Leaks

Leak detection

Plumbers find hidden leaks by isolating sections of plumbing and testing them, then pinpointing the spot with acoustic listening, thermal imaging and moisture meters — so only a small, targeted opening is needed for the repair.

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At a glance

Common sign
Water bill up with no change in use
First step
Confirm a leak

A leak you can't see is still costing you — on the water bill, and in the framing, subfloor or foundation it's soaking.

The goal is to open the wall or floor once, in the right place.

Leak Detection at a glance

What it is: Plumbers find hidden leaks by isolating sections of plumbing and testing them, then pinpointing the spot with acoustic listening, thermal imaging and moisture meters — so only a small, targeted opening is needed for the repair..
Service category: Leaks
Related: Slab Leak Detection & Repair, Pipe Repair & Repiping, Main Water Line Repair

Signs you need hidden leak help

Water bill up with no change in use
Water meter moving with every fixture off
Damp or stained drywall, ceiling spots
Warm spot on a slab floor
Sound of running water when nothing is on

The visit

What a leak detection visit involves

1
Confirm a leak
Meter test with all fixtures off.
2
Isolate
Separate supply from drain, hot from cold, interior from the service line.
3
Pinpoint
Acoustic, thermal and moisture tools to narrow the location.
4
Repair or refer
Targeted repair, or a written report for your insurer if you're using another contractor.

What affects the cost of leak detection

Supply vs. drain leak
Slab vs. crawl space vs. wall
Number of lines to isolate
Repair access and restoration

Before you call

Leak Detection: what's safe to try yourself

Safe to do yourself

•Read the water meter, wait an hour with no water used, read again
•Check toilets with dye tablets in the tank

Stop and call a plumber if

•Meter moves and you can't find any drip
•Stains are spreading
•Floor is warm or wet on a slab home

Check leak detection coverage near you

Use your location or ZIP code to see whether leak detection is covered where you are, and the nearest service area.

Location is only used to find the service area nearest you. It stays on your device and isn't stored.

Water actively leaking, overflowing or backing up? That's a job for 24-hour emergency service, not a scheduled visit.

Leak Detection: common questions

How do I know if I have a hidden leak?

Turn off every fixture and watch the water meter's leak indicator. If it moves, water is going somewhere. A steadily higher water bill is another common sign.

Can you find a leak without cutting into walls?

Usually the plumber can pinpoint the location before any opening is made, so the repair access is small. Some repairs still require opening drywall or flooring at the leak.

How do I check my water meter for a leak?

Turn off every faucet and water-using appliance, note the meter reading or watch the small leak indicator dial, and wait an hour without using water. Any movement means water is escaping somewhere.

What are signs of a leak behind a wall?

Stained or bubbling paint, soft or warped drywall, musty smell, mold at baseboards, and a meter that moves with everything off. Ceiling stains below bathrooms usually trace to a toilet, tub or shower valve.

Can a small leak cause mold?

Yes. A slow leak inside a wall or under a floor can support mold growth within a day or two once materials stay wet. Finding and stopping the leak quickly matters more than its size.

How do I test for a hidden leak?

Turn off every fixture and appliance, note the meter, and check again after 30 minutes without using water. If it moved, there's a leak. Close the house shutoff and check again; if it still moves, the leak is on the service line.

Will my water utility credit a leak?

Some do. Charlotte Water, for example, offers a partial credit for repaired private-side leaks with a plumber's receipt, with limits per year. Ask your utility about its policy.

Sources: Charlotte Water Cares: leak adjustment policy. Prices are national estimates, not quotes.