How do you know if you have a busted pipe underground?

Author: Keely Quigley  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 15, 2025

By the end, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to tackle this issue head-on and protect your property from further damage.
  1. Unusually High Water Bills. ...
  2. Damp Spots in Your Yard. ...
  3. Drop in Water Pressure. ...
  4. Strange Noises from Pipes. ...
  5. Water Meter Continues to Run. ...
  6. Immediate Steps When You Suspect a Pipe Burst.

How to tell if a pipe bursts underground?

How to Tell if a Pipe Burst Underground
  1. Potholes or Sinkholes Around Your Lawn. These holes indicate a faulty pipe. ...
  2. High Water Bills. ...
  3. Fluctuating Water Pressure. ...
  4. Puddles or Pooling Water. ...
  5. Discolored Water and Odors. ...
  6. Overly Green Grass.

How do you detect a pipe leak underground?

Cracked areas or bulges of pavement

It is common for underground leaks to cause damage to the area around them. If there is tarmac or concrete surrounding the leak, you may spot cracked areas, bulges or potholes or if earth or grass surrounds it, sinkholes can develop.

How do you tell if you have a broken drain pipe underground?

How to Tell if You Have an Underground Drainage Leak
  • Here's what to look out for...
  • Excessive amounts of water in your soil
  • A suddenly-damp basement
  • Your water bills suddenly rocket
  • A sudden drop in water pressure
  • Movement in the soil around the house
  • You can hear the leak

How do you check for underground pipes?

The easiest way to find underground pipes is by using RTK-enabled devices. These devices can pinpoint the location of several types of pipes, from water to oil pipes, with centimeter-level precision.

Find Underground Main Line Water Leak With DIY Tool

How do you inspect underground pipes?

" Observe a licensee's periodic flow or pressure test of underground pipes, the video or results of a video or camera inspection of underground piping, results of a sound detection system used to detect leaks in underground piping, or the periodic maintenance conducted on a cathodic protection system (or similar system ...

How much does it cost to repair a underground water leak?

But, to give you an idea of how wide the range of cost could be, on average, a simple minor leak repair could be as low as $650.00 but the cost could go up to $5000.00 or more if there are multiple or problematic leaks under concrete slabs.

How do you fix a busted underground pipe?

The first step in waterpipe underground repair is to locate the break. This can be accomplished by digging around the suspected area of damage or by using an electronic leak detector. Once found, excavate enough soil around the pipe to allow it to be removed and replaced with a new section of pipe.

How much does it cost to replace underground drain pipe?

Average Cost:

Repairing or replacing a small section of drain pipe can typically run between $250 and $1,250. Repairing larger sections or breaks can run between $400 and $1,500, with that cost going higher based on complexity of the repair.

Does insurance cover sewer line replacement?

Does homeowners insurance cover your sewer line if it's damaged? Damage to your sewer line may be covered by your policy if it is caused by perils such as hail or windstorms, explosions, lightning or fire, damages caused by vehicles, vandalism or falling objects.

Can I use my phone to detect underground water?

-Underground water detector mobile app is an easy water leak detector and easy Scan Water Leak Detector A simple water finder This apps transforms any Android into a genuine water identifier to discover water around you, just hold level and follow the needle & This water detection sensor gives you a comprehensive ...

How do I know if my pipe is leaking under the floor?

Warped floors, peeling wallpaper, and water spots on the ceiling are signs that you have a leaky pipe somewhere. Unexpected wet carpets or pools of water on your floor are big signs there is a leak under your floor.

How deep are water lines buried?

Your water line must be buried at least 12 inches below the frost line to meet local code requirements. However, a minimum depth of 6 inches below the frost line is often recommended for extra security against freezing.

How do plumbers check for underground leaks?

2. Acoustic Leak Detection. Acoustic leak detection involves listening to the sound of water escaping from pipes. Using specialized listening devices, plumbers can detect the subtle sounds of water escaping from an underground pipe.

Can a burst pipe go unnoticed?

People often assume signs of a burst pipe are obvious: rushing water sounds and flooded rooms. Unfortunately, ruptured lines can go undetected for weeks, depending on where they are and the severity of the damage.

What is the difference between a pipe leak and a pipe burst?

These leaks often occur at pipe joints or connections and can be identified by the presence of dampness, mould, or a consistent dripping sound. On the other hand, burst pipes are a more serious issue that requires urgent attention.

How do you tell if a drain pipe is broken underground?

The telltale signs of a broken sewer pipe under your house include:
  1. Poor drainage/backed up water in the sinks, toilets, and the bath.
  2. A foul smell, as sewer gases find their way back up the line toward your property.

How do you fix a broken underground sewer pipe?

One method of trenchless sewer line repairs is a process called epoxy pipe lining. Epoxy pipe lining allows for fixing damaged pipes without removing the existing pipe. Instead, it creates a new, durable pipe within the old pipe by coating the inside with an epoxy resin that sets and seals any holes or leaks.

How much do plumbers charge to replace a pipe?

Pipe replacement averages $1,252 and ranges from $371 to $2,133. Your plumbing repair pro can assess your home and estimate the overall cost. Pipes are the circulatory system of your house. They deliver drinking water, clean dishes, fill the bathtub, and send wastewater on its way.

How to find burst pipe underground?

In a case like this, look for the following signs of underground leaks:
  1. An area of unusually wet soil in your yard.
  2. An area of thick vegetation or grass that is growing faster than surrounding areas.
  3. Sinkholes in your yard.
  4. A noticeable decrease in water pressure or flow volume.
  5. Rust, dirt, or air in the water supply.

What causes an underground water pipe to burst?

When roots grow underneath pipes, they put pressure on them and can cause them to rupture. In order to protect underground water pipes from becoming damaged due to the growth of tree roots, it is critical to plant trees and shrubs at a distance from the pipes.

Does homeowners insurance cover underground water leaks?

Like flooding, groundwater seepage isn't covered by a standard homeowners policy.

How to fix a broken pipe under the house?

One popular technique used by professional plumbers for repairing a broken underground pipe is trenchless pipe repair. This technique involves locating the access point of the pipe and inserting a resin or acrylic patching material and maneuvering it into the place where the crack or damage is located.

How much does a water leak investigation cost?

It also depends on what equipment was used to find the leak. For example, using tracer gas will be more expensive than simply using a thermal imaging camera. A ballpark figure for the cost of a leak detection service would be between £550 – £1,250. However, there is a key point to remember.

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