Underground tank leak detection in Am Al Slm, Jeddah: emergency

Prepared by the technical team · editorial review · last updated 13 November 2026 · Sources

Before we start: what we know about Am Al Slm

The centre of Am Al Slm is at 21.4523, 39.3562, about 21.5 km from the centre of Jeddah, with an approximate radius of 1.2 km. The approximate area shown on the map is centred here. The nearest wadi channel is about 1.8 km from the centre of Am Al Slm (OpenStreetMap).

The centre of Am Al Slm sits about 145 m above sea level (SRTM open elevation data). Am Al Slm is about 17.7 km from the sea coast (OpenStreetMap).

A homeowner in Am Al Slm who notices a fuel smell in the garden, a sudden drop in tank level, or wet ground above a buried tank is facing an urgent problem. Many villas and small commercial plots here rely on underground storage, and an unnoticed leak can spread through the soil before anyone sees it on the surface. The owner usually wants to know quickly whether the tank is the source, how far the damage may reach, and what to do before a crew arrives.

The local setting matters. The centre of Am Al Slm sits at 21.4523, 39.3562, about 21.5 km from the centre of Jeddah, within an approximate radius of 1.2 km. The centre of Am Al Slm sits about 145 m above sea level, so the ground here is not at sea level, and surface water does not gather the way it might on the coast. Am Al Slm is about 17.7 km from the sea coast, and the nearest wadi channel is about 1.8 km from the centre of Am Al Slm. For an owner, this means a leak is less likely to be affected by coastal conditions, but the nearby wadi is a reminder that heavy rain can carry contamination along low channels, so any spill near the property should be treated as a wider concern rather than a small one.

Act in this order. First, stop using the tank and switch off any pump feeding it, keeping people and open flames away from the area. Second, record what you observed, including the time, the level reading, and any smell or wet patches, and photograph them. Third, call a qualified leak detection service and ask them to test the tank and the lines before any digging starts. Fourth, if the tank is confirmed as leaking, ask for a written estimate that covers repair or replacement and, where the tank walls are damaged, the internal coating; typical internal coating is priced at SAR 25–65 per m², and the final figure depends on the tank's surface area. Fifth, keep receipts and reports, as they will be needed for any insurance claim or environmental review.

If water is flowing, close the main valve first, then call or message with photos.

Signs worth paying attention to

The following signs are worth checking before they grow:

• A noticeable drop in the water level overnight
• The pump runs for longer periods
• The tank needs refilling faster than usual
• Damp or salt marks on the tiles above the tank

Causes we see in the field

• A float valve that does not close, so water is wasted.
• Construction joints and corners — we check this before anything else.
• A common cause: cracks in the concrete tank walls or floor.

How we choose the tool in Am Al Slm

How the work is done, step by step

1. Safety first: Tank lids and confined spaces are handled with ventilation and a second person on site.
2. Documented level test: Filling and use are stopped and the level is recorded against time.
3. Isolating the tank from the network: This tells us whether the loss is from the tank body or from the supply line.
4. Checking the body and connections: Inlet, outlet and overflow connections are inspected.
5. Recommendation: You get the next step in writing: repair, waterproofing or a line test.

Facts and costs — Am Al Slm

Questions from Am Al Slm

Common mistakes we see

• Waterproofing the tank before confirming the loss is from the tank and not the line
• Ignoring the float valve

What you receive

You receive: the written level-test result and the recommended next step, in a technical report with a verification code.