What is a simple, inexpensive way for me to find a leak in my water line without digging up my whole yard?

Question

I know I have a leak in my main water line somewhere under my yard from the water main in the street to my house (because when I turn off the water to the house itself, the water meter still spins). The plumber wants to dig up my entire yard with a backhoe and charge me thousands of dollars to find the darn leak. That strikes me as using a rocket when a BB gun would do as well. Isn't there any simpler, less expensive way of finding a leak ?

Answer 1

I would use a "Probe Rod". That's a steel rod with a tee handle welded on to it with the other end of the rod pointed for being pushed into the ground.
I would go along the underground pipe's path and probe every foot or so. Feel the probe every time it comes out of the ground, to see if you feel any moisture on the probe. When you feel the probe is wet, there is the leak!
I would get another plumber while your at it! This one wants to pad your bill WAY TOO MUCH!

Answer 2

This is strictly an uneducated guess. I am just brainstorming as if i were you: Is there any place in the yard where a truck has diven over or tree root might have invaded or anything that might have caused a breach in the pipe ? Can you find out if there are standard pipe lengths (based on the age of the house and what sort of pipe was used )so you can figure out about where there might be a joint in the pipe that is leaking? Perhaps you could augur down holes right along next to where the pipe should be in your yard and see if you get any core samples that are more wet than the others? I have NO idea if this would work or not, but it did pop into my head. How do you know how far down the pipe is and how wide it is? Can you see where it enters the house via a basement or crawl space, etc? Do you know where other buried lines such as cables, etc are? I would be very careful about digging unless you are sure you are not going to hurt something. I hope you can get a professional answer! : ) I myself have no first hand knowledge of this sort of problem. Sometimes it is just worth it to pay a professional. Good luck!

Answer 3

First, fill a few buckets, the kettle, and some hot water for washing. Then go and turn off the water at the meter, at least you won't flood the yard. You will survive til morning. Tomorrow, if ther plumber tells you you'l have to dig up the drive, think twice before saying "if you think that's best" Ask him to quote on a new pipe BESIDE the drive if that's possible. If that means digging up a few roses, well, too bad. As for the copper, I don't agree. Polythene is better as long as there are no buried connections but since it comes in 25 or 50 metre lengths,probably no need for connections underground. Copper can corrode in acid soil if unprotected by a flexible conduit. Now all you have to do is get a good night's sleep. You'd be easy prey for an unscrupulous plumber if you've not slept all night worrying about the bill!!!

Answer 4

there are leak detection and pipe detection services around that use radio waves and sound equipment to locate leaks. You may still need to replace all your pipes if material used is to old. Sometimes it is cheaper to by pass the suspected leaking section if it is under concrete. Do not waste your money on a patch job if your materials are of poor quality or the leak is under concrete as another leak elsewere could develop without warning due to expansion and contraction or stones or metal rubbing on exposed pipe. You need tofigure out in your own mind what is the best and cheaper method as you do not want to keep on repeating this $$$ cost.

Merry Christmas

Answer 5

It depends on the type & age of the pipe. If it's an old galvanized water service that 60+ years old, you may be well-advised to consider replacing it - which means digging it all up.

Get 3 bids, if possible.

Answer 6

First of all William B is right! But to make it a little easier calling blue stake or the number in the phone book thats says "call before you dig" They will come out and mark where all of your lines are. For free! It will make it easier on you and your knees and back.

Answer 7

find somekind of contractor that specializes in digging and have him dig up the pipe. If you pay the plumber to do it hes probobly gonna pay someone else to do it and charge you extra or dig it himself and charge you a lot of money and royally screw up your yard.

Answer 8

craw on the ground on your hands and knees over the pipe area, either your hands or knees will find the area,
it will be wet,
then you just have to dig that area up,

Answer 9

dig it yourself and put soap on the pipes whichever one bubbles is the one leaking