A leak you cannot see can still show up on your water bill, as a stain on the ceiling or as a soft spot in the floor. Leak detection finds the source with the least disruption possible, so the repair goes into one small opening instead of several exploratory ones.
The causeWhy it happens
Hidden leaks come from pinholes in copper, failed fittings, loose connections behind fixtures, cracked pipes in the yard and slab leaks under the foundation. They can run for weeks before anyone notices. The signs include a meter that moves when every fixture is off, a water bill that jumps without explanation, warm spots on a tile floor, the sound of running water when nothing is on, or mildew in a closet that backs a bathroom.
DiagnosisWhat we check first
- 01Meter test
- With everything off, we watch the meter. Movement confirms a leak and the rate tells us how serious it is.
- 02Isolation
- We separate hot from cold, indoor from outdoor, and irrigation from the house to narrow the search.
- 03Acoustic and thermal tools
- Listening equipment picks up the hiss of pressurized water, and thermal imaging shows hot water leaks through floors and walls.
- 04Moisture readings
- A moisture meter confirms where water is spreading in drywall and flooring.
The optionsWhich repair fits, and when
We lay out the choices plainly, explain what each involves and leave the decision with you.
Indoor leak locate
Signs inside the house, such as stains, soft drywall or mildew. We trace the source to a specific fitting or pipe.
Yard line locate
The meter runs but the house looks dry. We check the service line from the meter to the house and the irrigation system.
Slab leak locate
Warm floors or a meter that runs with no visible cause. See our slab leak detection page for details.
Local conditionsPlumbing Leak Detection on the west side of San Antonio
Many west side homes have copper supply lines under slabs and in attics, and San Antonio's water chemistry can cause pinhole leaks in copper over time. Shifting clay soil can also stress lines where they enter the foundation. A SAWS water bill that suddenly climbs is often the first sign of a hidden leak.
From the jobOpen wall with new PVC drain and supply rough-in
A few things that help
Check your meter with all fixtures and irrigation off. If the dial or flow indicator moves, note it. Look for wet spots, stains or warm floors, and tell us where.
QuestionsCommon questions about plumbing leak detection
How do I check for a leak myself?
Turn off every fixture, appliance and the irrigation, then watch the water meter. If it still moves, water is leaving somewhere.
Will you have to cut into my walls?
Detection is designed to avoid that. When an opening is needed for the repair, we make it as small and precise as we can.
Can you find leaks in the yard?
Yes. We test and trace the service line and irrigation separately to find where the water is going.
Related workServices that often go with it
Talk it through with usOpen 7 AM to 11 PM every day. Se habla español.
(210) 761-4788