Water line leak

[Copymutt]

Did not see a catagory for plumbing, so posting here.
I’ve developed a moderate leak in the 1” pvc line from the well feeding the garage. When I built I put in enough shut offs and pressure gauges just so I could monitor and troubleshoot such an issue. I’ve ruled out everything but the feed. Line is about 95’ and 40” down. I can’t think of any recent events that would account for it other than severe drought and soil subsidence may have stressed it.
I know within a couple feet where the line is and I have a hoe. I guess my stratagy is to expose it at the apron, cut it and cap it. This will let me know if it’s leaking under slab or in the yard after the well. That will narrow it some.
Does anyone have a locating technique? Maybe a steel probe that reads moisture?
Jim

 

[59 wagon man]

you can try calling a leak detection company just had on on a job and found a joint that the glue let go .saved digging up the driveway of pavers

 

[Copymutt]

Great, didn’t know they covered water leaks. I look into that.
Jim

 

[Bob275]

We use a leak detection company at work when we know there is an issue but can't pinpoint it. They can sound a leak to just about dead on.

 

[matt_i]

If you dig a hole close enough to the leak it will fill with the leaked water. Which is good because you have confirmation that you found the right spot. But ***** because now you work in a swampy mud pit trying to get clean and dry surfaces to make the repair...

But for the 95' the detection technology would be worth it.

 

[TRWham]

If you dig a hole close enough to the leak it will fill with the leaked water. Which is good because you have confirmation that you found the right spot. But ***** because now you work in a swampy mud pit trying to get clean and dry surfaces to make the repair...

But for the 95' the detection technology would be worth it.

My experience is that water can travel a long way along a line from the actual source of the leak, especially if it has been leaking for some time and had a chance to erode the soil near the line.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

Looks like acoustic water leak detectors start at about a grand and go up. Probably best you call a plumbing company and see if they have one. If you had a water supplier, I'd recommend contacting them...but as you are on well water, that's a no-go.

Phil

 

[jubilee]

Can you hook air pressure up to it? According to some on this forum, it should blow up and leave a hole big enough to drive your backhoe into at the area of leak.

 

[nyy845]

As others have mentioned, hire a leak detection company. They can use acoustic or helium leak detection methods to pinpoint the leak.

 

[fourjeepin]

Looks like acoustic water leak detectors start at about a grand and go up. Probably best you call a plumbing company and see if they have one. If you had a water supplier, I'd recommend contacting them...but as you are on well water, that's a no-go.

Phil

I had a leak co out after my water usage went up 3-4 times normal. Cost $150 and they located it under my driveway. Took him maybe 30 minutes.