Emergencies and leaks
Hidden water leak detection
Leak detection locates hidden leaks in walls, floors, slabs and yard lines using meter tests, pressure testing, acoustic listening and thermal imaging, so the plumber opens only the spot that needs repair.
- Licensed plumbers in all 50 states
- Upfront pricing from the plumber before work
- Free referral, no obligation
Your water meter is the first test. Turn off every fixture and watch the meter's leak indicator (usually a small triangle or dial). If it moves, water is going somewhere. Shutting off the valve at the house then tells you whether the leak is in the yard line or inside the home.
From there, a plumber isolates sections and uses tools matched to the situation: acoustic sensors that hear water escaping under pressure, thermal cameras that show the cool spread of a leak in a wall or the warm spot of a hot-water leak in a slab, and moisture meters. Accurate location means a small access hole instead of tearing up a room. On slab homes, a found leak may lead to a slab leak repair.
Leak Detection at a glance
- Service
- Leak Detection
- Category
- Emergencies and leaks
- Availability
- Scheduled and same-day visits, depending on local availability
- Service area
- All 50 states and Washington, DC
- Also called
- water leak detection, hidden leak, leak locating
- Tools
- Meter tests, pressure tests, acoustic sensors, thermal imaging
- Cost
- Quoted on site by the pro before work starts; see cost factors below
Signs you need leak detection
- A water bill that jumped without more use
- The meter's leak indicator moves with all fixtures off
- Damp drywall, peeling paint or warped flooring
- The sound of running water when nothing is on
- Warm spots on a floor or a musty smell
What the pro does, step by step
- 1
Meter and pressure tests
The plumber confirms a leak exists and whether it's in the supply, the yard line or a fixture.
- 2
Isolate
Hot and cold sides and individual branches are separated to narrow the location.
- 3
Pinpoint
Acoustic, thermal and moisture tools locate the leak to within inches in most cases.
- 4
Report and repair options
You get the location, cause and repair choices, from a spot repair to a reroute.
What affects the cost of leak detection
Prices vary by market and job. The pro gives you a price before starting; these factors drive it.
- Number of lines and how accessible they are
- Slab, wall or yard location
- Equipment needed
- Whether repair is done on the same visit
- Documentation for insurance
What you can safely do, and when to stop
Safe to do yourself
- Do the meter test with all fixtures off
- Check toilets with a few drops of food coloring in the tank
- Look under sinks and behind appliances with a flashlight
- Check the water heater's T&P valve discharge pipe
Stop and call a pro
- You find a wet wall or ceiling
- The meter shows a leak but you can't find it
- Warm spots on a slab floor
- Soggy spots in the yard over the water line
Leak Detection FAQ
How do I know if I have a hidden water leak?
Turn off all water use and watch the meter's leak indicator for 15 minutes. If it moves, there's a leak. Unexplained bill increases, damp spots and running-water sounds are other signs.
Can a plumber find a leak without opening walls?
Usually the location is found without opening anything. Repair still needs access, but accurate detection keeps the opening small.
Why is my water bill so high?
Running toilets are the most common cause, followed by dripping faucets, irrigation leaks and hidden supply line leaks. A meter test helps separate them.
Is leak detection covered by insurance?
Some policies cover the cost to find a leak (tear-out) when the resulting damage is covered. Ask your insurer before work starts and keep the plumber's report.
Leak Detection near you
Available in all 50 states. Find local conditions for your area:
Or browse by state: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii and all states.
Related services
Slab Leak Repair
A slab leak is a leak in a water line under a concrete foundation.
Learn more
Emergency Plumbing
An emergency plumber stops active leaks, sewage backups and loss of water or hot water before they damage your home.
Learn more
Whole-House Repiping
Repiping replaces a home's water supply lines, usually old galvanized steel, polybutylene or leak-prone copper, with new PEX or copper.
Learn more
Get leak detection help now
Call (888) 555-0142 to reach an available local pro, or request service online.