Quick answer
Underground water leak detection finds leaks in the buried line between your water meter and your house without trenching the yard. Specialists trace the pipe’s route, then pinpoint the leak with acoustic listening, tracer gas or pressure tests. In Coral Gables, calls are answered 24/7 at +13053150618.
Last updated November 2026
Signs of an underground leak
Buried leaks often drain into the soil, so the yard may look normal even when a lot of water is lost.
- Soggy, sunken or extra-green patches of lawn
- Water pooling near the driveway or walkway
- Sudden drop in water pressure inside the house
- Water meter moving with all fixtures off
- Higher water bill with no leak indoors
The line from the meter to your house is usually the owner’s responsibility. Leaks before the meter go to the water utility.
If the meter’s leak indicator moves with everything off, the leak is on your side.
How underground leaks are found
The pipe’s route is traced first, then the leak is located along it.
Acoustic listening
Sensitive microphones pick up the sound of water escaping a pressurized pipe, even through concrete or soil.
Tracer gas
A safe gas is pushed into an emptied line and detected where it escapes. Useful for very small or deep leaks.
Pressure testing
Isolating each line and watching for pressure loss shows which pipe is leaking before anything is opened.
Line locating
Electronic locators trace where the buried pipe actually runs, so testing follows the real route.
Underground leaks in Coral Gables
Mature trees are part of the city’s character, and their roots can crack and shift older buried lines. Limestone and fill around pipes can also wear them down over time.
Because water can drain away quickly in sandy soil and rock, the surface may stay dry. The meter is often the only clue.
What to do right now
- 1
Read the meter
With everything off, check whether the leak indicator moves.
- 2
Find your shut-off
Know where the main valve is in case the leak gets worse.
- 3
Call for detection
Mention any wet spots or pressure changes you’ve noticed.
Common questions
Will my yard be dug up?
Detection doesn’t require digging. Once the leak is pinpointed, any excavation is limited to that spot.
Who is responsible for the main line leak?
Usually the homeowner, for the section between the meter and the house. Leaks on the utility side of the meter are the utility’s responsibility.
Can tree roots cause a water line leak?
Yes. Roots can press on and crack older pipes, and they grow toward moisture from small leaks.