Plumbing service
Leak Detection, Including the Ones You Cannot See
A hidden leak is costing you money every day, and the longer it runs, the more damage it does. The plumber we connect you with will use specialized equipment to locate the leak, pinpoint exactly where it is, and explain what it takes to fix it.
When people call about this
- Water bill up with no change in use
- Damp patch on a wall, floor or ceiling
- Sound of running water with everything off
- Warm spot on a slab floor
Do this before you call
Turn everything off, then check whether the water meter is still creeping. If it is, you have a leak somewhere on your side of the meter, and that is worth saying on the call.
Pricing
What it costs, and what moves the price
The service call itself has a cost. From there, the repair price depends on what the plumber finds. A simple valve cap might be a quick fix, while a burst section of pipe needs replacement. Access matters too. A leak under the house costs more to reach than one in the basement. Time of day and urgency can factor in as well.
Questions about leak detection
How much does leak detection cost?
The service call has a standard cost, and then the repair varies by what the plumber finds. A small pinhole leak in accessible copper pipe is cheaper than finding and replacing a burst line under the slab. The plumber will quote the repair when they have located it.
How long does it take to find the leak?
It depends on where the leak is. If it is in the basement or a visible section, an hour or two. If it is in the foundation slab or buried line, it might take longer to pinpoint it accurately. The plumber will give you a realistic timeline once they start testing.
What if the leak is inside a wall?
The plumber can still find it with acoustic equipment that listens through the wall. Once located, they will explain whether cutting into the wall is the best approach or if there is a way to access it from below or behind. Either way, they will walk you through it.
Will the leak get worse if I do not fix it right away?
Yes. Water pressure keeps working on the damaged pipe, and small leaks become bigger ones. Mold and rot spread in walls and under floors. A small repair today beats a big one next month. The plumber can tell you how urgent it is once they have seen it.
Can the plumber find an underground leak?
Yes. If the leak is on your side of the meter, the plumber has tools to trace it even when it is buried. They will use pressure testing and acoustic equipment to narrow it down. Digging to expose it is part of the repair cost.
Do I need to stay home for the visit?
Yes. The plumber needs access to your shut-off valve and water meter, and they will want you to show them where you are seeing signs of the leak. That context saves them time and gets you an accurate repair quote.