When a pipe breaks underground, does anyone see it? Unlike a leaking faucet or a running toilet, no. That can leave the problem unresolved for weeks or even months. How do you tell if a pipe is broken underground before it turns into a major repair?
Fortunately, broken underground pipes don’t stay hidden forever. While some signs are obvious, others are easy to miss when the problem is beneath the surface. At Mr. Trenchless, we’ve diagnosed several underground pipe failures across Calgary. Today, we will discuss what to watch for and why Calgary conditions make this more common than homeowners expect.
Why Do Underground Pipes Break More Often in Calgary?
Before we talk about the warning signs, let’s get into why it’s a common issue locally. Calgary experiences constant freeze-thaw cycles, which puts constant stress on buried pipes. The ground freezes and expands in winter. Then, it thaws and shifts in spring, which gradually cracks joints and creates separations. Clay-heavy soil makes the problem worse because it swells when wet and contracts when dry, putting more pressure on anything buried below. Plus, mature tree roots in established Calgary neighborhoods, aging pipe materials in homes built before the 1970s and hard water that corrodes metal from pipes from the inside make underground pipe failure more common here than in other cities.
What Signs Can You See Above Ground?
The pipe itself is buried. That said, there are signs you can notice above the surface. Watch out for the following:
- Unusually Green or Lush Grass in One Area: If a patch of lawn is noticeably greener or growing faster than the rest of your yard, especially during a dry spell, water or wastewater leaking underground is acting as fertilizer.
- Wet or Soggy Patches With No Obvious Source: Look out for standing water or persistently damp ground when there’s no sprinkler, downspout or drainage feature nearby. It’s a common sign of a leak.
- Sinkholes or Soft, Sinking Spots in Your Yard: When soil washes into a broken pipe, the ground above it can sink or develop soft spots. That’s a more serious sign that shouldn’t be ignored.
- Cracks in Your Driveway, Walkway or Foundation: Persistent leaks can wash away supporting soil under concrete surfaces, leading to structural cracking or settling over time.
What Signs Will You Notice Inside the House?
Some warning signs don’t show up in the yard. They point straight back to the house:
- Unexplained Increases in Your Water Bill: If your bill skyrockets out of nowhere without changing your habits, there’s a leak somewhere in the system. Sometimes, it’s underground between the meter and the house.
- Low Water Pressure Throughout the Home: If pressure drops across multiple fixtures (not just one), it might be a leak in the underground supply line, not just a single fixture issue.
- Gurgling Drains or Slow Drainage in Multiple Fixtures: When multiple drains are affected, it’s a main line issue, not just an isolated clog. A break underground may be responsible.
- Sewage Odours Inside or Around the Home: Gases escaping through a cracked or separated joint aren’t normal and should be investigated.
- Sounds of Running Water When Nothing is On: Sounds of water running through walls or under floors with every tap off are worth investigating.
What Can a Professional Inspection Reveal?
Underground pipes are hidden. That’s why guessing what’s wrong based on surface signs isn’t the way to go. A professional camera inspection can reliably confirm what’s happening. A small camera is run through the line, which provides a real-time view of:
- Cracks
- Separations
- Root Intrusion
- Bellied Sections
- Full Collapses.
On top of that, it will show you where the problem is located. When you book an inspection with Mr. Trenchless, that’s our goal. It’s the difference between a targeted repair and unnecessary digging in the wrong spot.
What Should You Do If You Suspect a Broken Underground Pipe?
Are these signs showing up in your home or yard? Don’t wait for the problem to get worse. In Calgary’s ground conditions, a small crack can turn into a full collapse in a single winter.
The best place to start is with a professional camera inspection. It’s the fastest way to confirm the location and extent of the damage. There are a few pipe repair and replacement options available:
- Pipe Bursting: The trenchless method replaces a failing pipe by pulling a new one through the old one without the need for a long open trench.
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- Hydrovac Excavation: Another non-invasive method, it uses high-pressure water to break up soil and a vacuum to remove debris safely around underground utilities.
- Full Excavation: Usually a last resort, a deep trench is dug so the pipe can be replaced. This is typically used when trenchless methods aren’t feasible.
Do You Have a Broken Underground Pipe?
A broken underground pipe can happen at any time. However, the signs are there. You’ll notice it in your yard, in your home and on your water bill. Your best bet is to catch them early so you can schedule a professional inspection with Mr. Trenchless in Calgary. We honestly assess your pipes and recommend what you need.
Worried about the damage an underground pipe could do? Contact us to schedule an inspection today.
