A water leak can occur anytime and anywhere on your property. Or in the case of your water main, underneath or outside your place of business or home. However, just because the leak may be underground, that does not mean you can’t locate it. There are several ways that you, as the property owner can detect the presence of an underground water main leak in your place of business, or your home. The first thing to do, is to watch your water meter, and keep an eye on your bill. However, since the water bills in Toledo and surrounding areas typically come out every three months, you may not catch it. If you fear there is an underground water leak and can’t locate the source, we suggest you give us a call as an underground water leak can be alarming and can also be very destructive, they need to be repaired immediately. Here are nine tips when it comes to recognizing underground water leaks:
- Unusual wet areas in spots that are landscaped and/or pools of water on the surface of the ground.
- An area that’s moldy, soft, green, or mossy that’s surrounded by a dryer condition.
- A very noticeable drop in flow volume/water pressure.
- A new problem with dirt or air in your water or rusty water, although this can be due to another problem.
- A section of an area that’s irrigated suddenly turns brown/dying/dead and it used to be lush and green. This is due to the water pressure being too low for sprinklerheadsto properly pop up.
- Cracking or heaving of areas that are paved.
- Potholes or sink holes.
- Uneven grades of floor or a leaning structure.
- A sudden increase in use of water that is unexplained, water use that is consistently high, or even water use that’s been steadily climbing for a few billing cycles.
If you’ve noticed any of the above signs, you may also hear something that is indicating you have a leak. Underground pipes are pressurized and will often make a variety of sounds.
Sounds like:
- “Whoosh” or “Hiss” from reduction in orifice pressure and pipe vibration.
- “Babbling Brook” or “Splashing” sounds when water spray strikes the soil cavity’s wall.
- Little ‘clinking’ sounds when pebbles and stones bounce off of pipes.
The ‘whoosh’ or ‘hiss’ sound is the only sound that’s present in pipe leaks with a water pressure of 30 psi or more. It can also resemble the sound of static. The sound of a babbling brook, or bouncing stones aren’t always present, or noticeable. The is the sound our professional service technicians pay attention to.
If you catch an underground water leak quickly enough, you are more likely to stop a disaster which could destroy a parking lot, your buildings foundation or sidewalk, and even the surrounding areas.
Call the water company first, and then give us a call. The sooner you call, the quicker we can repair any underground water leaks in, or around your properly.