Irrigation service topic

Leak detection

Investigate unexplained water use, recurring wet areas, or suspected water loss before deciding what needs repair.

Quick answer

Leak detection helps identify where water is escaping. It starts with understanding which system is affected and when the symptoms occur, then narrowing the likely source before planning repairs.

Signs this may be the issue

A wet area keeps returning without an obvious cause
Water use changes without a clear explanation
Water appears while an irrigation zone is running or after it stops
A suspected leak needs to be located before repair work is planned

How leak detection works

A useful investigation begins with the property location, the water system involved, and the timing of the symptom. For an irrigation concern, comparing affected zones, controller timing, visible components, and water-use observations can help narrow the search. A wet spot or higher usage alone does not establish the exact source. Share what you have noticed so the appropriate investigation and property-specific scope can be discussed.

What can affect the investigation

Which water system or irrigation zones are involved
Whether the symptom is continuous or appears only at certain times
Access to controls, shutoffs, and the suspected area
Existing pipe information and nearby landscaping or hardscape

What happens after a leak is located?

Review what was found, what remains uncertain, and the proposed next step. Leak detection and repair are different stages: locating a suspected fault does not automatically authorize excavation or repairs. For an irrigation leak, discuss the relevant pipe, head, or valve repair and agree on the scope before work proceeds.

General water-loss guidance: EPA WaterSense — checking for leaks and outdoor water loss

Texas landscape-irrigation services can require appropriate licensing. Verify qualifications, license, and applicable requirements before work is approved. See TCEQ guidance.

Questions about leak detection

Is leak detection the same as leak repair?

No. Detection investigates the source of water loss; repair addresses the identified fault. Ask what the investigation includes and which repair work would need separate approval.

Does a wet patch always mean a buried pipe is leaking?

No. Rainfall, runoff, irrigation patterns, and other water sources can also leave wet ground. The timing and location are useful clues, but the cause still needs to be checked.

What should I share when requesting leak detection?

Provide the full property address, the water system involved if known, where water appears, when it happens, and any recent change in water use. Photos and notes can help describe the problem without guessing at the cause.