Tips for Finding an Underground Water Leak

Underground leaks are sneaky. They don’t show up like indoor leaks, so you can’t just listen for dripping sounds or look for puddles on the floor. You might not realize there’s an issue until it’s too late. To help you catch these hidden water leaks, here are three methods that can make the process easier.

1. Your Water Meter is Your New Best Friend

This is probably the easiest way to check for leaks, and you don’t even need to get your hands dirty!

• First things first, shut off all the water in your house. I mean everything – faucets, toilets, the works.
• Now, go find your water meter. It’s usually outside or in the basement.
• See that little triangle on the meter? If it’s spinning even though all your water is off, you’ve caught your culprit red-handed!
• No spinning triangle? No problem. Just jot down the meter reading, wait about an hour, and check again. If the numbers have changed, you’ve still got a leak on your hands.

Oh, and keep an eye on your water bill too. If it suddenly shoots up for no reason, that’s a big red flag.

2. Take a Quick Walk Around Your Yard

Sometimes, the evidence is right under your feet.

Here’s what to look out for:

• Soggy spots in your lawn, even when it hasn’t rained? That’s suspicious.
• Got a patch of grass that looks like it’s on steroids while the rest is struggling? Your underground leak might be playing favorites.
• Notice any random sinkholes or super squishy ground? That leak could be causing some serious erosion.
• And if your water suddenly tastes funky or your pressure drops out of nowhere, it’s time to investigate further.

3. Call in the Pros

Sometimes, finding an underground leak requires more than a bit of detective work. That’s when calling in a professional plumber from Service Minds Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Clearwater, FL, can make all the difference. Plumbers have specialized tools that can locate leaks with pinpoint accuracy without tearing up your yard.

• Advanced equipment: Plumbers use sewer cameras, listening devices, and ground-penetrating radar to find leaks. These tools allow them to look inside your pipes without the need for extensive digging.
• Expert diagnosis and action plan: A professional inspection goes beyond finding the leak. Plumbers can provide a thorough assessment, outline the problem, and offer a clear plan of action along with an estimate of what the repair will cost you. This way, you can make an informed decision and avoid unnecessary repair costs.

Calling in a punctual plumber from Benjamin Franklin is often the quickest and most effective way to handle stubborn leaks. It’s an investment that can prevent more costly problems later on.

Even after fixing a leak, it’s important to understand why it happened in the first place.

Here are some common causes of underground water leaks:

• Old pipes getting cranky and corroding
• Water pressure that’s way too high (easy there, Hulk!)
• Tree roots going on a pipe-crushing adventure
• The ground shifting and putting stress on your pipes
• Clogs caused by stuff that really shouldn’t be in your pipes (I’m looking at you, “flushable” wipes)

Look, underground leaks are sneaky little devils, but they’re no match for your newfound detective skills. If something seems off, don’t wait around hoping it’ll fix itself. The sooner you catch it, the less damage it’ll do to your home (and your wallet).

And hey, if you’re ever in doubt, don’t be afraid to call in the professionals from Service Minds Benjamin Franklin. Better safe than sorry, right? Happy leak hunting!