A wet spot in the yard or sidewalk near your house can come from rain, poor drainage, a downspout or an outdoor faucet, but it can also be a sign of a leak in an underground water line. Because so many things can leave the ground wet, the spot alone does not prove where the water is coming from.
The water service line that feeds a building is usually buried, so a leak may not be seen until water reaches the surface. Paying attention to how the spot behaves can help you decide whether to have the line checked.
Common Sources That Are Not a Water Line
Before assuming the worst, think about these possible sources:
- recent rain or melting snow that has not drained
- a gutter downspout that empties near the spot
- an outdoor faucet or hose that drips
- an air conditioner or other equipment that drains outside
- low ground where water tends to collect
A drain or sewer line can also cause wet ground in some cases. That kind of leak may come with odors and calls for a different kind of repair.
Clues That May Point to a Water Line
A supply line leak becomes more likely when the wet spot shows up along with other signs:
- the ground stays wet on dry days or keeps getting wetter
- the spot sits along the path the water line takes into the building
- water pressure inside has dropped
- water use or the water bill has gone up without a clear reason
- you hear water running when every fixture is off
These are clues, not proof. Some of them, like a higher water bill, can also come from leaks inside the building. A plumber can check the plumbing on the property to narrow down the source.
When the Problem May Be the City’s
If water is coming up from the street, the curb or a large area of sidewalk, the source could be a city water main rather than your service line. Report that kind of problem to 311 so the city can check it. The city is responsible for its water mains, while property owners are generally responsible for their own service lines.
What to Do Next
Keep people away from soft or sinking ground, and do not dig near the spot yourself. Buried lines and utilities can be close to the surface, and digging can damage them or put you at risk.
Take photos of the area over a few days and note the weather. If water keeps appearing, have the line checked before the leak has time to grow. In a Bronx multifamily building, let the owner or super know so they can arrange access.
Seeing a wet spot that will not dry near your Bronx home? Our team can look at the private side of the line and offer help with a water line problem. Call (929) 209-6183 to set up a visit.
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