Underground Pipeline Leak Detection

Main line or supply line leaks in plumbing systems can be a homeowner's nightmare, potentially causing significant damage and water wastage. In Colorado, the risk of such leaks can be influenced by unique factors like geological conditions and climate. In this article, we'll explore what main line or supply line leaks are, how consultants from companies like Subsurface Leak Detection use advanced tools to find them, factors specific to Colorado that may contribute to such leaks, and the signs that suggest you may have a plumbing leak in the main line running to your home.

Understanding Main Line or Supply Line Leaks

Main line or supply line leaks refer to leaks that occur in the primary water line that brings water from the municipal supply or well to your home. These leaks can be underground or within your property and are typically responsible for providing water to your entire house.

Factors Specific to Colorado

1. Expansive Clay Soils: Colorado's expansive clay soils, particularly along the Front Range, are prone to swelling when wet and shrinking when dry. This constant soil movement can exert pressure on underground water lines, potentially causing them to crack or rupture.
2. Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Colorado experiences cold winters with freezing temperatures, which can subject water supply lines to stress. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles can lead to cracks in pipes, increasing the risk of leaks.
3. Altitude Effects: Colorado's varying altitudes can lead to fluctuations in water pressure within supply lines. These pressure variations can strain pipes, making them more susceptible to leaks.

Detecting Main Line Leaks

Consultants from specialized companies like Subsurface Leak Detection use advanced tools and methods to detect main line leaks:

1. Acoustic Leak Detection: This method involves listening for the distinct sound of water escaping from the supply line. Sensitive microphones and ground sensors can pinpoint the approximate location of the leak.
2. Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR): GPR technology creates images of subsurface structures, revealing anomalies or voids that may be caused by a water leak in the main line.
3. Infrared Thermography: Infrared cameras can detect temperature variations on the surface, which may indicate the presence of a hidden water leak in the supply line.

Signs of a Main Line Leak

Identifying the signs of a main line leak is crucial for early intervention:

1. Decreased Water Pressure: A sudden drop in water pressure throughout your home can indicate a main line leak, as it restricts the flow of water.
2. Unexplained Water Puddles: If you notice persistent wet spots or puddles in your yard, especially when it hasn't rained, it may signal an underground supply line leak.
3. High Water Bills: A significant and unexplained increase in your water bill could be attributed to a main line leak, as water is being wasted underground.
4. Reduced Water Quality: Changes in water quality, such as increased sediment or discoloration, may suggest a main line issue.
5. Foundation or Landscape Damage: Over time, leaks can cause shifts in the soil, leading to cracks in your home's foundation or damage to your landscape.

Conclusion

Main line or supply line leaks are a serious concern in Colorado, where specific geological and climate factors can contribute to their occurrence. Consultants from companies like Subsurface Leak Detection play a vital role in identifying and addressing these leaks using advanced tools and methods. Homeowners across the state should remain vigilant for signs of main line leaks, as early detection and repair can prevent extensive damage and conserve precious water resources.

Your front yard might have a manhole or similar structure that houses meters designed to measure water use. There’s a pipe going from these meters out to the water main, and it usually runs underneath the street. A water main is a large pipe that connects to your service pipe, which carries water from the main to your home.

When a leak occurs, the county usually is responsible for any leakage that occurs between your water meters and the water main. 

Did you know that as a homeowner you own the water service lines running through your front yard? In that respect, you’re responsible for the part of the service line that extends from your water meter to your home. If you detect a leak anywhere in your yard, it’s usually your responsibility to have the issue taken care of. 

Some signs of a water main leak in your front yard include wet spots or pools of water on the ground, sinkholes, rust or dirt in your water supply at home or even an unusually high water bill. often time cities will be monitoring water usage patterns and may give you notice that you have a leak on your property. If you detect a leak or receive a notice, you should shut off your water main and call for a leak detection as soon as possible. while plumbers can perform full replacement of the line or basic leak detection, this is typically outside of the purview of a service plumber. The earlier you catch a leak, the more time you have to avoid damage to your home, your property and your wallet!

Subsurface Leak Detection is fully equipped with both the experience and the latest equipment to accurately locate leaks both inside and outside of your property. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment Colorado Springs (719) 749-6850 Denver Metro (303) 520-0778