Underground Water Leak Detection
Here at ADI Leak detection we are experts at underground leak detection – our impeccable reputation with hundreds of reviews from happy customers is testament to the fact that we can pinpoint underground water leaks.
Our specialist underground water pipe leak detection engineers use methods to detect leaks, including acoustic listening devices, leak noise correlators, ground penetrating radar, and tracer gas leak testing.
The detection process usually involves multiple forms of leak detection equipment to pinpoint the leak on a water supply pipe accurately.
How We Detect Leaks Underground
Here at ADI Leak Detection we detect underground water leaks using years of experience and the latest leak detection technology including acoustic listing devices, tracer gases, pressure testing & leak correlators.
Our unique process has evolved over many years of tracing leaks on water mains, irrigation systems and also for carrying out drainage CCTV surveys.
Our Services For Detecting Under ground Water Leaks
Water Mains
Our underground water leak detection team are specialists in leaking water mains, covering everything from locating leaks on water mains through to replacing water supply pipelines.
Drainage CCTV Investigations
Drainage leak detection is one of our specialist services services. Everyday we help solve drainage problems including blocked drains, collapsed drains and cracked drainage pipes.
Garden Sprinkler/Irrigation Systems
Finding leaks on garden sprinkler or irrigation systems on country estates can be challenging for the most experienced leak detection specialists.
The cost of detecting leaking under-ground water pipes using non-destructive methods
On average, the cost of detecting an underground water leak using non-destructive inspection methods can range from £495 to £2,000 or more – depending on if the leak is on a water main, sprinkler/irrigation system, drainage pipeline, or another type of underground pipework.
Here at ADI leak detection we use methods to find leaks on water pipes that are less invasive than traditional methods and can provide accurate results with minimal disruption to the surrounding area. Minimal remedial costs for landscaping, driveways, out buildings and footpaths.
The cost of detecting an underground water leak with non-destructive methods is a worthwhile investment as it can save you money in the long run by preventing water damage, reducing water loss, and reducing remedial costs.
If you are wondering who pays for leak detection then we have you covered with our costs page.
Look For Obvious Signs Of Water Escaping Underground
If you have a sneaking suspicion that you have a leak underground, there may be a few signs to look out for, including water damage, sinkholes, or marshy, muddy areas of ground. Some of the key signs include:
- A higher than normal water bill without any increase in your water usage.
- Unusually damp concrete – may indicate that there is a water leak under concrete
- Sinkholes
- An apparent drop in flow volume or pressure
- A patch of grass or other plants that seems to be growing more rapidly than its surroundings
- Rust, air, or dirt in your water supply may have other causes, but if you find any of these along with the other symptoms, there may be a leak.
Use your water meter as a leak test
As well as spotting the signs, you should also start by locating your water meter – for most properties, this will be in a street in front of the house, situated in an underground box covered with a lid. Start by taking off the lid – this can usually be hooked with a screwdriver – and removing any dirt to allow you to see more clearly. Takes note of the position of the valve.
You should then turn off your water, and keep the supply shut off for at least 30 minutes. Once the period has elapsed, head back to the meter and check to see if the needle has moved – if it has, there is likely to be an underground leak. We have a more detailed guide on using your water meter as a leak test in our content hub.
Underground Leak FAQ’s
Yes, as a specialist water leak detection company each and every job we carry out comes with full reporting.
Our experts complete detailed reporting after each investigation is completed, complete with photographic evidence and detailed information of our findings.
Your leak detection report is emailed to you after completion of your leak investigation.
Yes, our underground water leak detection specialists are fully trained and qualified to repair water leaks on water mains, drainage systems and garden irrigation systems. Once we have located the leak we will dig down to access the leak if possible.
We carry out all repairs to the highest standard and are WRAS approved contractors.
We are also able to replace water mains using a variety of techniques including moling and horizontal directional drilling.
A leak underground can be very difficult to locate, especially over large areas of land such as holiday parks, farms and industrial estates.
Our specialist teams are able to detect underground water leaks over long distances using our wide range of specialist leak detection equipment.
An underground water leak can sound like a variety of things, depending on the severity and location of the leak. Here are some common sounds associated with underground water leaks:
1. Hissing or rushing water: If the leak is significant, you may hear a hissing or rushing sound similar to the sound of water flowing through a pipe. This sound can indicate a large leak or a burst pipe.
2. Dripping or trickling: A smaller leak may produce a subtle dripping or trickling sound. It can be similar to the sound of a slightly open or a dripping tap.
3. Gurgling or bubbling: An underground water leak can sometimes create a gurgling or bubbling noise. This sound can occur when water escapes from a broken pipe or joint and mixes with the surrounding soil or air.
4. Popping or rumbling: In some instances, an underground water leak can cause the soil or pavement above to shift, resulting in popping or rumbling sounds. This can happen when the water pressure builds up and causes the ground to move.
5. No sound: Occasionally, an underground water leak may not produce any audible sounds. In such cases, other signs like wet spots, dampness, or a sudden increase in water bills might indicate a leak.
These sounds may only sometimes be distinguishable or audible, especially if the leak is deep underground or the water flow is minimal. In such cases, professional leak detection methods or equipment may be required to accurately identify and locate the leak.
Underground water leak detection is the process of searching for a water leak underground in water supply pipelines, drainage pipes or irrigation systems that are buried underground.
Underground water leak detection is essential because underground leaks can cause significant damage to property and infrastructure and waste valuable water resources.
There are a number of causes for water leaks; the most common causes include:
- Corrosion: Over time, pipes can become corroded due to exposure to minerals in the water or soil, leading to weakened or damaged pipes.
- Aging Pipes: Old pipes may become weakened or damaged over time, leading to leaks.
- Ground movement: Shifting soil or other factors can cause pipes to shift or break, leading to a leaking pipe.
- Damage from external factors: Construction work, digging, or other activities near utility pipes can accidentally damage them, leading to leakage.
- Tree roots: Tree roots can grow into pipes and cause damage, leading to a hidden water leak.
- Freezing temperatures: In areas with cold winters, freezing temperatures can cause pipes to crack or burst, leading to leaks (like an underground plumbing leak).
- High water pressure: If the water pressure in the pipes is too high, it can cause damage and leaks over time.
Yes, we can find leaks on plumbing and heating systems,in swimming pools and also structural leaks.
- Bathroom Leaks; Bathtubs, sinks, toilets and shower leaks all make finding bathroom leaks a job for professional leak detectors.
- Ceiling leak; Water leaks through your ceiling could be caused by a structural or plumbing issue.
- Heating leaks; Heating pipes are usually hidden in walls and floors & found using our non destructive trace and access process. Under-floor heating leaks are found using tracer gases, acoustics and thermal (infrared) cameras to pinpoint the leak locations.
- Detecting roof leaks; Our specialist teams detect roof leaks in commercial buildings and residential properties.
- Structural Leak Detection – We test all likely sources which include windows, doors, visible cracks, chimneys and balconies.
- Structural Swimming Pool Leak; We find leaks using pressure testing, acoustic, tracer gases and other in house testing procedures.
- Leaks In Underground pipes – Our underground leak detectives specialize in tracing water main supply pipe leakage, leaking underground drains and sprinkler and irrigation system leaks.
- experts in water damage investigation – Our teams are experts at tracing the source of water damage!
Specialists In Finding Subsurface Water Leaks
At ADI Leak Detection we specialise in water leak detection and have experienced leak detection engineers. Our teams are positioned nationwide, so no matter where you are you can be sure we are ready to find your leak!
Call our friendly team for helpful advice and to learn how we can be your solution for your water leak or damp issues.
