Often, interior plumbing problems are obvious to homeowners. From clogged drains to leaking pipes, the signs of an issue are evident. Yet, when it comes to an underground water leak in your lawn, the indicators may not be so clear. Leaks can occur anywhere pipes are located, whether you have a septic system, well, or municipal water. Because these issues can cause extensive damage if left unaddressed, it’s important to watch for the following signs of a water leak on your property.

The Indicators of a Water Leak in Your Yard

1. Decreased Water Pressure

When there’s a leak in a pipe supplying water to your home, it causes the water to lose pressure. As a result, you’ll find your showerheads and faucets suddenly have insufficient pressure. If there’s no leak detected inside your home, chances are the issue is outside.  

2. Unfamiliar Sounds

Next time you’re outside, listen to see if you can detect any strange sounds from your underground pipes. Homeowners often report clinking, splashing, or hissing noises.

These sounds can indicate debris jostling around in pipes, water gushing through the soil, or pressure changes — all of which result from a leak in an underground pipe.

3. Landscape Changes

There may be several changes to your lawn that can indicate an underground plumbing problem. Look for brown patches of grass, which suggest saturation, or pooling water, sinkholes, and developing cracks in the nearby pavement.

Conversely, the grass may appear taller or greener as the leak first occurs due to the increase in moisture. If there are structures, such as sheds, located in the area, they may begin to lean as the ground becomes too sodden to support them. 

4. Dirt in Your Water

Any time your tap water changes, take note. In the case of an underground leak, you may notice dirt in your water. This can occur when an underground pipe bursts or erodes, allowing soil to seep into your water supply. If this happens, stop drinking your water immediately.

5. A Spike in Water Bills

If you have a municipal water supply, you may notice a sudden increase in your monthly bill when there’s an underground leak. Unless you’ve been using more water due to a change in your routine, such as a new sprinkler system, investigate potential plumbing problems.

Since underground leaks can be difficult to detect, Ray’s Heating, Plumbing, Electric has made it easy for Salmon, ID, homeowners. Their team offers a convenient leak detector that can be placed in a crawl space or basement, which will trigger if there’s an issue. They also provide prompt and thorough services for leaks and other plumbing problems. Call (208) 756-3649 for assistance or visit their website to learn more about their services.