Finding a pool of water where it's not supposed to be can raise concerns for any homeowner. Of course, it is normal to have residual moisture after a rainfall, but to see water on your driveway on a sunny and dry day can be an indication of something serious happening with your plumbing.
It is difficult to know what is happening underneath pavers and concrete, but finding the right help to fix a damaged underground pipe is the best solution.
There can be a number of reasons why you find water under the pavers. A lot of the time, it is an issue with the leak in the water main. There are several factors that could be contributing to your water main leaking. These include incorrect installation, natural wear and tear or changes to the weather or environment.
If you hear a hissing noise where the entrance of the main or you are experiencing a decrease in the water pressure inside your property, you could have a leak. If you notice pavers shifting on the surface of the driveway, you should also investigate. There is also the possibility you may have a burst pipe.
Is There A Burst Water Pipe Under My Driveway?
Finding excess moisture on the surface of your driveway can be related to drainage complications. Particularly a burst pipe. Alternatively, hearing a ticking noise at the location of the meter area and a massive jump in your utility bill could be an indication of a leak under the ground.
How Do You Find A Leak Under A Driveway?
There are companies that provide specialist leak detection services. Because a leaking pipe may be difficult to locate due to its location, you need equipment that can penetrate through the driveway and get to the problematic pipe.
Leak locating equipment uses sensors to detect the abnormal presence of water flow going through the pipework. There are two main methods of leak detection and they are Acoustic and Thermal. One uses sound waves and the other uses thermal imaging via camera.
Repairing A Leak Underground
Pipe repair is a job that can seem daunting to the average homeowner. The first step is to determine what section of pipe has failed. Using the specialised leak locating equipment and a professional company will find the broken pipework.
The next step is to create a work plan to fix any pipework where needed. These days, there is new technology available where you don't need to remove or replace the entire pipeline. This is called Pipe Relining.
Pipe relining or no dig pipe repair is a non-intrusive form of pipe reconstruction that doesn't use extensive excavation to remove the entire pipeline. The section of the defective pipe is repaired from the inside and put back in place. Making the pipeline more durable.
The process is completed in half the time than traditional repairs and is a fraction of the cost. There is no need for expensive landscaping afterwards.
How Do You Fix Sunken Pavers?
Your pavers can shift and sink due to the ground moving and other related natural elements. The method is simple to follow if you have time and the correct materials and tools.
What You Will Need?
Paver Sand
Shovel
Rubber mallet
A straight 2x4
Screwdriver, pry bar or putty knife
Steps
Assess the initial cause of the moving pavers. A licensed plumber can carry out the necessary inspection to determine drainage or pipe issues.
Remove the pavers using hand tools such as level headed screwdrivers. Put the pavers aside that you are wanting to replace.
You need to clean and prepare the base area. Clean and dispose of weeds or other material such as rocks and rubbish. Fill any visible holes with dirt.
The next step is to add the pavers and sand onto the base. Make sure you use a shovel and make the sand compact by using a paver and mallet to tap it down the sand. This will ensure it is level and a smooth surface. For larger surface areas, use the 2x4 to spread the sand.
You can now start to replace the pavers. Use the mallet to secure the pavers in place.
You can adjust the level as you go and fill any area that is not straight.
Driveway Water Leaks
With that, we come to the end of our guide. It is always important to find the source of the problem before replacing your driveway pavers. We hope you learnt some valuable information and you are able to fix the leak under your driveway. Remember, if the problem is severe, it is best to call a licensed plumber.
