
This method is similar to the water meter test, except that instead of shutting the water supply to the home, the plumber seals off a section of the underground pipe and pressurizes it. A pressure drop signifies the presence of a leak.
Thermal imaging
This is used to get the approximate location of the leaking pipes. By mapping the area, this tool is used to create an image showing the temperature differences between the water pipes, areas of dry soil and soil that has been infiltrated by water.
By detecting the distinctive bubbling sound of air leaving a pressurized pipe, the plumber can pinpoint the exact location of a leak.
Listening devices
These acoustic microphones can pick up and amplify the sound of running water. By detecting the distinctive bubbling sound of air leaving a pressurized pipe, the plumber can pinpoint the exact location of a leak.
Pipe locator devices
This method is used for metal pipes. A pipe locator device emits radio waves into the soil, and based on how the signals are reflected to the device, it can detect the location of metal pipes in the area.
Soil Probes
Ground probes can check soil moisture levels in the suspected leak area. By detecting soil areas with moisture levels above normal, it can show the general location of the leak. Ground probes are also helpful for locating buried water pipes.
Camera inspection
This is done by inserting a tiny camera, attached to a flexible pipe, into the pipe. As the line is fed into the pipe, the camera is used to view the sewer lines interior. This method detects leaks and reveals the condition of the pipes and the coordinates of the damaged section.
Which leak detection technique should your plumber use?
Every plumber has their preferred leak-detection method. Moreover, based on the unique features of your home, plumbing system, and surrounding soil, a specific leak detection method may be more effective. Most plumbers use two or three of the above methods.
What is essential is not the leak detection method used by the plumber but the plumber’s overall expertise in this area. When hiring a professional leak detection service or plumber in Chicago, remember that a plumber’s experience is vital for preventing further damage and minimizing costs.