No recent rain
A wet spot in the yard that will not dry
A persistent wet patch without recent rain deserves attention, but it is not proof of a broken supply pipe. Compare its timing with irrigation and ordinary water use before deciding whom to call.
First observations
What can you check without disturbing the ground?
Does it change after watering?
Record when the sprinkler or hose last ran. A patch that reappears after one zone runs is a different clue from one that stays wet continuously.
Where is it?
Note whether it is near a sprinkler head, valve box, downspout, utility meter, or low point. Location narrows the questions to ask; it does not identify the source.
Is it spreading?
Photograph the same spot on two dates, from the same position. Note whether the edge changes or water reaches a walkway or the house.
Make the pattern easier to compare
Keep a short, consistent record
Choose a time when the yard is safe to approach and take a photo from the same spot. A simple log over several observations is more useful than one close-up: note the date, recent weather, irrigation or hose use, approximate edge of the wet area, and whether it is larger, smaller, or unchanged. You do not need to touch, smell closely, or sample the water.
| Compare | What to write down | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Water use | Sprinkler zone and time; hose, pool, or other outdoor use | Shows whether the timing repeats with a known use |
| Weather | Last rain you know of and when the patch appeared | Separates a rain-linked pattern from one that persists between storms |
| Location | Nearest visible head, downspout, paved edge, or low area | Gives a utility or contractor a useful starting point |
| Change | Same-angle photo and whether the boundary moved | Shows persistence without disturbing the ground |
Interpret with care
Three paths worth separating
Check the affected zone, sprinkler heads and visible valve-box connections. EPA WaterSense
Compare bills and, if your utility's instructions permit it, observe the meter during a no-use period. Movement suggests water use or a leak somewhere, not necessarily in this patch. EPA WaterSense
Do not probe the area. Surfacing septic wastewater can be a health and environmental concern; contact a qualified local professional. EPA septic guidance
Choose the next call from the evidence
Match the pattern to the right first contact
If the patch repeatedly follows a sprinkler zone, share the log with an irrigation professional. If the water meter changes during a period when no water should be in use, ask the water utility what the meter covers and what check it recommends; a licensed plumber may be appropriate for the supply system. If the patch appears after rain or stays in a low area without a clear connection to household water use, a local drainage professional can assess the surface conditions.
Suspected wastewater is a separate safety issue, not another home test. Keep people and pets away and contact the local health department or a qualified septic professional for guidance. Do not walk through or handle the water.
Make the first conversation useful
Summarize the pattern, not a diagnosis
Share when the patch first appeared, what water use happened beforehand, whether it changed between observations, and any relevant bill or meter dates. If you are unsure which system serves the area, say so; the professional can decide what to inspect. A short, dated record is more useful than a confident guess about a buried source.