7 Signs of an Underground Water Leak: What Lanzarote Homeowners Must Know

Hidden Water Leaks: The Silent Property Destroyer

Underground water leaks are among the most damaging problems a homeowner can face. Unlike visible leaks, they can go undetected for months or even years, slowly causing structural damage and wasting thousands of euros in water.

In Lanzarote, where water is precious and expensive, detecting underground leaks early is crucial. Here are the 7 warning signs every homeowner should know.

1. Unexplained High Water Bills

The most common first sign of an underground leak is a sudden increase in your water bill without a corresponding increase in usage.

What to look for:

• Bill 20% or more higher than usual
• Steady increase over several months
• No change in household water habits

Pro tip: Compare your current bill to the same period last year, as seasonal variations can affect usage.

2. Water Meter Running When All Taps Are Off

This is one of the most definitive tests for a hidden water leak:

How to Check Your Water Meter

1. Turn off all water-using appliances
2. Make sure no taps are running
3. Locate your water meter
4. Note the reading or watch the dial
5. Wait 30 minutes without using any water
6. Check the meter again

If the meter has moved, you have a leak somewhere in your system.

3. Wet or Soggy Patches in Your Garden

Underground water leaks often surface as unexplained wet areas:

• Unusually green patches in otherwise dry lawn
• Muddy or soft spots that never dry out
• Water pooling on the surface with no obvious source
• Erosion channels appearing in landscaping

In Lanzarote's dry climate, persistent wet spots are particularly suspicious.

4. Low Water Pressure Throughout the House

A leak in your main supply line can cause noticeable pressure drops:

• Gradual decrease in pressure over weeks or months
• Affects all taps equally (unlike a fixture-specific problem)
• Worse during peak usage times

5. Cracks in Walls, Floors, or Foundation

Water undermines foundations and causes structural movement:

• New cracks appearing in walls or ceilings
• Doors and windows that suddenly stick
• Uneven floors or tilting structures
• Cracks in driveways or patios near the suspected leak

6. Sound of Running Water

Sometimes you can hear underground leaks if you know what to listen for:

• Hissing or whooshing sounds near walls or floors
• Running water sound when no water is in use
• Louder at night when ambient noise is lower

Professional leak detectors use sensitive acoustic equipment to amplify these sounds and pinpoint leak locations.

7. Warm Spots on Floors

If you have hot water pipes running under concrete slabs, a leak can create:

• Warm patches on tile or concrete floors
• Localised heating in specific areas
• Higher than normal floor temperature

This is particularly noticeable in air-conditioned properties.

Why Underground Leaks Are So Dangerous

Ignoring these warning signs can lead to:

• Massive water bills: A significant leak can waste thousands of litres per month
• Foundation damage: Water erosion undermines structural integrity
• Mould and mildew: Persistent dampness creates health hazards
• Landscape destruction: Erosion and root damage
• Legal liability: If the leak affects neighbouring properties

Professional Underground Leak Detection

Finding the exact location of an underground leak requires specialist equipment:

Technology We Use

• Acoustic listening devices: Amplify the sound of escaping water
• Thermal imaging cameras: Detect temperature differences caused by leaks
• Tracer gas detection: Inject harmless gas and detect where it surfaces
• Ground-penetrating radar: Map underground pipes and voids

The Canary Detect Advantage

Our No Find, No Fee guarantee means we're confident in our ability to locate your leak. We've invested over €80,000 in the latest detection technology, allowing us to find leaks with centimetre precision.

What Happens When We Find Your Leak?

Once located, we can:

1. Mark the exact location for your chosen contractor
2. Provide a detailed report for insurance purposes
3. Recommend repair options based on the leak type
4. Offer repair services for certain leak types

Don't Wait: Act on the Warning Signs

Underground water leaks only get worse with time. If you've noticed any of these warning signs, contact us for a professional leak detection survey.

Canary Detect serves all of Lanzarote including Arrecife, Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise, Yaiza, and Tías.

Get a free quote today →