Leak Detection

Signs of a hidden leak

Most leaks do not show up as a puddle. They show up as a water bill that climbs with no change in how you live. Other warning signs include a stain that spreads on a ceiling, drywall that feels damp or soft, a musty smell in a closet or basement, peeling paint, warped flooring and a warm spot on the floor above a hot water line. The sound of water running when every fixture is off is another one. A simple check helps. Turn off everything that uses water, then watch your water meter. If the dial or the low-flow indicator keeps moving, water is going somewhere it should not.

How we find it without tearing out walls

We start by listening. Acoustic equipment picks up the sound of water escaping a pressurized pipe and lets us trace it through a wall or a floor. A thermal camera shows temperature differences behind surfaces, which helps with hot water lines. A moisture meter reads dampness in drywall and wood. Pressure testing shows which water line is losing pressure and narrows the search to one run of pipe. Most leaks can be pinpointed without cutting anything open, and when we do have to open a wall, we cut the smallest hole that gets the job done.

Slab leaks

Some homes here sit on a concrete slab, and pipes under that slab can leak without any sign above. A slab leak often appears as a warm patch on the floor, the sound of water with nothing running, a damp edge of carpet or a sudden jump in the water bill. There are three common fixes. We can reroute the line through walls or the attic, line the damaged pipe from the inside, or open the slab at the exact break and repair it. The right choice depends on the age of the pipes and where the leak sits. We explain each one and price them side by side.

After we find it

Locating the leak is half the job. If it is a fixture, a supply line or an accessible pipe, we can usually fix it on the same visit. If a wall or floor has to be opened, we mark the smallest access point, tell you what it will cost and either patch it or leave it ready for your contractor. If insurance might cover the damage, we write up what we found, with photos. Policies often treat sudden damage differently from a slow leak, and every policy is different, so ask your agent before you assume.