How to Find A Water Leak Underground?

Ever experienced an unexpected water bill surge or water stains on your grass? Finding a water leak underground is a frustrating issue if the problem is underground. If left unaddressed, it can result in costly repairs, home structural damage, and water pollution.

Don't worry because you are not alone. This guide will walk you through simple but effective methods to detect underground leaks through the use of advanced tools like a thermal camera.

By then, you will be both empowered with the knowledge and the confidence to recognize the problem and take the necessary steps to fix it.

So, let's get started.

Underground Water Leaks Can Be Dangerous

Underground water leaks can look harmless to start off with but if left undiscovered can be very damaging. Seepage beneath your property can erode the soil, weaken the foundations, and create sinkholes. Even worse, it can encourage the growth of mould, contaminate your water supply, and significantly increase your utility bills.

Since these are hidden leaks, however, they are sometimes not discovered until the damage has already taken place. That's why early identification is essential. But don't worry: there are certain signs to watch out for and effective devices—such as a thermal camera—that can take you to the leaks before the problem really gets away from you.

Let's go through the step-by-step process to find an underground water leak so that you can fix them promptly.

How to Find A Water Leak Underground?

It can be difficult to find an underground water leak, but if you take the correct method, you can find the issue before it worsens.

Here are some effective methods to help you detect a hidden leak:

1. Look for Visible Signs

Even though the leak is underground, certain clues can indicate its presence:

1. Unsettling Water Puddles: Wet patches in your lawn despite the fact that it hasn't rained.
2. Lush or Sunken Grass Patches: Greener or sinking grass patches that are the result of water accumulation.
3. Pavement or Foundation Cracks: The water weakens the soil to produce movements within the concrete.
4. Sudden Drop in Pressure: If the pressure suddenly drops, water may be escaping elsewhere.

2. Monitor Your Water Meter

A fast test to check for leaks is to turn off all the water sources and watch your water meter:

1. Locate your meter and take the reading.
2. Wait for 30 minutes to an hour without water.
3. If the meter reading changes then there will be a leak.

3. Use a Thermal Camera

A thermal camera is likely the best non-intrusive tool to employ to locate underground water leaks. The camera relies upon the fact that water that leaks from a pipe has a tendency to create a noticeable difference in the surface temperature.

Leaks are areas where there will be water that will be cooler than the air surrounding them if the air surrounding them is warm or warm if the air surrounding them is cold.

How to Use a Thermal Camera for Leak Detection:

1. Pick the Right Moment: The best time to use a thermal camera is early mornings or late evenings when the temperature difference between the ground and the escaping water will be higher.
2. Scan the Suspected Zone: Slowly move the camera along your yard, driveway, or cement. Focus particularly where leaks are most likely to occur, such as near water mains, outdoor faucets, or irrigation lines.
3. Detect Temperature Differences: Look for unusual warm or cold spots. Water leaks will typically create cold zones within warm environments and warm zones within cold environments via conduction.
4. Confirm with Supplementary Tests: While a thermal camera will be able to indicate where there are likely to be leaks, it's best to confirm the findings using other tests, such as water measurement or listening to the water flowing.
5. Mark the Affected Area: Once you've identified the abnormal temperature change, mark the area to be further inspected or professionally analyzed.

A thermal camera not only saves time and labor but also prevents unnecessary digging, making it valuable to homeowners and professionals alike. For reliable underground leak detection, consider the MILESEEY TR10 thermal imaging camera. With its 2.8" LCD display, 192x192 IR resolution, and wide 50°x50° field of view, it allows you to inspect large areas efficiently in one scan. The TR10's temperature range of -20°C to 550°C and ±2% detection accuracy make it ideal for identifying subtle temperature differences caused by water leaks. Its auto hot/cold spot tracking feature automatically identifies the highest and lowest temperature points, which is particularly useful for pinpointing leak locations. At $199, this cost-effective tool can save you thousands in potential water damage repairs.

4. Listen for Leaking Sounds

Leak detection professionals use the technique of listening to the escaping water using acoustic sensors. If you are particularly keen-eared, then you can try:

1. Having your head close to the ground or the pipes.
2. Using an amplifier-like tool that looks like a stethoscope.

5. Conduct a Dye Test (For Sewer Leaks)

If you are suspecting a sewer leak, the use of dye in your drains will be helpful:

1. Pour the dye down the suspected drain.
2. Confirm the surrounding regions for signs of dyed water penetration.

Once you've identified the leak's location, the next step is deciding whether to fix it yourself or call a professional.

Final Thoughts

Locating an underground water leak is often difficult to do, but if properly done, one can spot the problem before it causes further damage. With the aid of indicators like wetness, monitoring the water meter, and the use of tools like a thermal camera, one can spot the leaks early enough to prevent extensive damage.

If you are unsure or the leak is too big to deal with, calling a professional is always the best. The sooner the issue is fixed, the less costly and damaging it will be. Be watchful, be prompt to take action, and safeguard your home from hidden water leaks!