How to Find Irrigation Leaks

While irrigation leaks happening above the ground will be obvious, underground leaks are quite difficult to detect because the pipes are out of sight.

In this article, we will look at some of the ways to detect a leak in your irrigation system.

• Low Water Pressure

A sprinkler that spouts very little water or doesn’t spray as far as it used to can point to a potential leak in the water line below the ground surface.

• Patches of Lush Green Grass

Random patches of grass that are unusually lush may indicate a possible leak in the water line beneath the ground surface. Those patches of thick grass may be absorbing excess water from an underground leak.

• Pooling Water Around the Sprinkler Head

Flooded areas around sprinkler heads or in other spots around your yard can point to an irrigation leak. You’ll also know you have an irrigation leak if you notice water trickling steadily out of irrigation heads when the irrigation system is off. This may be an indication of a clogged valve or a worn-out diaphragm seal.

• Inspect Your Sprinkler Valves

Sprinkler valve boxes should be dry, not flooded. If you notice that your sprinkler valve boxes are wet, you could be having a water leak caused by damaged fittings or worn parts.

• Sounds of Running Water

If you hear the sound of running water around your yard when the sprinklers are not running, you may be dealing with an irrigation leak. You can use specialized tools and equipment such as an acoustic testing kit, leak noise correlators, and leak noise locators to listen for the sound of an underground irrigation leak.

• Watch The Water Meter

If you have a separate irrigation meter, you can use it to determine if you have an irrigation leak. Shut off all the sprinklers and watch the meter to see if it begins to change. If the meter moves when all the irrigation sprinklers are not running, you may have a water leak.

Minimize Irrigation Leaks with Proper Maintenance

Although leaks are an inevitable part of having an irrigation system, you can prevent them by inspecting your irrigation system regularly to ensure all the components are in top shape. Observe all the sprinklers at least once every two weeks and look out for heads that aren’t spraying correctly. You should also check the irrigation controller and ensure the settings are correct.

Are You in Need of Irrigation Leak Repair? Contact Leak Detection of Atlanta

Irrigation leaks should be fixed as soon as possible to prevent wasted water, property damage, and other problems that come with water leaks. If you notice signs of irrigation leaks in your property, contact Leak Detection of Atlanta to perform leak detection and make repairs.