Irrigation

5 Signs You Have an Irrigation Leak (And What to Do About It)

26 June 2026

Spotting Irrigation Leaks Early Saves Water and Money

Gauteng's water is precious, and an undetected irrigation leak can waste thousands of litres per month while driving up your water bill. Here are five tell-tale signs:

1. Unexplained Wet Patches

If you notice persistently wet or muddy areas in your garden — especially when it hasn't rained — you likely have an underground pipe leak or a faulty valve.

2. Unusually High Water Bills

A sudden spike in your municipal water account without a change in usage habits often points to a hidden leak in your irrigation system.

3. Low Pressure on Certain Zones

If one zone of your irrigation system has noticeably lower pressure than the others, there may be a cracked pipe or damaged fitting in that zone's line.

4. Patches of Extra Green Grass

Ironically, a leak can make certain areas of your lawn too green. If one patch is significantly lusher than the rest, it's getting more water than it should.

5. Air Spurting from Sprinkler Heads

Air in the lines when the system starts up can indicate a break in the pipe that's allowing air ingress when the system is off.

What to Do

  1. Turn off your irrigation system immediately
  2. Mark the affected areas
  3. Call a professional for leak detection

TIG's irrigation team uses advanced leak detection equipment to pinpoint underground leaks without unnecessary excavation. We repair the issue quickly and efficiently, saving you water and money. Book a leak detection service.

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