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How to Find a Water Leak in Your Yard Before it Causes Serious Damage

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Large pools of water in your yard can indicate a larger problem than leaving the hose out. Leaks often show up as wet spots, foul smells, and high water bills. Pinpoint this issue quickly to avoid causing more damage (and paying more money). In this post, we’ll teach you how to find a water leak in your yard so you can get it fixed ASAP.

Wondering How to Find a Water Leak in Your Yard?

If you suspect a leak, the first step is to find out where the leak is. That’s easy enough — all you have to do is observe or turn off a valve.

There are a few places where your leak might come from:
• Sewer lines
• Main water lines
• Irrigation systems

While your leak will show up as a wet spot, specific differences can hint at a leak’s location.

Leaks in Your Sewer Lines

A sewer line leak occurs when the sewer pipe begins to break apart. An obvious indicator is a foul smell as waste cannot pass through properly. You might be dealing with tons of clogs within your home, including a bubbling toilet. Your grass will often be extra rich and green — a pleasant side effect, but the long-term costs are immense.

Leaks in Your Main Water Lines

High bills usually accompany a main water line leak. From the city’s supply, the main line brings water into your home. To find out if this is your leak, you will shut off water to every pipe in your home. Here are the steps to take:

Step 1: Find your home’s shut-off valve. Shut it off and wait about 20 minutes for all the water to drain.

Step 2: Find your water meter.

Step 3: Read the meter. If you have an analog meter, the dial hand or low-flow indicator will be moving. If you have a digital meter, the flow rate will be above zero. These indicators tell you that water is running through the line. You’ve found your leak!

Otherwise, you will need to keep looking for the leak elsewhere.

Leaks in Your Irrigation System

If you don’t have a leak in your main water or sewer line, you likely have an irrigation system leak. In this case, you will usually see water pooling around the bases of your sprinklers or between sprinklers. Here are the steps you need to take:

Step 1: Make sure your shut-off valve is on, not off.

Step 2: Turn off your faucets, washing machine, and dishwasher. Nothing should be using water in your home except for the irrigation system.

Step 3: Check your meter. Water should be running through it.

Step 4: Find the valve for the irrigation system. Shut it off.

Step 5: Recheck your meter. If the flow stops, then you have found your leak.

Call a Plumber to Fix Your Leak Today

Need help figuring out how to find a water leak in your yard? Can’t fix it yourself? Call Custom Plumbing at 602-883-2761 or get in touch with us online!