Underground Water Leak Detection

What are the Sounds of Water Leaks?

Water leaks in underground, pressurized pipes may make many
different sounds:

• “Hiss” or “Whoosh” from pipe vibration and orifice pressure reduction
• “Splashing” or “Babbling Brook” sounds from water flowing around
  the pipe
• Rapid “beating/thumping” sounds from water spray striking the wall
  of the soil cavity
• Small “clinking” sounds of stones and pebbles bouncing off the pipe

The “Hiss” or “Whoosh” sound, which often sounds like constant static noise,
is the only one which is always present for leaks in pipes with 30 psi or higher water pressure. The other sounds may or may not be present, and usually they
are not as loud. So, we decide “Is there a leak?” by listening for the “Hiss”
or “Whoosh.”