Underground water leaks don’t always make themselves known with a dramatic gush of water. Many are lurking beneath the surface, causing damage while everything looks perfectly fine. In fact, by the time you notice something’s wrong, chances are the damage from water leaks is already done.
It’s not all bad though, as you don’t have to wait for disaster to strike. Understanding the causes of underground leaks means you can recognise the early signs and step in to prevent it from escalating.
Common Causes of Underground Water Leaks
Pipes don’t just spring a leak out of nowhere. Every underground water leak has a backstory—a mix of time, pressure, and nature working against your plumbing. The good news? Understanding these common causes of underground water leaks can help you spot trouble before it turns into a costly disaster.
The Earth’s Movements
Soil shifts. Foundations settle. Tiny tremors shake things up. Whether it’s erosion, an underground tremor, or just the slow march of time, these movements put stress on pipes, leading to fractures and hidden leaks.
Tree Roots
Trees are relentless. Their roots stretch far and wide, hunting for moisture. This can be very problematic when they come across a leaky pipe. Over time, roots sneak in through the tiniest cracks, creating water pipe leaks underground that only get worse.
Corrosion
Pipes, especially older metal ones, don’t last forever. Corrosion—caused by soil conditions, water acidity, and general wear—eats away at them, weakening walls until plumbing leaks underground become inevitable.
Bad Installations & Cheap Materials
Not all pipes are created equal. Poorly installed or low-quality piping is like a ticking time bomb. Sooner or later, weak joints and shoddy materials give way, leading to unexpected leaks and major headaches.
Temperature Extremes
Pipes don’t like sudden weather tantrums. Freezing temperatures make water expand, and when that happens inside a pipe? Cracks form. The same goes for rapid heat changes—expansion, contraction, and eventually, breakage.
The best defence? Awareness. Knowing these underground water leak causes means you can take action before the damage spirals out of control.
Symptoms of Underground Water Leaks
Not all plumbing problems announce themselves with obvious signs of water leaks. Some work in silence, hidden beneath the surface, slowly causing havoc while you go about your day. Spotting the symptoms of underground water leaks early could mean the difference between a quick fix and a major disaster.
- Skyrocketing Water Bills – Unless you’ve installed a backyard water park, an unexplained jump in your water bill is a red flag. A hidden leak could be silently draining water.
- Puddles in Strange Places – No rain? No sprinkler mishaps? Then why is there standing water in your yard, driveway, or basement? It’s a strong hint that something’s leaking beneath your feet.
- Drops in Water Pressure – Struggling to get a decent shower? Taps suddenly sluggish? A hidden leak might be stealing your water before it ever reaches you.
The key to avoiding costly water damage? Identifying water leaks underground before they get out of control.
How to Detect Underground Water Leaks
If you suspect a hidden leak, you better be quick. Here are some ways to detect underground water leaks, many of which are incredibly simple.
- Water Meter Test – Turn off all water appliances and check your meter. If nothing’s running but the meter keeps moving, you may have a leak.
- Visual Inspection – Look for strange wet spots or a particularly green section of lawn. If you spot either of these, chances are they’re identifying water leaks underground.
- Acoustic Leak Detection – Water Leak Professionals use bespoke listening devices to detect the sound of water escaping underground.
- Thermal Imaging & CCTV Inspections – Sophisticated water leak detection cameras can locate leaks without digging, minimising disruption to your property.
How to Fix Underground Water Leaks
How to go about repairing underground water leaks depends entirely on the specific circumstances. For severe leaks, traditional excavation will dig up the problematic area and fit new pipes. However, this method is generally the last resort.
One less extreme option is pipe relining, where a new lining is inserted into the existing pipe to seal cracks from the inside. This approach is quicker and avoids the need for messy digging.
Professional water leak detection services use the latest and greatest technology to find your leak and determine the best course of action. When it comes to how to fix underground water leaks, choosing the right approach is half the battle.
Preventing Underground Water Leaks
You can’t sweep water leaks under the rug. Regular plumbing inspections help detect early signs of damage, while upgrading old pipes ensures they won’t crack unexpectedly.
In addition, ensuring proper installation with high-quality materials prevents premature leaks. Following these underground water leak prevention tips can protect your property from unexpected damage.
Underground water leaks can be difficult to pick up on at first. They don’t announce themselves with a flood, at least not at first. Instead, they quietly chip away at your property, running up your water bill while you’re none the wiser.
That’s why early water leak detection is everything. The right professionals can pinpoint water leaks without ripping up your yard, saving you from unnecessary damage and stress.
Contact Austest Pipeline Solutions For All Leak Detection Needs
Don’t let your underground water leaks damage your property any further. Get in touch with the leak detector experts at Austest Pipeline Solutions, where we specialise in identifying all water leaks using our latest industry technology. Our team will be able to pinpoint any leak underground and recommend the most effective repair solution. Contact us today for an inspection at your property to save you costs and bring you peace of mind.