Plumbing leaks affect countless property owners in Virginia, including those south of the James River. An underground pipe leak can be tricky if you don’t know how to find a leaking water pipe underground in the first place. Even if you do locate a leak, do you know the next steps to minimize your Midlothian property’s potential water damage?
Below, Triangle Plumbing Services, a top plumber in Midlothian, VA, describes how the team usually locates and fixes an underground water leak in the Greater Richmond region.
Check Your Home’s Water Meter
Let’s start at the water meter outside your Midlothian home, which measures your property’s entire water supply usage. You might suspect a leak if you notice your water bills are on the rise. However, did you know that the meter can confirm whether there is leaking water flowing out of the underground pipes somewhere?
Step 1: Turn the Shutoff Valve on Your Main Water Line
Once you locate the meter, you’ll want to stop all running water. That way, you can get an accurate measurement of water flow.
Step 2: Look at the Leak Indicator on Your Water Meter
Most water meters show a small red triangle. It spins whenever water runs. After you shut off the water, the indicator will only continue to spin if you have a leak.
Step 3: Record the Meter’s Reading Every 30 Minutes
Does your meter not have a leak indicator? You can also confirm a leak by writing down a reading, keeping the water off, and checking again half an hour later. Readings ticking up while the supply is meant to be off will confirm your underground pipe leak.
Look for Water Spots Around Your Midlothian, VA, Home
If you ask a plumbing professional how to find a leaking water pipe underground, water damage comes up first. Have you noticed damp spots or water stains? Water damage can also lead to mold growth or impact the structural integrity of your house.
Evidence of a dangerous leak may appear outside your home, as well. For example, if you notice large, wet patches in your yard that don’t correspond to the amount of water you’re giving your lawn, contact a plumber. The pipes below the ground could be leaking into your vegetation.
Inspect Outdoor Cracks in the Pavement
Midlothian property owners enjoy the benefits of the plumbing industry’s advancements, but even strong pipe materials can crack and cause leaks.
Are there leaking pipes underneath your driveway, sidewalk, or patio? You may notice cracks forming in these surfaces. If so, don’t wait too long to reach out to a plumbing expert.
Note Changes in Your Water Supply
Are you still wondering how to find a leaking water pipe underground? You might not have to look very far. Turn on a faucet.
Is there rust-colored water? There’s damage in your pipe network somewhere and you need Midlothian, VA, professionals like Triangle Plumbing Services to fix it.
Is the water clear but flowing out weakly? Pressure imbalances are a classic sign of a leak within your property’s underground water pipes.
Additionally, don’t hesitate to call for plumbing solutions if there are sudden changes in your property’s water supply.
Use a Pipe Locator Device
If you want to know how to find a leaking water pipe underground, think like a plumber. Say you notice discolored water and an increase in your water bills. If there’s no other evidence to pinpoint the exact location of a leak, experts use a pipe locator device.
This nifty device targets metal pipes through radio waves to narrow down the location and quickly start repairs. A separate listening device can also give a better sense of the leak’s source.
Call a Professional Plumber
Have you been unable to locate a leak on your own? Contact a Midlothian plumbing professional.
A team like Triangle Plumbing Services will inspect your property for pipe leaks underneath the ground and behind walls. A long-lasting repair should bring you peace of mind.
Contact Midlothian, VA’s Trusted Plumbing Contractor for Underground Pipe Repair
Now that you know how to find a leaking water pipe underground, why not leave the repairs up to the experts? At Triangle Plumbing Services, we proudly serve property owners across Midlothian and the surrounding areas. The team can help repair an underground leak, troubleshoot reasons for toilet leaking at the base, and all other plumbing concerns.
Call Triangle Plumbing Services at (804) 429-1722 for prompt service in Midlothian, Virginia!
