Underground tank leak detection in Al Ymama, Riyadh: emergency

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

Underground tank leak detection in Al Ymama: the local context

The centre of Al Ymama is at 24.5940, 46.7161, about 13.9 km from the centre of Riyadh, with an approximate radius of 1.2 km. The service-area circle on the map below is drawn from this point. Main roads in or near Al Ymama: South Ring Road, South Ring Road, King Fahd Sub Road.

The centre of Al Ymama sits about 586 m above sea level (SRTM open elevation data). The nearest wadi channel is about 1 km from the centre of Al Ymama (OpenStreetMap).

When an underground tank may be leaking in Al Ymama, Riyadh, the first thing to establish is the location and the surrounding ground. The centre of Al Ymama sits at 24.5940, 46.7161, about 13.9 km from the centre of Riyadh, with an approximate radius of 1.2 km, so the area is a defined neighbourhood that a technician can identify quickly when you call. The centre of Al Ymama sits about 586 m above sea level, which matters for how water and fuel move through the ground. The nearest wadi channel is about 1 km from the centre of Al Ymama, and this is a reason to check early whether any product could be carried toward low ground after rain or runoff. These facts help the first triage: confirm the exact site, note whether the tank is near any drainage channel, and keep people away from any area where vapour or liquid could collect.

Several things cannot be judged from a description and are left to the site visit. The technician will need to inspect the tank, its fittings, the fill and vent lines, and the surrounding soil to see whether there is an actual release and how far it has travelled. Testing the ground, checking inventory records for unexplained losses, and deciding whether the tank can stay in service are all decisions made on site with the right equipment. If the tank interior has been damaged, the cost of recoating is a factor, and internal coating is quoted at SAR 25–70 per m², though the final figure depends on the measured surface area and the condition found. Nothing in this section should be read as a confirmed diagnosis before the visit takes place.

To help the technician arrive prepared, have the following ready when you call: the exact address or the coordinates 24.5940, 46.7161 for the centre of the area, a description of the symptoms such as falling fuel levels, wet patches, or strong smells, and any records of tank age, capacity, and past repairs. Mention whether the ground near the tank is wet, and whether the site lies close to the wadi channel about 1 km away. Keep the area clear of vehicles and ignition sources until the technician confirms it is safe. Clear information at the start shortens the visit and lets the team bring the right tools for the job.

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

The most common causes

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

Tools and methods, and when we use them

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 Ymama

Questions from Al Ymama

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.