At Plumbing Pros LLC, we deal with underground pipe leaks every day. These leaks waste water, damage property, and drive up bills fast. Detecting them early saves you money and prevents costly repairs. Here’s what you need to know about causes, warning signs, detection methods, and why calling a licensed plumber is the right move.
Causes of Underground Pipe Leaks
Underground leaks don’t happen without a reason. The most common causes include:
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Aging pipes – older pipes corrode, crack, and weaken over time.
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Shifting soil – heavy rain, erosion, or ground movement stresses pipes until they fail.
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Tree roots – roots search for water and break into pipes.
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Improper installation – poorly installed pipes develop weak spots and leaks.
Water leakage in front yard in Easton, PA
Signs You May Have an Underground Pipe Leak
Watch for these red flags:
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Higher water bills with no change in usage.
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Wet or soggy spots in the yard or driveway.
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Low water pressure throughout your home.
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Strange hissing or gurgling sounds near plumbing fixtures.
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Foundation cracks or shifting caused by water under the home.
Ignoring these signs can turn a small leak into major structural damage.
How Plumbers Detect Underground Pipe Leaks
At Plumbing Pros LLC, we use advanced tools to locate leaks with minimal disruption:
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Acoustic sensors – detect water escaping under soil or concrete.
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Thermal imaging cameras – show hidden temperature changes caused by leaks.
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Video camera inspection – gives a clear look inside your pipes.
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Tracer gas detection – pinpoints leaks with safe gas and sensitive detectors.
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Soil probes – measure moisture levels underground.
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Pressure testing – checks for drops that confirm leaks.
These methods let us find leaks fast without tearing up your property.
Underground pipe repair
Why Call a Professional Plumber
DIY approaches don’t work for underground leaks. Specialized equipment and training make all the difference. Our plumbers know how to read the data, locate the problem, and fix it without unnecessary digging. Hiring a professional saves time, money, and prevents more damage.
Preventing Future Pipe Leaks
You can lower the risk of future leaks with these steps:
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Schedule regular plumbing inspections to catch issues early.
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Upgrade older pipes with durable materials like PVC.
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Install a pressure regulator to avoid stress from high water pressure.
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Plan landscaping carefully and avoid planting large trees near underground lines.
Prevention always costs less than repair.
If you suspect an underground pipe leak, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward restoring your plumbing system.
About The Author
Salvatore Sciorta
Salvatore Sciorta has nearly 20 years of plumbing experience. After working with his father in New York City, he founded Plumbing Pros in Easton, PA, in 2022, offering both residential and commercial services. With over 350 five-star Google reviews, Sal has earned a reputation as Easton’s top-rated plumber, known for consistently exceeding customer expectations and delivering when it counts. After completing a five-year apprenticeship working with his father in NJ, he spent six years as a union plumber in NY.