Leakage in underground pipes can happen for several reasons, including corrosion of pipes, material defects, faulty installations, and extreme water pressure. Ground movement due to drought or freezing and excessive loads and vibrations from road traffic can also cause water lines to crack and leak.
Underground water leaks can be challenging to detect compared to indoor plumbing leaks. They may not be immediately noticeable, and in most cases, they are only detected after they have caused significant damage that can be seen on the surface.
If you suspect a leak in your underground water lines, you must have your plumbing inspected and repaired as soon as possible. Compromised pipes not only waste water and increase your bills but also cause extensive problems to your home’s structure in the long run.
In the below blog post, we take a closer look at water leak detection equipment, and when and how professional plumbers use it. Let’s dive in!
Underground Water Leak Detection Equipment: What’s Used?
Traditionally, finding a water leak underground involves digging trenches to expose the pipes until the leak is revealed. This approach is not only time-consuming but also expensive and highly disruptive.
Fortunately, the following tools allow plumbers and other professionals to confirm and locate leaks using non-invasive methods.
1. Thermal Imaging
Water generally lowers the temperature of the area it has infiltrated. This is the logic employed when using thermal imaging technology. Its camera captures the difference between regular ground temperatures and wet areas. This helps technicians locate where the underground water lines are (where water flows) and where water leaks.
Even better, the technology not only aids in leak detection but also helps technicians detect moisture and predict where it may be causing damage or promoting mold growth.
2. Video Pipe Inspection (VPI)
VPIs offer a close-up look inside your pipes, aiding plumbers in detecting underground water leaks. It involves inserting a waterproof high-resolution camera attached to a flexible fiber-optic scope into the pipes or sewer. This sends a live video feed to a screen or monitor, enabling technicians above the ground to maneuver the camera to inspect your underground plumbing’s condition and locate leaks.
The camera also has a transmitter that lets technicians identify the exact leakage point above ground and mark it for efficient repairs. Through video pipe inspection, plumbers can address the underlying cause of your underground leak, fix the issue quickly, and minimize the disruption and damage to your property.
3. Acoustic Leak Detection
Water leaking through cracked or damaged water lines produces a specific sound. Acoustic leak detection utilizes modern sound-based technology designed to zero in on this sound and hear leaks up to 2.5 meters below the surface.
With this, well-trained plumbers using this method can confirm that a leak exists and pinpoint its exact location without excavation. This makes leak location, water line repair, and damage mitigation more efficient, even in small leaks.
4. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
Ground penetrating radars are typically used as a geophysical locating method. It captures images of the ground below the surface using radio waves to help crews locate underground utilities.
That said, GPRs can also be used in underground water leak detection. They monitor the strength and time delay of reverberations to pinpoint changes in the underlying soil – including irregularities that could signal a leak.
The technology also works through various materials and can be used indoors and outdoors, making it a versatile and reliable tool for efficient underground leak detection.
5. Moisture Meters
Moisture meters are commonly used in detecting hidden leaks behind walls and ceilings, but they’re equally helpful in finding leaky pipes underground. When placed on the surface, it provides readings of moisture levels in the ground beneath it. Areas with moisture higher than expected may be close to the leak.
Additionally, thermal imagers often use moisture meters to confirm what the infrared camera has detected.
The Advantage of Hiring Plumbers Who Use Underground Water Leak Detection Equipment
Detecting underground water leaks is a complex task demanding specialized equipment and expertise. While the mentioned tools are powerful on their own, the advantage of hiring plumbers proficient in using them cannot be overstated. Certified plumbing professionals use these tools correctly and act swiftly to identify and repair the leak source.
Get Professional Help for Water Line Leaks From bluefrog Plumbing + Drain
Determining the exact location of an underground leak is only the first step in solving the problem. If you suspect a leaky line in your plumbing or sewer system, contact a certified plumber as soon as possible to have your underground pipes checked and repaired before they cause further damage to your property.
Whether you’re worried about a potential leak or caught off guard by a burst water line, the expert plumbers at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Waco stand ready to assist you 24/7. With a comprehensive understanding of underground water leak detection and a suite of advanced tools, they can identify water line leaks quickly and offer efficient solutions for broken water line repair.
Let our dependable licensed professionals help you stay on top of your underground pipes. Call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Waco anytime for leak detection and water line repair. We look forward to restoring your pipes while minimizing disruption to your life.
