How To Tell If You Have A Water Leak Underground

An underground water leak can go unnoticed for a long time, causing structural damage, rising water bills, and even foundation issues. Unlike visible leaks, underground leaks don’t leave obvious puddles or dripping sounds inside the home. Instead, homeowners and property managers must rely on subtle signs and smart detection methods to prevent long-term problems.

This blog will discuss the common warning signs of an underground water leak and the steps you can take to detect it effectively.

Unusual Increase In Water Bills

One of the first signs of a water leak is a sudden and unexplained rise in your water bill. If your water usage habits haven’t changed, but your bill has increased significantly, a hidden leak could be the culprit.

What to Do:

Compare your recent bills to previous months to track any inconsistencies.
Turn off all taps and water appliances, then check your water meter—if it’s still running, there’s likely a leak.
Contact a water leak detection specialist to accurately locate and assess the issue.

Ignoring a high water bill could allow a leak to continue, leading to excessive waste and costly damage.

Wet Or Soggy Patches In Your Yard

If you notice unexplained wet spots, puddles, or areas of grass that are noticeably greener than the rest of your lawn, an underground leak may be feeding water to the surface.

Signs to Look For:

Soft or muddy ground even when there has been no rain.
Unusual plant growth or an area of lawn that appears significantly healthier than the rest.
Standing water near the foundation or in low-lying areas of the yard.

If left unchecked, underground leaks can lead to soil erosion and weaken the structural integrity of your home.

Decreased Water Pressure

A noticeable drop in water pressure in multiple areas of your home could signal a leak in the underground pipes. This is because water is escaping before it reaches your taps and fixtures.

How to Test for a Leak:

Run multiple taps simultaneously and check if the water flow is weaker than usual.
If pressure fluctuates randomly, there may be a slow but steady leak.
Sudden pressure drops when using appliances like washing machines or dishwashers could also indicate a hidden leak.

If you experience persistent low water pressure, it’s best to call a specialist to assess the situation before it worsens.

Strange Noises In Your Plumbing System

Your plumbing system should be relatively quiet when not in use. If you hear noises coming from pipes or underground, it might indicate a water leak.

Common Sounds to Listen For:

Hissing or whistling sounds, which may indicate water escaping from a pipe crack.
Bubbling or gurgling noises, often caused by air pockets forming due to pipe leaks.
A faint sound of running water even when taps are turned off.

Listening to your plumbing system can provide early clues that a leak is present before visible damage occurs.

Cracks in Pavement Or Driveway

Underground leaks can gradually erode the soil beneath driveways, footpaths, and paved areas, leading to cracks, uneven surfaces, or sinkholes.

Warning Signs:

New cracks forming in concrete, tiles, or asphalt areas near your home.
Uneven or sinking ground in areas where pipes run underneath.
Increased dampness or water pooling along walkways or near external walls.

Ignoring these signs can lead to serious damage, requiring costly repairs to plumbing and the surrounding infrastructure.

Detect Underground Water Leaks With Us

Undetected underground leaks can lead to long-term damage, unnecessary water waste, and costly repairs. If you suspect a burst pipe or water leak, it is crucial to take action before the issue worsens.

At Nightcliff Plumbing & Gas, we offer water leak detection in Darwin. We use advanced techniques to identify leaks efficiently, and our team ensures that leaks are fixed with minimal disruption to your home or property. Contact us for expert water leak detection today.