Overview
Not every leak announces itself with a puddle. Water can escape slowly inside a wall, under a slab, beneath flooring or underground between the meter and the house for weeks before anyone notices. Signs include a water bill that has risen without explanation, the sound of running water when nothing is on, warm spots on a floor, musty odors, stains, peeling paint or a water meter that keeps moving with all fixtures off.
Leak detection is the process of locating that hidden water as precisely as possible so that the repair disturbs as little of the home as possible. Plumbers who specialize in it may use acoustic listening equipment, thermal imaging cameras, moisture meters, pressure testing on isolated lines, and tracer gas in some situations. Each has strengths; for example, thermal imaging is useful for hot water lines, while pressure testing helps confirm which branch of the system is leaking.
A simple check you can do yourself is to turn off every fixture and appliance that uses water, then watch the water meter. If the meter's low-flow indicator moves, water is going somewhere. That does not tell you where, but it is useful information to share when you request help.
What to expect, step by step
- Gathering information about symptoms, recent bills and any visible damage.
- Providing a written summary of findings, which can help with insurance or a separate repair contractor.
- Marking the suspected location so repair can be targeted.
- Explaining repair options, which might include a spot repair, rerouting a line or, in some cases, repiping.
- Narrowing the location using pressure tests, acoustic equipment, thermal imaging or moisture readings.
What affects the outcome
- Water utilities sometimes offer leak adjustment programs for bills after a repair. Check with your provider.
- Irrigation systems, pools and outdoor lines can also leak and affect your bill. Mention them if you have them.
- Accuracy has limits. Detection narrows the location, but some uncertainty remains until the area is opened.
- Detection and repair may be separate services. Some providers specialize in locating leaks and hand off the repair; others do both.
- Moisture can cause mold. If a leak has been ongoing, ask whether remediation or drying may be needed.
Local notes for Colorado Springs
Colorado's Front Range sees sharp temperature swings in winter, and hard freezes can follow mild days. Pipes in exterior walls, garages and crawl spaces are the most exposed, and outdoor hose bibs that are not freeze-resistant or disconnected from hoses are a common trouble spot.
Water in much of Colorado is moderately hard to hard depending on the source, which can contribute to scale in water heaters and fixtures over time. Your local water utility publishes water quality reports if you want specifics.
We take inquiries from Colorado Springs, Monument, Fountain, Manitou Springs, Security-Widefield.
Before you send an inquiry
- Mention the approximate age of the home and whether you know what type of piping it has, such as copper, PEX, galvanized steel or cast iron.
- List the times you can be reached and whether someone will be home to provide access.
- Say whether you own or rent. Renters usually need to involve the landlord or property manager before work begins.
- Note where the problem is, when it started and whether it is getting worse. A quick photo of the area, any visible leak, and the water heater or fixture label can save time.
- Find your main water shut-off before you need it, and mention in your inquiry whether you have already shut the water off.
When to keep looking
- No clear answer about warranties on parts and labor.
- Vague answers about the cause of the problem, or no plan to confirm that the fix worked.
- Unwillingness to provide license or insurance information when asked.
- No written estimate, or an estimate that does not describe the work, materials and who pulls any required permit.
- Requests for large cash payments up front before any work or materials are scheduled.
What to ask before you commit
- Do you also check outdoor and irrigation lines?
- What detection methods will you use, and why?
- Will I receive a written report of what you found?
- How soon could repairs start after the leak is located?
- If it's a slab leak, what are my repair options?
- How precise do you expect to be before opening a wall or floor?
People also ask
- How do I know if I have a hidden leak?
- Unexplained increases in your water bill, a meter that moves when no water is in use, running water sounds, warm floor spots and stains are common clues.
- Can a leak be found without tearing up my house?
- Modern detection tools can usually narrow a leak to a small area, which limits how much needs to be opened. Some access is often still required for the repair.
- What is a slab leak?
- A slab leak is a leak in a water line that runs beneath a concrete foundation slab. It can be detected with specialized equipment and repaired by opening the slab or rerouting the line.
Related topics
- Sump Pump Issues: How sump pumps work, common failures, backup options and what to ask a plumber about repair or replacement.
- Toilet and Fixture Repairs: Running toilets, dripping faucets, leaking shutoff valves and fixture replacement: what a plumber does and what to ask.
- Burst and Leaking Pipes: What happens when a pipe bursts or starts leaking, what to do first, and what to ask an emergency plumber before work begins.
Ready to talk to someone about leak detection? Send a short inquiry below and we'll follow up.