How to Tell If a Pipe Burst Underground

If a pipe were to burst under your kitchen sink, you’d know it right away. However, when a pipe bursts underground, it can be much more difficult to detect. Fortunately, underground pipes do provide some telltale signs when they burst.

Below, learn how to tell if a pipe burst underground, then call Zippity Split Plumbing to schedule service from a trusted plumber in Gilbert, AZ.

Top Signs of a Burst Underground Pipe

Wondering whether it’s time to call a plumber for burst pipe repair? Look for these water leakage signs to know if something is amiss with your plumbing system:

• Watch out for soggy yard indicators. If you spot puddles of standing water in your yard but it hasn’t rained recently, a burst underground pipe may be to blame.
• Take a look at the sidewalk and street near your home. Is the pavement wet even on a sunny day? If so, you might have a burst underground pipe.
• Check your driveway and sidewalk for new cracks. When a pipe bursts underground, the rushing water can shift the foundation, causing the pavement to crack.
• Inspect your yard for sunken areas and soil erosion symptoms. Unusual soil erosion is a big sign of an underground leak.
• Is your grass greener in certain areas compared to the rest of the yard? There may be a burst pipe providing water to the grass in that spot.
• If you’re wondering how to tell if a pipe burst underground, review your recent water bills. Increased water bills may indicate there’s a leak somewhere in your plumbing system. That’s because, with a leak, the water will continue running whether you’ve turned on the tap or not.
• If your home’s water pressure has suddenly dropped, you might have a burst pipe. To test for unusual water pressure, run your shower for a minute and then flush your toilet. If the shower’s spray slows to a trickle, your water pressure is low.
• Does your water look brown or smell foul? When you take a sip, does it taste like iron or dirt? Bad smells and unusual water flavors indicate an underground plumbing issue.

How to Find an Underground Leak

If you’re still unsure whether you have a leak and want to know how to tell if a pipe burst underground, here’s an easy way to check. Locate your water meter and turn off the main water valve. Next, look for a leak indicator. It usually looks like a little blue, red, or white triangle. If the indicator spins even after turning off the water, you might have a burst pipe.

If your meter doesn’t have a leak indicator, you can still use it to check for leaks. Note the current meter reading and then turn the main water supply off for about an hour. When time’s up, check the reading again. If it has increased, this indicates a leak.

What Causes Pipes to Burst?

Why do pipes burst, anyway? Some of the biggest causes of burst underground pipes include:

• Freezing: When temperatures dip below 32 degrees, the water in your pipes freezes. If too much pressure builds up, the pipes can burst. Fortunately, frozen pipes are not very common in warm climates like ours in Arizona.
• Corrosion: If your pipes are old and made of metal, they will eventually start to corrode.
• Clogs: Small clogs typically don’t cause pipes to burst. If not removed promptly, however, the clog can worsen until it completely blocks the pipe. The resulting pressure could cause the pipe to burst.
• Tree roots: If there are trees growing near your pipes, their roots can make their way inside in search of water. When roots fill a pipe, it can burst.

What Should You Do If a Pipe Bursts Underground?

If you think you have a burst pipe, here’s what to do:

1. Turn off the water supply to stop further damage, and then call our experts at Zippity Split Plumbing.
2. While waiting for repairs, take pictures of the damage and call your insurance company.
3. When our plumbers arrive, we’ll inspect the burst pipe and talk to you about your repair options. One option is trenchless repair, which allows us to fix the pipe without ripping up your yard or floor.