How do you tell the difference between a broken pipe and a natural spring?

Question

I have a huge problem. In my backyard, there is a constant flow of water coming from under my fence. I cannot tell if it is a natural spring (AKA water coming up from the earth) or a broken pipe. Is there any test I can do to tell if it is water from my neighbor's pipe or if it is a spring coming straight up. The constant flow of water is flooding my landscaping. I have installed mulitiple drainage devices - but they are not doing the trick. Any suggestions????? Please help me.

Answer 1

Are you on a septic system? Sometimes when a septic system fails a similar event can occur.

Answer 2

Get a shovel and start digging.  Depending on where you live, a pipe won't be too deep.  

Good Luck.

Answer 3

Another suggestion that might work would be to get the neighbor to turn the supply off at the street and turn a tap on in his place to drop the pressure and see if the flow drops after about half an hour.If your neighbor is on a meter he may be pleased you found it.

Answer 4

if your area has public water, it can be tested for the presence of chlorine by the water dept. if youre on wells, your neighbors well will be cycling when no water is intentionally being used.