Underground tank leak detection in Al Rmal, Riyadh: without breaking

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

Before we start: what we know about Al Rmal

The centre of Al Rmal is at 24.8634, 46.8138, about 21.7 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 Rmal sits about 588 m above sea level (SRTM open elevation data).

The nearest wadi channel is about 1.4 km from the centre of Al Rmal (OpenStreetMap).

Picture a homeowner in Al Rmal who notices a drop in the water level of a buried tank, or a damp patch on the ground near the pump room, and wonders whether the tank is leaking or whether the reading is simply wrong. Many owners in this situation put off checking for weeks, hoping the problem will go away, and by the time they act the soil around the tank may already be affected. The first step is to treat the symptoms seriously rather than assume they are harmless.

Al Rmal sits at the centre point of 24.8634, 46.8138, about 21.7 km from the centre of Riyadh, within an approximate radius of 1.2 km. The area lies at about 588 m above sea level, and the nearest wadi channel is roughly 1.4 km from the centre. For an underground tank, these facts matter. Shallow tanks in a wadi-adjacent setting can be exposed to moisture moving through the ground after rain, which can make a leak harder to tell apart from ground water activity. Because the wadi channel is close, owners should also take care that any staining or soft soil is examined after storms rather than only during dry weather. Repairs can be costly, and the internal coating of a tank is typically priced at SAR 25–65 per m², so an early, accurate diagnosis helps you judge whether the tank needs recoating or another remedy.

Begin by recording the water level each day at the same time and noting any rain, so you have a clear pattern to compare. Next, check the pipework, valves and fittings above ground for wet spots, and look around the tank area for soft or discoloured soil. If the readings keep falling without an obvious cause, arrange for a leak test by a qualified tank specialist before the damage spreads. Ask for a written report that states the tank's condition, the test method used and the recommended repair. Finally, once the source is confirmed, compare written quotes that break down the coating area and rate, so the work is priced against the tank's actual size and condition.

The aim is to locate the cause with instruments first, so any opening is limited to one point.

When do you need underground tank leak detection?

If you notice one of these signs in Al Rmal, it is a good moment to talk to the team:

• A noticeable drop in the water level overnight
• The pump runs for longer periods
• The tank needs refilling faster than usual

Causes we see in the field

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

How we choose the tool in Al Rmal

From the first visit to the report

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 Rmal

Short answers for Al Rmal

Common mistakes we see

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

The written outputs

The written output: the written level-test result and the recommended next step. The report is numbered and can be checked with its verification code.