A hidden plumbing leak can waste water for months before you see it. This guide covers how professional detection finds it fast.
Why leak detection is different from what plumbers do
Plumbers repair pipes. They're great at fixing visible leaks and replacing fixtures. But finding a HIDDEN leak — behind a wall, under a slab, in a ceiling — is a different skill. It requires thermal cameras, acoustic sensors, and tracer gas. Most plumbers don't carry this equipment.
The right workflow
Step 1: Call a leak detection specialist. We arrive and scan the area with thermal, acoustic, and tracer gas. Step 2: We pinpoint the leak within inches. Step 3: Call a plumber. They open ONE small hole at the exact location and repair it. Total damage: minimal.
Common leak locations
Behind walls (supply line pinholes, loose fittings). In ceilings (supply lines from above, drain leaks). Under slabs (in-slab plumbing corrosion). Under floors (supply lines, radiant heating). In crawl spaces (exposed pipes, insulation).
Detection methods for plumbing
Thermal imaging: finds the temperature anomaly from water behind surfaces. Acoustic correlation: hears pressurized water escaping. Tracer gas: finds leaks in low-pressure and complex systems. CCTV: inspects drain and sewer lines.
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