It’s important to distinguish between a freshwater leak and a sewer leak as each one requires different steps for locating and fixing the leak. See our chart below to help you determine if you have a freshwater or sewer leak.
If your water bill has increased drastically and you are seeing other signs, you may have a fresh water leak.
If your water provider has notified you that the meter has detected a leak, this indicates a fresh water leak.
Signs of water can indicate a fresh water of sewer leak.
It’s important to pay close attention to the details to determine if this is more likely a freshwater or sewer leak.
Fresh water leaks will be consistent and will show up on the meter.
Sewer leaks will only occur after water has been used and will not show up on the meter.
Is there a strong sewer smell in or around your property? This could be an indicator of sewer gas escaping through a break in your system.
Drains that clog frequently could be a sign that there is a defect in the sewer drainage system. These defects make it difficult for solids to pass through the drains, and those solids eventually build up until the system clogs. Once cleared, the system will perform normally, but then it eventually clogs again.
Slow drainage could indicate a defect in the sewer system causing issues with the waters ability to leave the home.
Water backs up in the sewer and overflows out of another drain, usually because of a severe clog. Sever clogs can be a sign of a sewer defect.
You may need a Hydrostatic test to determine if you have a sewer leak.
We use a process called a Defect Pinpoint to precisely locate sewer issues.
A pinpoint test is a step-by-step diagnostic process used to locate the exact section and depth of a sewer leak beneath your home. It’s called a “pinpoint” because we don’t guess or excavate blindly. We isolate the plumbing into smaller, testable areas until we can identify the specific region that is failing, which allows us to plan the most accurate and efficient repair.
We begin by walking the property and evaluating the layout of your drain system, including any cleanouts, toilets, walk-in showers, and other accessible observation points. This helps us understand how your home’s sewer lines are routed and where we can safely access and control the flow for testing.
Next, we divide the sewer system into separate test zones. Using specialized test balls and equipment, we section off one zone at a time and perform a controlled water test, similar in concept to a hydrostatic test. Each zone is filled and monitored to determine whether it can hold water. If a zone will not hold, that tells us a leak, break, separation, or defect exists within that isolated region, allowing us to narrow the problem down with precision.
Once a failing zone is identified, we use a sewer inspection camera as a navigation and verification tool. The camera helps guide the test ball through the line, confirm placement, and check conditions inside the pipe. In some cases, the camera also allows us to visually identify issues such as improper slope (insufficient fall), bellies/slumps, offsets, or obstructions, which may not show up clearly during a static water test alone. This is why pinpoint testing often combines both water testing and camera inspection: some problems are only proven by holding water, while others are only detectable by seeing the shape and alignment of the pipe.
It’s important to note that photographs of the defect are not always possible. Many sewer failures are not visually obvious, especially when visibility is limited by dirty or stained piping, standing water, heavy buildup, small hairline cracks, root intrusion, or the camera’s angle and positioning. Even when the test confirms a leak, the exact defect may not present as a clear “picture moment,” but the pinpoint process still allows us to accurately identify the failing section for repair planning.
After all zones have been tested and we’ve confirmed the locations of each issue, we use the results to map out the most efficient repair route. The goal is to minimize tunneling and excavation, target only the areas that require correction, and develop a repair plan that addresses all verified defects in the system.
We’ve tested and repaired hundreds of sewer systems, and these are the most common defects we find in sewer systems:
Defective fitting: Sewer systems are comprised of both pipes and fittings like elbow joints. Sometimes these fittings are under enormous stress and can break loose. Other times, they can crack.
Defective Pipe: While Manufacturing standards have improved greatly, they aren’t perfect, and sometimes defective pipe or fittings can be the cause of your issue.
Soil Pressure: Certain types of soil expand when exposed to water and shrink as it dries. This expansion can cause your homes foundation to move and your home to shift. This movement can put incredible amounts of force on your plumbing cracking pipes or breaking them.
Intrusions: Tree roots are the most common types of intrusives, but sometimes rocks can be pushed into pipes or if you have had construction done on your home, sometimes the plumbing can be damaged.
Only after we have visually inspected all of the leaking areas can we determine what kind of damage has been caused to your plumbing and the necessary steps to fix it.
The Bearded Plumber is your trusted plumbing experts serving San Antonio and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re dealing with a leaky faucet, need a sewer repair, or are planning a full home repipe, our team is here to provide fast, reliable, and high-quality plumbing services. Founded by Jayson Jimenez, a seasoned plumber with a lifetime of experience in the Industry. We pride ourselves on offering plumbing with integrity. That means no shortcuts, no compromises—just dependable plumbing solutions every time. Don’t take our word for it, read any of our hundreds of 5 star reviews!
At The Bearded Plumber, we’re not just about fixing pipes—we’re about delivering peace of mind. With over 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, we understand the importance of both quality and reliability. Here’s what sets us apart:
We offer definitive testing and photographic results to help give you peace of mind that all sewer leaks have been detected & properly repaired. Our process utilizes the latest standards and technology to give you the most efficient, affordable service without compromising on quality.
We specialize in performing fast and efficient Hydrostatic Tests (leak detection). We use state-of-the-art equipment to provide Camera Pinpoints and visual sewer integrity inspections to identify any potential damages. We use multifrequency locators to provide Advanced Location Mapping. This process allows us to map and plan out your repair precisely. The next step is to tunnel beneath the foundation to inspect the damages and begin the repairs. All repairs are performed according to strict standards and regulations to ensure the safety of your home for years to come. Once the repairs are completed we will perform a final hydrostatic test to ensure that your sewer system is void of any breaks and holds water under pressure. We will finalize the process by backfilling the tunnel.
Learn more about the excavation & repair process.
