Signs of a Hidden Water Leak
High Water Bill
A bill that climbs without a change in household use is one of the most common leak indicators.
Slab leak warning signs →Water Meter Movement
With every fixture off, your meter should sit still. If it keeps moving, water is flowing somewhere.
Damp or Soft Areas
Wet yard spots, soggy carpet, or a soft floor can point to a leak in a slab or underground line.
See slab leak repair →Musty Odors or Warm Spots
A musty smell or a noticeably warm floor spot can point to water moving where it shouldn’t.
Low Water Pressure
A drop in pressure at one or more fixtures can mean water is escaping through a break before it reaches the tap.
How We Narrow Down the Leak Location
Before we bring out any equipment, we ask about your water bill history and which areas seem affected. We check visible plumbing and fixtures first, then use the shutoff valve and individual fixture valves to isolate sections of the plumbing system before any non-destructive testing begins.
Acoustic, Pressure and Thermal Testing
Acoustic Listening
Picks up the sound of water escaping under pressure, helping trace roughly where the leak sits.
Pressure Testing
Isolates a section of plumbing and checks whether it holds pressure over time.
Moisture Meters
Measure moisture content in drywall and flooring to confirm and map water spread.
Thermal Imaging
Reads surface-temperature differences that can indicate water moving through a slab or wall — a supporting tool, not a stand-alone answer.
Slab, Wall and Underground Leaks
Slab leaks occur in lines under the foundation, usually found through acoustic listening, pressure testing and thermal imaging. Wall leaks often show up as staining or a musty smell. Underground leaks typically show up as wet spots or unusually green grass near the ground.
What Happens After We Find the Leak
We explain what we found and the repair options available — a targeted slab leak repair, a section of main water line repair, a broader repiping conversation, or a standard plumbing repair. We walk through options before any repair begins.
Cost Factors & Limiting Damage
How many diagnostic methods are needed, how accessible the area is, and whether the leak is under a slab or underground versus behind an accessible wall all affect cost.
Locate your main shutoff now, move belongings away from damp areas, and avoid electrical equipment near standing water. If you smell gas, leave immediately and contact your gas utility or emergency services.
Leak Detection FAQs
How do you find a leak without digging up my yard or breaking open walls?
We start with non-destructive methods — acoustic listening, pressure testing and moisture meters — to narrow down the leak’s approximate location before any digging or wall-opening happens.
What if the leak is under my concrete slab?
Slab leaks are found using a combination of acoustic listening, pressure testing and thermal imaging. Once the approximate location is confirmed, we discuss repair options before any work begins.
How much does leak detection cost?
Cost depends on how many diagnostic methods are needed, how accessible the area is, and whether the leak is under a slab, underground or behind an accessible wall.
Can a high water bill mean I have a leak even if I don’t see any water?
Yes. Many leaks — especially under a slab or underground — never produce a visible puddle indoors.
Do you repair the leak once you find it, or just diagnose it?
We explain what we found and the repair options available. You decide how to proceed before any repair work begins.
What should I do right now if I think I have a leak?
Locate your main shutoff valve, move belongings away from any damp area, and avoid standing water near electrical outlets or panels.
Seeing Signs of a Hidden Leak?
Request an inspection and we’ll walk you through the diagnostic process.
Request Leak Detection