Noticing water pooling or leaking in your garden can be concerning, especially when you’re unsure of the cause. Many homeowners might assume it’s simply due to rainfall or a drainage issue. However, if the water persists, it could indicate a leak in an external water supply pipe. If left untreated, an external pipe leak can worsen over time, leading to more severe issues and higher repair costs making it crucial to address the problem promptly. In this post, we’ll explain why water leaking in your garden may point to an external pipe leak, how to recognise the signs of a potential issue and the risks of leaving such leaks unresolved.

Explaining Water Leaks in a Garden

If you’ve noticed water leaking or pooling in your garden, it could be more than just a result of heavy rainfall or a faulty drainage system. In many cases, persistent water in your garden could indicate a more serious problem; an external water supply pipe leak. Water supply pipes run beneath the ground, and over time, they can develop cracks, breaks, or corrosion.

When this happens, water can escape and surface in your garden, creating visible puddles or damp patches. Early detection of such a leak is crucial to preventing more significant issues. If you think you might have an external water leak present, it’s vital to contact a professional leak detection company such as Absolute Leak Detection.

Signs You Have an External Water Supply Pipe Leak

If you suspect a leak in your garden, there are a few signs to watch for that could confirm an external water supply pipe leak. It’s essential to recognise these early to address the issue before it leads to further damage. Below are three of the most common indicators of an external pipe leak.

Water Pooling or Leaking: One of the most obvious signs of an external water supply pipe leak is the presence of water pooling or leaking in your garden area. You may notice puddles forming in areas where no sprinklers or drainage systems exist, even during drier spells. This could mean that water from a leaking pipe is surfacing and pooling in the soil.

Damp or Soft Patches on the Grass: Another common sign is the appearance of damp or soft patches in the soil. These areas will often remain wet for extended periods, even if the weather has been dry. As water escapes from an underground pipe, it saturates the surrounding soil, making the ground feel spongy or squishy to the touch. These patches can spread if left untreated, potentially damaging your garden.

A Sudden Increase in Water Bills: If you notice an unexplained increase in your water bills, it could be an indicator of a hidden external water supply pipe leak. An external pipe leak can cause significant water loss, which will most likely show up in your monthly water charges. This is often a subtle sign that an issue is developing underground and should be investigated before it escalates.

Dangers of Leaving External Leaks Unrepaired

Ignoring an external pipe leak in your garden can seem like a minor issue at first, but the longer it’s left unchecked, the more serious the consequences. Not only can it lead to increasing damage, but it can also escalate repair costs and cause health concerns. Below are some of the key dangers of leaving an external water supply pipe leak unrepaired.

  • Property Damage

One of the most immediate risks of leaving an external water supply pipe leak unrepaired is damage to your property. Water escaping from the pipe can erode the soil surrounding the leak, which can lead to structural damage to paths, driveways, foundations, and the property itself. Over time, the constant flow of water also can weaken the ground and cause instability, which may require costly repairs to fix any subsidence or erosion issues.

  • Mould and Damp

A leaking water supply pipe can lead to persistent dampness in the soil, which, if left unchecked, can result in mould and mildew growth. This can spread to surrounding areas, causing damage to your garden, as well as to any nearby structures such as fences, sheds, or walls. Damp conditions are ideal for mould growth, which can negatively affect both the structure of the property and the air quality, leading to potentially dangerous health problems.

  • High Repair Costs if Left Unrepaired

If an external leak is left unrepaired, it will continue to worsen over time, leading to significantly higher repair costs. A small leak, when caught early, is relatively inexpensive to repair. However, if the leak is allowed to persist, it can cause widespread damage, such as the need to replace damaged pipes, repair eroded landscaping, or fix waterlogged foundations. Addressing the leak promptly can help prevent these escalating costs.

External Water Leak Detection at Absolute Leak Detection

If you think you might have an external water leak originating from a water pipe, contact Absolute Leak Detection for expert assistance. As your local leak detection specialists, we have the expertise to detect, locate, and repair leaks both externally and internally. Our experienced team operates across Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Suffolk, and London, providing comprehensive leak detection and repair services to both domestic and commercial clients. 

We are typically able to quickly detect and locate external leaks in water supply pipes and, when possible, excavate and repair the issue on the same day as the initial survey. With many years of experience in detecting and repairing leaks across the UK, our expert team instils confidence in our leak detection services for both homes and businesses. If you would like to learn more about our external water leak detection services, please call us on 01702 842 944 or fill out our online contact form, and we will get back to you shortly with a free quote.