Thermal infrared (IR) drones detect a customer’s water leak in a buried 24″ line. The drone is equipped with thermal imaging sensors that can detect temperature variations. Flying the drone over the suspected area captures thermal images that reveal potential water leaks through temperature anomalies. This non-intrusive method allows for rapid identification of leaks, even when not visually apparent. The thermal IR drone provides a highly accurate and efficient solution, enabling timely repairs to prevent further damage and water loss.