Key takeaways
- Soggy or unusually green patches with no rain are a warning sign.
- A water meter that moves with everything off suggests a leak.
- Low pressure and hissing at valves are clues.
- A sudden jump in the water bill is the loudest signal.
What you can see
Wet spots that persist, a patch that is greener than the rest, sinkholes, mossy areas or water bubbling up are signs. A zone that sprays weakly can also have a leak upstream. A hissing sound at a valve box when nothing is running is another clue.
Soil near a leak can erode and sink over time.
What your meter tells you
Turn off everything that uses water, then watch the meter's leak indicator, usually a small dial or triangle. If it moves, water is going somewhere. Turn off the irrigation supply and check again: if it stops, the leak is in the irrigation system.
Take a photo of the reading and check again after an hour.
What to do
Shut off the irrigation supply at the valve near the backflow or meter and call us. Mainline leaks run whenever the supply is on, so shutting it off saves water while you wait.
We locate the break by testing sections and dig only where needed.
Related services
Quick answers
How much water can a leak waste?
A small leak can waste hundreds of gallons a day. A broken mainline can waste far more.
Will my water utility notice?
Some utilities flag unusual use. A sudden jump in your bill is often the first clue.
Ready to talk it through? Get a free estimate or call 615-431-3789.