Find Main Water Line Leak

The most common sign in becoming aware of a water leak is observing a stream of water.

Find main water line leak.

To check for a main water line leak is to listen to the line as close to the point where it exits the house as possible ideally you should place your ear directly on the water main. On almost all buildings in nyc there is a water meter that has a valve on the street side and the house side of the meter as that is the code. A water main leak can be impossible to see with the naked eye because there may be several feet of earth and pavement covering it. Testing accurately for a main water line leak is usually fairly simple and it involves no special skills or tools.

Learn the different sounds water pipes make so you can find the source of your water line leak. Fortunately there are several techniques available. Copper to pvc connection on water main. When homeowners notice bubbling water in the street it is advisable to get plumbing services immediately.

If that is not possible get a small metal rod or screwdriver and place one end on the main water line and the other end on your ear. The sounds leaking water makes in a water line are the key to finding an underground leak. Cut off water to your house by turning off the shut off valve. To determine if the water leak is in the house or outdoors only for homes with meters located at the street turn off the shut off valve on your home s main water supply pipe.

Locate your home s shut off valve. The copper pipe from your shutoff valve goes into the ground and becomes pvc pipe. Splashing indicates that water is flowing around the outside of the pipe. Start by checking for this valve along an outside wall in a utility area of the house or in the basement.

This will cut off all water supplied to your house. The third step involves sounding out for a leak. Water always seeks its way towards the weakest point in the ground or through a wall. Water traveling through pipes makes distinct noises.

Acoustic water leak detection. If you do observe a water leak it does not necessarily mean it is your pipe that is leaking. Water in the street this is perhaps one of the most common signs of a leaking main water line. Water leaks in your home s main service line almost always occur at a fitting or joint in the pipe.

When a pipe ruptures and the leaking water has nowhere to go it will bubble up into the street. This junction or fitting can crack and leak. To test the main water line for a leak follow these simple steps. If the small leak dial on the meter is moving at all water is.