How does leak detection work?

Why do I need leak detection?

In many cases, finding leaks on your own isn’t just difficult—it’s all but impossible. You may notice the telltale signs of a water leak, but not know where it’s coming from. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the location of water damage is where the leak is: gravity can carry water from a leaking pipe far from where the leak originates. Without the help of a professional (and their tools), you’re effectively just guessing where the leak is.

When it comes to finding leaks, plumbers are true professionals. As we’ll review below, they have the right equipment and training for the job.

Is there a tool that can detect water leaks?

There are actually several tools that plumbers can use to find hidden leaks. One of the most-effective tools in their arsenal are professional-grade acoustic tracking devices. It might seem hard to believe, but all leaks make noise as water escapes the pipe. This sound is so slight that it’s far beyond the range of human hearing—and that’s not even taking into account the sound-absorbing drywall and insulation between you and the pipes!

That’s where the acoustic equipment comes in. These tools can “hear” the leak, allowing a plumber to then pinpoint its origin point. From there, the plumber just has to decide the best way to access the pipe, minimizing damage to the drywall in the process.

In other cases, a plumber may make use of an endoscopic camera tool. These cameras are a common part of a plumber’s kit, as they use them frequently to check for clogs and sewer line damage. Here’s how it works: the plumber feeds the camera line down the drain and into the pipe. They continue feeding the line through the pipe until they find the location of the leak.

Here’s a question we get a lot: can I, as a homeowner, just go out and buy these tools myself? You might be able to, but it’s typically not worth the cost. Professional-grade plumbing equipment, like the acoustic and video tools described above, can cost hundreds of dollars. It’s typically not worth it for homeowners to spend that much money on a tool they might need to use only once.

How much does leak detection cost?

The cost of leak detection can vary depending on where you live, what equipment your plumber needs to use to find the leak, and the exact location of (and, potentially, number of) leaks. However, most homeowners end up paying somewhere between $170 and $200 to find a hidden leak, with the cost of accessing and repairing the leak on top of that.

By far the biggest variable in leak detection is the location of the leak and how much time and effort it takes to access the pipe. A pipe hidden behind an uninsulated interior wall is relatively easy to access and repair. Pipes that are hidden behind kitchen cabinets, or underneath the slab, are significantly trickier to reach. Once your plumber has figured out where the leak is, ask them what their plan is for getting at it to fix it. They should be able to walk you through their strategy and outline how easy—or difficult—it will be.

It’s also worth noting that plumbers may not have the tools or training needed to handle certain aspects of cleanup. If your plumber needs to cut into drywall to access a leaking pipe, for example, you may need to have a drywall specialist out later to make repairs and repaint the wall.

Do plumbers fix slab leaks?

Slab leaks are among the most difficult leaks to repair. These are leaks underneath your home’s slab, also known as its foundation. Your plumber will want to start by pinpointing the leak’s location, possibly using a combination of acoustic and visual detection equipment. They’ll then need to put together a plan for getting to the leak—no small task, given its inaccessible location.

There are several options generally available to plumbers and homeowners. First, and perhaps most common, is accessing the leaking pipe from above. Removing the flooring and using a jackhammer, the plumber will cut into the slab above the leak to access it. This, for obvious reasons, is an intrusive process that requires a lot of cleanup.

Plumbers can also tunnel below the slab to access the pipe. This is often less intrusive, but can cost more and take more time to complete. The availability of this option may also depend on local soil conditions.

Finally, some plumbers use a trenchless method to replace the entire pipe. This typically involves running a smaller-diameter pipe through the original one, effectively stopping the leak.

If you have a slab leak, talk to your local plumber about what your best options are, specific to your home. This isn’t a project where you want to go with the lowest-possible bid, either. Make sure you hire a well-established plumber who has a track record of completing this type of work, and a certified team of plumbers who are ready to get the job done.

Is leak detection covered by my insurance?

Unless they were caused by “homeowner negligence” (more on this in a minute!), most home insurance policies will cover sudden leaks and burst pipes. Talk to your insurance agent about what they will cover and pay for—there’s a good chance that your coverage includes leak detection and repairs, since a plumber will need to determine where the leak is before taking action.

So, what exactly constitutes “homeowner negligence” when it comes to pipe leaks? Most often, insurance companies deny claims related to frozen pipes that then burst. Interior pipes typically only freeze when there’s a select set of conditions: below-freezing nighttime temperatures, a heater has stopped working, and the pipes aren’t insulated.

If this happens to your home, your insurer may claim that you, as the homeowner, should have taken better care of your furnace through seasonal maintenance. It’s just another reason why investing in a fall heating checkup makes sense for your home.

Need help finding a leak? Bring in a pro.

Your home’s water leak isn’t going to fix itself. If you’re noticing signs of a leak—such as water damage or higher utility bills—you need to call a plumber as soon as possible. The faster a plumber can find and fix your leak, the less cleanup that will be required.

Here in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, Wagner is your team for all things plumbing—including leak detection and repair. Our plumbers help homeowners deal with leaks in all forms. If you need a plumber, give us a call, or contact us online using the button below. We’re ready to help you.

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