Irrigation Leak Detection in British Columbia

Irrigation systems across British Columbia — from residential lawn sprinklers to large agricultural operations and municipal park irrigation — are prone to leaks that waste water, inflate utility bills, and damage landscaping. An irrigation leak can go unnoticed for months, particularly in systems that are only operated seasonally (April through October in most of BC). The symptoms may include soggy areas in the lawn, reduced sprinkler head pressure, unexplained spikes in water consumption, or sections of the irrigation zone that have stopped working due to water loss. At LeakInspection.ca, we offer specialized irrigation leak detection that quickly identifies the type and location of the problem.

Our irrigation leak detection process begins with a zone-by-zone operational test, observing sprinkler head performance, checking for visible geysers or pooling, and measuring flow rates at the controller or meter. We then perform pressure testing of each zone to identify circuits with abnormal pressure loss. For leaks in the main line or lateral lines, we use acoustic ground microphones to listen for the sound of water escaping from buried pipes. The sound of an irrigation leak — typically a dull roar or hiss — is distinct from the sound of sprinkler heads operating, and our technicians are trained to differentiate between them.

For more challenging leaks — such as small pinhole leaks in polyethylene pipe, leaks under hardscaping, or leaks at fitting connections — we deploy tracer gas testing. The zone is isolated and pressurised with a hydrogen-nitrogen tracer gas, and the surface is scanned with a gas sniffer to locate the exact escape point. This method is particularly effective for finding leaks in drip irrigation systems and micro-spray lines where flow rates are too low for acoustic detection. We also conduct complete irrigation system audits that assess overall system efficiency, coverage, and water usage, helping property managers and homeowners reduce water consumption beyond just fixing active leaks. All findings are documented with GPS coordinates, photos, and repair recommendations.