What is the difference between a main water line leak and an irrigation leak?

A main water line leak occurs in the pipe that runs from the city water meter to your home, while an irrigation leak occurs in the sprinkler or drip system piping. Main line leaks often cause higher water bills, puddles in the front yard, low water pressure, or the sound of running water. Irrigation leaks are more likely to show as spurting water between sprinkler heads, constantly damp areas near specific zones, or visible damage when the sprinkler system is turned on.

Can an irrigation system leak if it is turned off?

Yes. An irrigation system can leak even when the controller is turned off if a valve does not close properly, if there is a crack in the underground piping, or if a sprinkler head or fitting is damaged. Water can continue to seep into the ground from the pressurized supply line, causing wet spots or puddles in the yard even when the system is not actively running.

Is a gas line leak in the yard an emergency?

Yes. A gas line leak in the yard is an emergency. Signs include a strong rotten egg smell, hissing or whistling sounds near the gas line, or dead or discolored grass along the gas line path. If you suspect a gas leak, move people and pets away from the area immediately and contact a licensed professional. Do not attempt to repair a gas line yourself.

What should I do first if I suspect a yard leak?

If you suspect a yard leak, start by checking your water meter to see if water is flowing when all fixtures are turned off, and visually inspect your yard for wet spots, puddles, or unusually green patches. If you suspect a gas leak, move everyone away from the area immediately. In all cases, contact a licensed plumber with leak detection experience as soon as possible so the source of the leak can be located and repaired before more damage occurs.

Four Types of Yard Leaks in Austin — How to Spot Them & What to Do Next

Q: How do I know if I have a yard leak?

Common signs of a yard leak include unexplained wet or soggy areas in the lawn, muddy spots when it has not rained, unusually green patches of grass, the sound of running water when all fixtures are off, and a sudden increase in your water bill. If you see any of these signs, you may have a leak in your main water line, sewer line, gas line, or irrigation system.

Q: How do you find a water line leak underground?

Finding a water line leak underground usually starts with checking for symptoms such as high water bills, yard puddles, or the sound of running water. A professional plumber then uses tools like acoustic listening devices, pressure tests, and tracing equipment to pinpoint the exact location of the leak. This allows for a targeted repair rather than digging up large areas of the yard.

Q: Are yard leaks covered by homeowners insurance?

Coverage for yard leaks depends on your specific homeowners insurance policy and the cause of the damage. In many cases, sudden and accidental damage to your property may be covered, but the cost of repairing or replacing the actual water, sewer, or gas line is often not included. It is best to speak with your insurance provider to understand what is and is not covered.

Wendy W
Nov 11, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Nov 25, 2025

Your dog comes inside with muddy paws… but there hasn’t been a drop of rain in days. You look outside and see a soggy patch, standing water, or unexpected mud in the grass.

A plumber stands in a muddy yard, digging with a shovel to find the water pipe that is leaking and causing the mud

If the weather is dry but your yard is wet, there’s a good chance you’ve got a yard leak — and depending on the source, it can cause costly or even dangerous damage.

Most Austin-area yards have four major underground systems running through them:

Main Water Line (Service Line)
Sewer Line
Gas Line
Irrigation (Sprinkler) System

Each one has its own warning signs. Let’s break down what to look for — and what to do next.

A drawn diagram shows a house with an underground cutaway. The main water line is shown running from the house shut off valve, through the front yard to the street, where it connects to the city main line

1. Signs of a Main Water Line Leak

Your main water line delivers water from the City’s meter to your home. When it leaks, you’ll often notice changes both inside and outside the house.

Common signs you may have a main water line leak:

✔ Sudden spike in your water bill✔ Puddles or muddy areas in the yard✔ Constant sound of running water when fixtures are off✔ Lower-than-usual water pressure✔ Water surfacing in low spots

Important: A puddle in the yard does not mean the leak is directly below it. Water often travels underground and rises in a different area.

➤ How we accurately find the leak

The Plumbinator uses specialized acoustic leak detection equipment to pinpoint the exact location of a main line leak — so you don’t end up with unnecessary trenches across your lawn. Learn more about our process:

Leak Detection Services

Once we locate the leak, we dig one small access hole and repair it cleanly and quickly.

A photo of a large grey sewer pipe in the dirt in a yard with a huge gash running lengthwise and another hole on the left.

2. Signs of a Sewer Line Leak

A sewer line leak can show up with less water — but a lot more smell.

Signs of a sewer leak in your yard:

✔ Strong sewer odor

✔ A patch of grass that’s greener or grows faster

✔ Soggy ground along the sewer line path

✔ Rats suddenly appearing in the yard

✔ Slow drains or recurring backups in the home

Homes built 1950–1986 are especially vulnerable. Cast iron sewer pipes only last around 50 years, and many Austin homes are now past that lifespan.

If your home falls in that range, read this next:

Cast Iron Sewer Pipe Repair Guide

➤ How we diagnose a sewer leak

We perform a sewer camera inspection to locate breaks, cracks, deterioration, or root intrusion. Fast action prevents sewage backup and major foundation damage.

Graphic of warning signs of a gas leak. Signs are: hissing noises, bubbling in wet areas, smell of rotten eggs, dead grass/plants, and abnormally dry or hard soil

3. Signs of a Gas Line Leak (Emergency)

Gas line leaks in the yard are dangerous and urgent. Treat them as an immediate emergency.

Warning signs:

✔ Smell of rotten eggs✔ Hissing or whistling noises✔ Dead or discolored grass along a pipeline path✔ Bubbles in wet soil✔ Headaches, nausea, or dizziness outdoors

If you suspect a gas leak:

⛔ Do not dig

⛔ Do not turn lights or appliances on/off

⛔ Do not use matches, lighters, or smoke

⛔ Evacuate people and pets

⛔ Call us immediately

We will:

Perform a whole-house gas pressure test
Pinpoint the exact leak
Repair it safely and legally

Learn more:

Gas Line Repair & Leak Detection

Never let an unlicensed person work on gas. It’s illegal and extremely dangerous.

4. Signs of an Irrigation (Sprinkler) System Leak

Irrigation leaks are common, especially in neighborhoods with older systems or heavy soil shifting.

Signs include:

✔ Water spurting between sprinkler heads✔ One zone that stays soggy✔ Constantly damp area near one sprinkler✔ A “geyser” when the system turns on✔ Higher-than-normal water bills

Can irrigation systems leak if they’re turned off?

Yes.If a valve doesn’t seal properly or a line is cracked, water continues moving through the pressurized supply line — even when the timer is off.

If you see a sprinkler-related leak, we can diagnose it and refer a trusted irrigation specialist for the repair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I know if I have a yard leak?

Look for unexplained muddy spots, standing water, greener grass in isolated patches, or sudden increases in your water bill.

Can irrigation systems leak even when turned off?

Yes — faulty valves or underground cracks can continue leaking water even when the controller is off.

How do you find a water line leak underground?

We use acoustic listening equipment, pressure testing, and line tracing to locate underground leaks without tearing up your yard.

Leak Detection Services

Is a gas leak in the yard an emergency?

Yes — evacuate immediately and call a licensed professional.

Are yard leaks covered by homeowners insurance?

Sometimes. Sudden or accidental damage may be covered, but the actual plumbing repair or pipe replacement usually is not. If coverage is limited and payment is a concern, be sure to check out our financing options for flexible payment plans:

Financing Options

What should I do first if I think I have a leak?

Check your water meter, walk the yard for wet areas, and call us for professional leak detection to stop the damage fast.

Have a Yard Leak in Austin? We’ll Find It & Fix It Fast.

Yard leaks can waste hundreds of gallons, damage your home, or become unsafe quickly. The Plumbinator specializes in:

✔ Main water line leaks

✔ Sewer line leaks

✔ Gas line yard leaks

✔ Irrigation leak diagnosis

✔ High-tech leak location

✔ Fast, clean, minimally invasive repairs

📲 Call or text: 512-786-1771

Serving Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Hutto, Pflugerville, Leander, Georgetown & surrounding areas.

512-786-1771