How Do I Detect a Leak Before Digging?

Noticed unusually high water bills or wet spots in your yard? Before grabbing a shovel, it's crucial to detect a leak without digging blindly. Finding a hidden leak early can save you thousands in repairs and help you avoid damaging underground pipes or structures.

In this post, we'll explain how to detect underground plumbing leaks safely and when it’s time to call a professional plumber.

Why Underground Leaks Happen

Leaks beneath the surface can occur for several reasons:

• Aging or corroded pipes

• Shifting soil or foundation movement

• Tree roots intruding into pipes

• Freezing and thawing cycles

Since these leaks aren’t visible, they often go unnoticed until they cause significant damage.

Signs You May Have a Leak

Look out for these early warning signs:

• Sudden spike in your water bill

• Wet or soggy patches in the yard

• Constant sound of running water

• Low water pressure

• Cracked driveway or pavement

If you notice one or more of these, it’s time to investigate further.

How to Detect the Leak Without Digging

Here are a few methods to try before bringing in heavy tools:

Water Meter Test

Turn off all water in your home. If the meter keeps running, you likely have a leak.

Thermal Imaging

Plumbers use infrared cameras to detect temperature differences in the ground, which may signal a leaking pipe.

Acoustic Listening Devices

These tools listen for sounds made by water escaping from a pipe underground.

Soil Probing Tools

Special probes can identify areas of increased moisture under the ground.

When to Call a Professional

While you can check a few signs yourself, detecting underground leaks precisely requires professional tools. Plumbers use electronic leak detection equipment to pinpoint the issue with minimal disruption. This is the safest and most accurate way to find the source of the leak.

Detecting a leak before digging helps avoid unnecessary damage to your property and prevents the problem from getting worse. If you're unsure, it’s best to bring in a licensed plumber with the right tools and experience.

Call Vertical Plumbing at (480) 577-8720