Lebanon, NJ – Broken Skimmer Line Found After Previous Leak Detection Company Couldn’t Find the Leak

Case Summary: Atlantic Pool Leak Detection identified a broken skimmer line at this Lebanon, NJ pool and pinpointed the exact location of the underground break within two hours of arrival. We returned approximately two weeks later to repair the line and restore the patio.

Actual Skimmer Line Leak

The video below shows the actual underground skimmer line leak after the plumbing was exposed.

The Problem: An Unresolved Leak Since the Previous Summer

A homeowner in Lebanon, NJ, in Hunterdon County had been adding water approximately twice per week to maintain the pool’s water level. The leak had continued since the previous summer.

According to the homeowner, he had hired another pool leak detection company the previous year, but they were unable to locate the leak. With the water loss still unresolved, he contacted Atlantic Pool Leak Detection to determine where the pool was leaking from and finally get an answer.

How We Tested the Lebanon Pool

The pool had four separate skimmer lines. Based on our initial testing and assessment, we suspected the deep-end skimmer line on the house side of the pool could be broken, so we started there.

Pressure testing quickly confirmed what we suspected; the deep-end skimmer line was losing pressure and causing the water loss. The pressure test identified that the line was leaking, but further testing was needed to locate the spot of the break underground. We used our specialized leak detection equipment and testing methods to pinpoint its exact location under the patio.

We identified the broken skimmer line and pinpointed the underground break in less than two hours.

Pinpointing Before Opening the Patio

We knew where the underground plumbing failure was located before any digging began. The patio did not need to be opened simply to search for the leak.

Underground Skimmer Line Repair

Approximately two weeks after the leak detection, we returned to complete the repair. We opened the patio at the location we had previously pinpointed and exposed the underground skimmer plumbing for repair.

The broken section of pipe was found exactly where we marked. We repaired the line, then backfilled and restored the patio.

The repair photos show the exposed underground plumbing, the skimmer line repair and the patio after the repair was completed.

The Result

A pool leak that had remained unresolved since the previous summer was finally identified, pinpointed and repaired. After the repair, the homeowner texted Randy to thank him and said, “You can’t even notice where the work was done.”

What This Lebanon Case Shows

• A previous unsuccessful leak detection does not establish that a pool has no leak when water loss continues.
• Individual pressure testing identifies the leaking plumbing line. Pinpointing then determines where that line is leaking underground.
• Locating the break before digging minimizes unnecessary work, damage and costs.

Need Pool Leak Detection in Lebanon, NJ?

APLD provides professional swimming pool leak detection in Lebanon and throughout Hunterdon County. We test in-ground gunite, vinyl liner and fiberglass pools, including pools with attached spas and multiple plumbing systems.

Contact APLD or call 732-333-3304 to request an appointment in Lebanon, NJ.

You can also learn more about our pool plumbing pressure testing, view our Hunterdon County service area, or review additional pool leak case studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Pool Plumbing Line Leak Without Visible Water Around the Pool?

Yes. A buried pool plumbing line can leak without producing an obvious wet area around the pool or yard. The absence of visible water does not rule out an underground plumbing leak.

How Do You Determine Which Pool Plumbing Line Is Leaking?

Pressure testing confirms whether a plumbing line is leaking. When possible, plumbing lines should be isolated and pressure tested separately. In this Lebanon case, the pool had four separate skimmer lines, and our testing identified the one that was broken.

Can You Locate an Underground Pool Pipe Leak Before Opening the Patio?

In many cases, yes. Once testing confirms which plumbing line is leaking, specialized equipment and testing methods can be used to pinpoint the underground break. The ability to pinpoint a break depends on the conditions at the property. In this Lebanon case, we pinpointed the break before opening the patio.

What if Another Leak Detection Company Couldn’t Find the Leak?

If the pool continues losing water, further evaluation is needed. Tell us the water-loss history and what was previously tested. In this Lebanon case, the homeowner reported an unsuccessful leak detection the previous year; our testing identified and pinpointed a broken skimmer line in less than two hours.