When part of the yard stays wet

Ground that stays wet, or an area that behaves differently from its surroundings.

What this page cannot establish

noticing this establishes that you noticed it — it does not establish a cause
this page cannot establish that the sewer line is the source
this page cannot establish that a leak exists
this page cannot establish the condition of any pipe beneath the area

What a professional will be trying to work out

These are the distinctions a professional makes when they attend. They are questions, not conclusions — and knowing them lets you follow the conversation rather than just receive its result.

where the area sits relative to the line’s likely route
whether it persists during dry periods
whether it has changed in size
whether any other water source could reach it

What is worth writing down

These details are cheap to record now and impossible to reconstruct later.

the location relative to the building
whether it persists in dry weather
dated photographs

Evidence that would change the next decision

If you are deciding whether something is worth paying for, these are the things that actually move the decision.

photographs taken during a dry period
whether the line’s route has ever been located above ground
the area’s behaviour over several weeks

What would change the answer

photographs taken during a dry period
whether the line’s route has ever been located above ground
the area’s behaviour over several weeks

What to do next

Whether the wet area sits over the line is the first question, and locating is how it gets answered.

Understand what locating the line would establish

If your situation is different

The ground has also dipped or settled: Settlement or a dip in the surface

Locating
Route information is what connects a surface observation to the line.