I'm trying to figure out how to approach an outside leak. I called a leak detection company and they charge up to $375 depending on equipment used, so this struck me as a good opportunity to try some DIY for locating, then fixing the problem.
The leak first appeared as a large puddle on my porch about 3 months ago. Since we were still in the rainy season here in Northern California, and I live down a hill, I didn't think much of it. Now that we're in a drought it must be coming from a pipe...but I've been unable to find the source.
One confusing thing is that the problem is intermittent...once every 2 or 3 weeks...though it may be becoming more frequent (twice in the last 3 days). I figure if it's a water pipe under constant pressure then it would be consistent.
Regarding the 3 attached images...
- Though I'm not sure, the leak seems to occur at night.
- During the day you can see moist soil in the shaded area.
- The larger pipe is a drain pipe from the garage's roof (no water likely from here due to drought). There are 2 pipes with about an inch diameter to the right, once on top of the other. They come from the direction of both my water meter & gas meter. I'm curious if anyone can tell if they are both water, both gas, or one water/one gas? And if they're both water, could someone explain why there'd be two water pipes leading to my house?
The adventure begins...
The leak first appeared as a large puddle on my porch about 3 months ago. Since we were still in the rainy season here in Northern California, and I live down a hill, I didn't think much of it. Now that we're in a drought it must be coming from a pipe...but I've been unable to find the source.
One confusing thing is that the problem is intermittent...once every 2 or 3 weeks...though it may be becoming more frequent (twice in the last 3 days). I figure if it's a water pipe under constant pressure then it would be consistent.
Regarding the 3 attached images...
- Though I'm not sure, the leak seems to occur at night.
- During the day you can see moist soil in the shaded area.
- The larger pipe is a drain pipe from the garage's roof (no water likely from here due to drought). There are 2 pipes with about an inch diameter to the right, once on top of the other. They come from the direction of both my water meter & gas meter. I'm curious if anyone can tell if they are both water, both gas, or one water/one gas? And if they're both water, could someone explain why there'd be two water pipes leading to my house?
The adventure begins...
