Hidden underground leaks can quietly cause major damage before you even realise there’s a problem. These sneaky issues often go unnoticed until there’s an unexpected jump in your water bill or your lawn starts looking more like a swamp. Fortunately, at Toscano Plumbing, our high-tech water leak detection equipment makes short work of finding these insidious leaks, giving us the time to fix them before they spiral out of control.
So, how do you know you’ve got an underground water leak?
Warning Signs You Might Have an Underground Leak
One of the biggest challenges with underground leaks is how difficult they are to spot. Since the pipes are buried, damage can go on for weeks or even months without any obvious signs. Here are four red flags that indicate you might have a problem:
- Spikes in your water bill that don’t match your actual usage could mean water is leaking somewhere underground.
- Water pressure drops throughout your home, especially if it affects multiple fixtures, might signal a significant leak in the main line.
- Unexplained puddles or muddy patches in your yard, especially during dry weather, are a strong indicator that water is escaping below the surface.
- Your water meter keeps running even when all taps and appliances are turned off, suggesting water is still flowing to a hidden leak.
If any of these signs sound familiar, give us a call, and if there’s a hidden leak, we’ll find it!
What Causes Underground Leaks in the First Place?
Underground water leaks often start with something small, such as a pinhole in the pipe, that worsens over time. Three common causes of these leaks include:
- Tree roots seek moisture and push into the tiny cracks in your pipes. Once inside, they grow and cause serious blockages or bursts.
- Old copper pipes can corrode over time due to pH imbalances, harsh cleaning chemicals, or high water flow. Under pressure, this corrosion weakens the pipes, increasing the risk of cracks or leaks.
- Environmental conditions, for example, ground movement, shifting soil, or sudden temperature changes, can all stress your underground plumbing. Over time, this stress can lead to fractures and leaks.
How Our Plumbers Find Leaks Without Digging Up Your Yard
At Toscano Plumbing, we use ultrasonic listening devices to pick up the sound of water escaping under pressure. That’s because even the tiniest leak makes noise if you’re listening for it with the right equipment. We can also use thermal imaging cameras to identify temperature differences in the soil caused by water escaping from your pipes.
Once the leak is located, there are two ways we can fix the problem: either by digging a small access hole and replacing the damaged section, or using modern relining methods to fix it from inside the pipe. We’ll use the best method for your situation – our goal is to get your plumbing back in shape with minimal disruption.
Act Before the Damage Sets In
Underground leaks don’t just waste water; they can damage your home’s foundation, destroy landscaping, and lead to costly repairs. If you’ve noticed the signs or suspect something’s not quite right with your plumbing, don’t delay – the sooner the problem is found, the easier it is to fix. Our plumbers can detect even the most insidious leaks and get your system running smoothly again.
