Underground tank leak detection in Al Mnar, Riyadh: emergency

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

Before we start: what we know about Al Mnar

The centre of Al Mnar is at 24.7251, 46.7976, about 12.4 km from the centre of Riyadh, with an approximate radius of 1.2 km. The approximate area shown on the map is centred here. The centre of Al Mnar sits about 602 m above sea level (SRTM open elevation data).

Main roads in or near Al Mnar: Kharais Road, Kharais Sub Road, Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal Street.

An owner in Al Mnar may notice a sudden drop in fuel levels, a strong smell of fuel near a boundary wall, or wet ground over a tank that has been dry for months. In a villa, a farm, or a small commercial yard, such signs can feel alarming, and the instinct is often to dig or to ignore them. Both reactions can make matters worse. An underground tank that is leaking can contaminate soil and groundwater, and it can also create a fire or vapour hazard, so the first response should be calm, quick, and organised.

The local facts shape how this should be handled. Al Mnar sits at about 24.7251, 46.7976, roughly 12.4 km from the centre of Riyadh, within an area of around 1.2 km radius. That distance means a response team may take time to arrive from the city, so an owner should plan for the first hour on their own. The centre of Al Mnar lies at about 602 m above sea level, which is a fact worth noting when describing the site to a technician, since elevation and local drainage can affect where spilled fuel travels. For budgeting the longer-term repair, tank internal coating is priced at SAR 25–70 per m², so the size of the tank matters when comparing options, and an owner should ask for the surface area to be measured rather than guessed.

Take these steps in order. First, stop using the tank and any pumps connected to it, and keep sparks, cigarettes, and open flames away from the area. Second, ventilate the immediate surroundings and keep children and pets away from wet or odorous ground. Third, record the level readings, the dates, and where the smell or wetness appears, and photograph the site without disturbing it. Fourth, contact a qualified leak detection service in Riyadh and give them the location details, including the coordinates and the elevation, so they can arrive prepared. Fifth, do not attempt to pump out or cover the leak yourself, and follow the technician's guidance on testing, repair, and any required reporting before backfilling the excavation.

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

Signs that call for underground tank leak detection

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

Tools we use in Al Mnar

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 — Al Mnar

Common questions about underground tank leak detection in Al Mnar

What we advise against

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

The written outputs

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