How to Find a Water Leak Underground

Finding underground water leaks can prevent wasted water as well as money from going down the proverbial drain. If you notice a significant increase in your water bill without an obvious cause, it’s a good idea to find out what’s going on as quickly as possible. Neglecting a water leak underground can lead to a host of problems that require costly repairs and replacements. The good news is that professional leak detection services can identify and fix the leaky situation fast.

If you’re interested in learning how to find a water leak underground yourself, keep reading for the steps to guide you through the process.

Of course, you can always save time and hassle by reaching out to your local Mr. Rooter^® Plumbing and letting the pros take it from there.

Steps for Finding Underground Water Leaks

“Out of sight, out of mind” tends to be the philosophy behind plumbing for some homeowners. But when things stop working as they should, or your water bill shoots sky-high, it’s time to take action. Here are three ways to determine if you have an underground water leak and tips for finding the leak itself:

1. Check Your Water Meter
   Check your water meter for water usage while your home’s main water valve is shut off. This will help you know for certain whether you have a leak underground. Once located, follow these steps:

• Make sure there is no water running in your home by shutting off your home’s main water valve.
• Look at your water meter for the leak indicator, which is often a small red, white, or blue triangle. The indicator spins when the house is using water. Because you shut off all water to the home, the triangle should be still. If it’s spinning, you have a leak underground.
• If your meter does not have a leak indicator, write down the current meter reading. Leave the main valve off for 30 to 60 minutes. Then, go back to record the meter reading again. If the reading changes although you are running no water in the home, you have a leak underground.

2. Know Where to Look
   With underground leaks, you won’t easily notice signs like water pooling on the floor or the sound of dripping water. Typically, the first thing you will notice is the increase in your water bill. It may happen gradually, over the course of several billing cycles, or suddenly in one month.

Here are the signs on your property that indicate a leak may be happening underground:

• An area of unusually wet soil in your yard.
• An area of thick, lush vegetation or grass that is growing faster than it is in the surrounding areas.
• Sinkholes in your yard.
• A noticeable decrease in water pressure or flow volume.
• Rust, dirt, or air in the water supply—there are other possible reasons for this issue, but if it is

accompanied by any of the other signs above, chances are good it’s an underground leak.

3. Professional Water Leak Detection Services
   Determining you have a leak underground is an important first step, but that’s just the beginning. You will need a trusted plumbing professional to pinpoint exactly where the leak is located underground. Some common places for underground leaks to occur are near the home’s shut-off valve and at pipe joints or fittings.

What if the leak is inside the house instead of underground? Find out how much a leak can add to your monthly water bill

Trust Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Expert Underground Leak Repairs

When it comes to finding underground water leaks, the more time that goes by, the more water and money will go to waste. You can count on the team of experts at your local Mr. Rooter Plumbing for reliable water leak detection services. We have the tools and experience to identify the source of your underground leak and make the necessary repairs quickly. Let our pros identify and stop the leak, so your household and your water bill can return to normal.

Call your local Mr. Rooter, or request a job estimate online for water leak detection services and repair.

Does your basement feel damp? Can you see or feel the moisture on the foundation? Rainbow International has the information you need about waterproofing your basement. Just like Mr. Rooter, Rainbow International is part of the Neighbourly^® community of home service professionals.