Water seeping out of front yard

[white trash wagon]

I looked at a prospective house to buy today. In the front yard right at the edge of the property line, water seeped out at the yard where it bordered the sidewalk. I've been by this house several times of the last month - it always seeps water, in fact algae grows in it.

The agent said it was a "natural spring", even if that's true, what issues can this cause? I tend to think it's a small water leak.

[diablo rojo]

Is that what we're calling cracked pipes now?

[juiceweezl]

Sprinkler system?

[Sleeper]

run away!! Or start drilling for oil.

[Sgt Beavis]

Open the water cutoff for the main water supply line. There should be a leak detector gauge there. It it moves, even slightly, when all water in the house is on, there is a leak. I think Juice is right, it is most likely a leak in the sprinkler system. If there is no sprinkler, then it could be a water main.

Water flowing from underground, near a house foundation, is usually a bad thing.

[ceyko]

Either way, the homeowners should be able to have it fixed for 300-500 dollars tops.

Natural spring, that's a good one. Also, ask to see their water bill. It should be expensive if there is a leak like that.

[GeorgeG.]

....The agent said it was a "natural spring", even if that's true, what issues can this cause? I tend to think it's a small water leak.

LMFAO....did they verify this, if not, I'd say you need a new agent.

[ceyko]

LMFAO....did they verify this, if not, I'd say you need a new agent.

Crap, did not even consider it being his agent. Concur, that's a bad bad bad sign - of course, I'd feel like a dip shit if it turns out to be true. Just seems unlikely.

[white trash wagon]

LMFAO....did they verify this, if not, I'd say you need a new agent.

This was the seller's agent. I've asked for a professional evaluation of this . Otherwise, I'm out.......

[red95gts]

Probably a cracked pipe and considering how little rain this area of the country has had over the last 2 years, that's probably exactly what it is. I live in a 1-y/o house and have the same issue in the front yard. Water is slowly seeping up through the ground from the water main. The fix shouldn't be that hard to do. Getting the water district out here to do anything has been my challenge.

[bard]

It could be a spring. A friend at work has one. He had it tested multiple times and it always comes back as fresh, untreated water. He's made the best of it by spreading it about the yard with a french drain and planted lots of trees and shrubs to soak it up, but it stills runs off at times. While he hasn't had foundation issues, he does worry about it and keeps the other sides of the house watered well. I would probably pass on it if it were me, but you can live with it.