Quick answer
Underground water leak detection locates leaks in buried water pipes without digging to search for them. Fox Plumbing uses harmless tracer gas and a detector across the East Rand and greater Gauteng, with most leaks found within the hour. Detection does not require excavation, although accessing a pipe for repair may still involve lifting paving or digging.
Signs you may have an underground water leak
A higher water account is a reason to investigate, not proof of a buried leak. Compare the billed readings with your meter and check whether the account uses an actual or estimated reading. Running toilets, dripping taps and automatic irrigation can also account for unexpected consumption.
For a useful first check, switch off all water-using appliances and irrigation, close the taps and allow toilet cisterns to finish filling. Record the meter reading and check it again after a period with no water use. Continued movement suggests water is passing through the meter, but further checks are needed to establish where it is going.
- A wet patch that persists when there has been no rain or irrigation.
- An unusually green strip of lawn along a possible pipe route.
- Meter movement when no water should be running.
- An unexplained drop in pressure, especially alongside other leak signs.
- Soft ground or paving that has started to settle.
What affects the cost of underground leak detection?
The work involved depends on access to the water supply, how easily the affected pipe can be isolated and the extent of the area that needs testing. Multiple branches, unclear pipe routes and more than one leak can make tracing more involved.
Fox Plumbing agrees the price upfront, and the call-out fee includes the first hour of work. Ask what the agreed scope includes: finding a leak and exposing or repairing the pipe are different tasks. Pensioners receive a special rate.
- Access to the meter, stopcocks and pipe connections.
- The length and layout of the pipework being investigated.
- Surface conditions and obstacles along the suspected route.
- Whether additional investigation is needed after locating one leak.
- Any separate repair, excavation or surface reinstatement required.
Practical advice for Gauteng properties
On properties with garden taps, irrigation, outbuildings or long supply runs, a meter test alone cannot identify which branch is leaking. Before the visit, note which areas have water connections and gather any available pipe plans. Tell the plumber about recent paving, building work or previous pipe repairs.
Fox Plumbing is based in Benoni and serves the East Rand and greater Gauteng. Send your suburb, a description of the symptoms and photos of the meter or affected area when booking. If the ground is sinking or paving feels unstable, keep people and vehicles away from that area rather than trying to expose the pipe yourself.
- Keep the meter and accessible stopcocks clear.
- Record when damp patches appear and whether irrigation was running.
- Do not assume the wettest patch is directly above the pipe failure; water can travel underground.
- For active flooding, close the property's water stopcock if it is safe and accessible; do not force a seized valve.
Why choose Fox Plumbing?
Owner Evan Pretorius is a qualified, registered plumber with more than 20 years of experience and remains on the tools. Fox Plumbing holds IOPSA and PIRB membership, issues Certificates of Compliance (COCs), and every job is insured.
The detection method uses harmless tracer gas and a detector, with no digging needed to search for the leak. Most leaks are found within the hour, although complex pipe layouts or multiple leaks can take longer. To book, call 084 368 1879. Hours are Monday to Friday, 08:00–17:00, with Saturdays by appointment.
- Owner on the tools.
- Price agreed upfront.
- Call-out fee includes the first hour of work.
- Special rate for pensioners.
How we do the job
- 1
Describe the symptoms
Share your location, changes in water consumption, meter behaviour and any damp or unstable areas. Mention irrigation, outbuildings and previous repairs.
- 2
Check the likely source and agree the scope
Accessible plumbing and water use need to be considered before treating the problem as an underground leak. Fox Plumbing agrees the price upfront before the agreed work proceeds.
- 3
Prepare the affected pipe for testing
The pipe section under investigation is isolated as needed and prepared for tracer gas testing. Access to valves and suitable connections helps with this stage.
- 4
Trace the escaping gas
Harmless tracer gas is introduced into the pipe. A detector checks for gas escaping through the leak and reaching the surface, allowing the leak to be located without exploratory digging.
- 5
Discuss access and repair
Once the leak is located, discuss what is needed to reach the damaged pipe and repair it. Confirm the repair scope and price before proceeding, including any paving or ground disturbance.
Common questions
Will you need to dig up my garden to find the leak? +
No. Fox Plumbing uses non-invasive tracer gas detection to locate the leak without digging. Repairing the damaged pipe may still require localised excavation or lifting part of a paved surface.
How long does underground leak detection take? +
Most leaks are found within the hour. Access difficulties, branching pipework or multiple leaks can extend the investigation, so this is not a guaranteed time limit.
Is the tracer gas harmful? +
Fox Plumbing uses harmless tracer gas. It escapes through the pipe defect and is traced at the surface using a detector.
Does a moving water meter definitely mean an underground leak? +
No. It indicates water is passing through the meter, which may be due to a running toilet, an appliance, irrigation or another leak. Check that all expected water use has stopped before interpreting the result.
Will my insurance pay for detection and repairs? +
Cover depends on your policy and the circumstances. Ask your insurer whether detection, pipe repairs and reinstatement are covered separately, and whether authorisation is required before work starts. Fox Plumbing's insured work does not mean your own policy automatically covers the cost.
