Finding a water leak in a buried line

[GreensvilleJay]

I never did 'direct burial' of lines ( water, electrons, security,phone ) ,ALWAYS used 4" conduit( weeping tile without holes ). Odds are you can't 'pinpoint' where the leak is, so you'll dig, dig, dig some more.....huge amount and money wasted, more than the cost of 4" conduit.
It's one of those pay a bit extra up front or a LOT more later on.

and yes, use the highest grade poly pipe !

 

[lynnmor]

Interesting! I don't know about this. Is this an attachment that replaces the backhoe bucket, or something totally different? Will it dig down through gravel dirt, then sand to 4-5' below grade? My backhoe bucket is 18"

Go to YouTube and search 48 trencher, there are many videos. A trencher will handle some small rocks, especially if you have the carbide teeth. After you see the various types and sizes, search for rentals in your area.

You can get trenching buckets for your backhoe but know that they can be difficult to use depending on your soil and moisture. Damp soil can clog a narrow bucket having you jump off and clearing it often with a crowbar.

You will see that a trencher will make a neat pile next to the trench making it easy to backfill.

 

[D2Cat]

Many are suggesting using a trencher. Many advantages. Trencher will cut a 6" wild slot, put all the crumbs to the side, have a backfill blade to return the material when done, and do it in short order.

You may very well have a leak under your driveway. Rent a trencher, cut a new trench, have a sleeve for the pipe under the drive area (at least) and install a new hydrant. Yes, cost causes us all to hesitate, but how long do you want to fiddle with it?

 

[Tughill Tom]

The other option for a new line HDD, Horizontal Directional Drill. I just saw this done for the 1st time last month here, where new Town water system has been installed. They set it up in my front yard and went under the road, 50 ft or so and connected into the new 8" main.
Took them less than an hour to run an line into the new Curb Box in my yard. Pretty cool technology.