When a pipeline starts leaking, it might start small, but the damage won’t be. In Calgary, freezing temperatures, shifting soils and aging infrastructure all contribute to leaks. Unfortunately, this is still one of the most common plumbing issues in Calgary.
Is your water bill higher than usual or are there soggy patches in your yard or strange odours around your property? If this is the case, you might be dealing with a leak. How can you tell for sure? Let’s discuss the signs, causes and trenchless solutions that can help you catch and fix the problem early.
At Mr. Trenchless, we provide trenchless pipelining inspection services using modern trenchless technology to locate leaks without the digging or guesswork. With us, you always get results!
Why Pipeline Leaks Happen
Pipeline leaks don’t happen out of nowhere. Most of the time, they develop gradually due to wear, corrosion or environmental pressure. Calgary’s unique conditions make pipelines especially vulnerable:
- Aging Infrastructure: Many older Calgary homes have clay or cast iron pipes that corrode or crack with age.
- Freeze-Thaw Cycles: When the ground expands and contracts with temperature changes, buried pipes are put under constant stress.
- Corrosion: Metal and iron pipes deteriorate when exposed to certain minerals and water chemistry.
- Tree Root Intrusion: Roots naturally seek moisture, slipping into small gaps and widening over time.
The smallest fracture can spell disaster. It can let roots and moisture in and when that happens, damage spreads quickly.
Early Signs of a Pipeline Leak
Leaks can sneak up on you. They usually hide underground until damage becomes visible. Watch for these warning signs around your home or property:
- Unexplained Water Bills: Your water bill skyrockets without increased usage.
- Wet or Soggy Yards: Patches of grass stay damp, despite dry weather.
- Foul Odours: You notice a musty or sewage smell indoors or outdoors.
- Low Water Pressure: There may be a break or blockage somewhere in your line.
- Gurgling Sounds: If you hear running water when taps are off, there might be a leak below.
- Mold or Damp Walls: Moisture from leaks often travels upward, damaging drywall or floors.
Are noticing any of these warning signs? Book a quick pipelining or sewer camera inspection in Calgary with us. We pinpoint the problem and provide an honest solution before it turns into an emergency.
How to Confirm a Pipeline Leak
Suspect a leak? The good news is today’s inspections don’t require digging. Our team uses modern, non-invasive techniques to find the source with ease:
- CCTV Camera Inspection: A high-definition camera travels through your pipeline and provides live footage of cracks, corrosion or leaks.
- Hydrostatic Testing: It measures pressure within your system to locate hidden breaks.
- Smoke or Dye Testing: Using harmless detection material, this method helps identify leaks in sewer or storm drains.
- Acoustic Detection: Specialized sensors listen for sound waves from escaping water.
Our trenchless diagnostic tools let us give you the answers without the wait. Your property won’t be damaged either.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Pipeline Leak
Putting off a small leak isn’t worth it. It can come with the following consequences:
- Water leaks erode surrounding soil, leading to foundation cracks or property damage.
- Persistent moisture encourages mold growth and attracts pests.
- Sewer leaks create health and safety risks as a result of bacteria and contamination.
- When you wait, repair costs rise as minor leaks often turn into full pipe failures.
Detecting leaks early is essential. It prevents major excavation or full replacements later.
Trenchless Solutions for Pipeline Leaks
Once a leak is found, fixing it is the next step. The following methods of trenchless repair are the most common:
- CIPP Relining (Cured-In-Place Pipe): A seamless liner is inserted into your damaged pipe, curing into a “pipe within a pipe” that seals cracks for good.
- Spot Repairs: If you have a small leak, we only target and patch the damaged section.
- Pipe Bursting: For more severe damage, we pull a new pipe through the old, while simultaneously breaking it apart without trenching.
At Mr. Trenchless, our Calgary team specializes in no-dig pipelining repairs. We minimizes disruption while maximizing durability.
Preventing Future Pipeline Leaks
The best way to prevent future pipeline leaks is by being proactive. Here are some ways to protect your system:
- Schedule annual camera inspection to catch small cracks early.
- Avoid planting large trees near sewer lines.
- Use hydro-jetting to remove buildup before it leads to leaks.
- Watch for warning signs like unusual odors or fluctuations in water pressure.
Regular plumbing maintenance and inspections can save you thousands in future repairs. They will help your system last for decades.
Book a Pipeline Inspection Today
How do you recognize a pipeline leak? Watch out for higher water bills, damp patches, odors or low pressure. When you notice them, schedule a pipeline inspection with Mr. Trenchless. We will find out what’s wrong without the digging or guesswork.
Ready to find a leak before it turns into a problem? Contact us to book a trenchless camera inspection today!
