When you notice standing water in your yard or suspect a leak, it is natural to want to find the source of the problem. Use the following tips to help you determine which component of the plumbing in your yard needs attention:

Water Main Line: To determine if you have a water main leak in your yard, you will need to turn off your water main valve. This valve is often located along an exterior wall of your house, but in some homes the shutoff valve may be located in the basement. After the water main valve is closed, look at your water meter. If the number display on the water meter continues to go up despite the water being turned off, you most likely have a water main leak.

Sewer Line: If your sewer line has a serious leak, you will most likely notice an unpleasant smell in your yard. When you smell raw sewage while in your yard, it typically means that there is a problem with the sewer line. Patches of grass located near the leak may be healthier and greener than the rest of your lawn since the waste leaking out of the sewer line is fertilizing it.

Sprinkler or Irrigation Leak: Doing a visual inspection can often let you know if the leak in your yard is caused by your sprinkler or irrigation system. Carefully inspect all of your sprinkler heads and the irrigation line if you have one—if this is the issue you will likely notice pooling water around the element that needs repair.