How to Find a Leak: Leak Detection Methods for Homes

Finding a leak in your home can be stressful. Water damage can grow fast and sometimes the signs are subtle. This guide helps homeowners spot early clues, run quick tests, and understand the noninvasive tools professional plumbers use to locate leaks so you can act quickly and limit damage.

Burger Plumbing handles emergency plumbing calls 24/7. Below we explain what you can safely check yourself, when to call for emergency plumbing near you, and what our certified technicians do when they arrive.

Problem / Scenario

Hidden leaks come in many forms. Some happen slowly over months and silently damage drywall, flooring, and framing. Others are sudden and obvious. Knowing common signs helps you spot a problem early.

Common visual and performance clues

• Unexplained increase in water bills without added usage.
• Damp or discolored spots on walls, ceilings, baseboards.
• Musty smell or visible mold and mildew (see CDC mold guidance).
• Warm or damp flooring spots (possible hot-water line or water heater leak).
• Sound of running water when fixtures are off.
• Constantly tripping circuit breakers where water meets electrical components.
• Reduced water pressure or odd sputtering at taps.
• Toilets that run or refill without being used.

Slab vs. pipe leaks — why it matters

• Slab leaks occur under a concrete foundation. Signs: localized warm floor, cracks in tile, persistent damp in one area, and steady sound of running water. Slab repairs often need careful detection to avoid unnecessary concrete cutting.
• Pipe leaks in walls, attic, crawlspace, or near fixtures are usually easier to access once located. They may show wet drywall, peeling paint, or dripping sounds.
• Priority: slab leaks and leaks near electrical panels, HVAC equipment, or that produce active pooling should be treated as high priority.

How to prioritize suspected leak calls

• Highest priority: active flooding, sewage backup, leaks threatening electrical systems, or any leak producing standing water near structural members.
• Mid priority: steady but contained leaks that are increasing bills or causing visible mold growth.
• Lower priority: small drips that can be monitored but still scheduled for repair within days—do not ignore them. Even small leaks can escalate.

When to stop using fixtures

• If a leak is active and you can identify the affected fixture, stop using that fixture (toilet, sink, shower).
• If you hear water running when nothing is on, or water is pooling, shut off the main water valve until a professional arrives.
• Avoid using appliances connected to suspected leak lines (dishwasher, washing machine) to limit damage.

Quick Safety Checklist

Before you start any inspection, follow this simple safety checklist:

• Locate and know how to shut off the main water valve.
• If water is near electrical panels or outlets, shut off power at the breaker if safe to do so.
• Wear gloves and eye protection if you open wall plates or crawl into tight spaces.
• Move valuables and electronics away from wet areas.
• Take photos and notes for insurance and repair records (date, time, visible damage).
• If sewage is involved, avoid contact; treat as an urgent health risk and call professional emergency plumbing help.

Authoritative note: For mold health guidance, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For general water damage and restoration standards, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) has industry practices to consider when cleaning and drying.

DIY vs. Call a Pro

Quick DIY checks to run now

• Water meter test (simple and effective)
  1. Turn off all water in the house (including auto-irrigation).
  2. Record the water meter reading or note the meter’s digital display.
  3. Wait 30–60 minutes without using water.
  4. Check the meter again; any change suggests a leak.
• Toilet dye test
  1. Put a few drops of food coloring into the tank.
  2. Wait 10–15 minutes without flushing.
  3. If color appears in the bowl, the flapper or fill valve likely leaks.
• Visual appliance and fixture inspections
  • Look under sinks, behind the water heater, and around washing machine hoses.
  • Check supply lines, flex hoses, connection fittings, and shutoff valves.
• Check visible pipes and drains for water stains, corrosion, or mineral buildup.
• Crawlspace and attic quick look — use a flashlight to inspect for pooling, stains, or wet insulation.

When to call a professional

• You detect rapid water loss, a sound of running water you can’t isolate, or unexplained high water bills.
• You suspect a slab leak (warm patches on floor, steady sound under slab).
• The leak involves sewage or contaminated water.
• You find mold growth or extensive water exposure to structural members.
• You lack the tools or confidence to safely locate or repair the leak.

Emergency plumbing is not only about the hour of day; it’s about the severity. If the leak threatens the structure, electrical safety, or creates a sewage hazard, call an emergency plumbing service immediately.

What Pros Do On Arrival

When Burger Plumbing arrives, our approach is methodical: verify, detect, document, and advise. Our technicians are licensed and trained to use noninvasive tools so you do not have to open walls or dig unless repair requires it.

Initial steps

• Confirm customer-reported symptoms and get a brief history (bill changes, when noticed, prior repairs).
• Do a safety assessment—check electrical hazards, gas lines near water, and whether containment is needed.
• Turn off main water if the situation is urgent or to stop further damage.

Noninvasive leak detection tools and techniques

• Acoustic listening and correlation
  • Specialists use ground microphones and leak correlators to listen to water moving in pipes.
  • Suitable for pressurized line leaks and common for slab or buried pipe detection.
• Infrared thermal imaging
  • Infrared cameras reveal temperature differences: cold, damp areas show differently than dry areas.
  • Great for hidden leaks behind walls and under floors when moisture or warm lines create thermal signatures.
• Tracer gas
  • A safe, low-pressure gas is introduced into the pipe system. Technicians use specialized detectors above ground to find the point the gas escapes.
  • Useful for sanitary and storm sewer lines or where acoustic methods aren’t suitable.
• Sewer camera inspection
  • A flexible video camera snakes through sewer lines to show blockages, root intrusion, offsets, or holes that leak.
  • Provides clear visual evidence for repairs and insurance.
• Hydrostatic pressure testing
  • Pressurizing a section of the system to see if it holds pressure. Drops indicate the presence of leaks within that section.
  • Often paired with acoustic detection to narrow location.
• Electronic leak locators & pipe locators
  • Use signal transmitters to trace plastic or metal pipe runs behind walls and under slabs.
  • Help pinpoint exact locations for targeted repairs and minimize cutting.
• Moisture meters and borescopes
  • Moisture meters measure wall and floor moisture content.
  • Small borescopes allow technicians to peer into wall cavities through tiny inspection holes.

Equipment we commonly use (examples)

• Thermal imaging cameras (infrared)
• Leak correlators and ground microphones
• Tracer gas kits and sniffers
• High-definition sewer cameras
• Electronic pipe locators and signal transmitters
• Hydrovac and pressure test gear for some sewer work

Case study: noninvasive success

• A homeowner reported a steady increase in water bills and a warm bathroom floor. Our technician used acoustic correlation and thermal imaging. We pinpointed the leak to a 2-foot area beneath the tile. Because the location was exact, repair was limited to a small tile removal and pipe repair—no unnecessary jackhammering of the entire slab. We documented findings for the homeowner’s insurer.

Documentation and insurance assistance

• Our team documents readings, photos, video, and technician notes to support repair scopes and insurance claims.
• We can provide moisture maps and camera footage for adjusters and help explain the noninvasive detection methods used.

Certified technicians and standards

• Our techs hold plumbing licenses and receive training on specialized detection tools.
• For restoration and moisture work, we follow recognized practices such as those outlined by the IICRC.

Repair Coordination After Detection

Once the leak is located, the next steps are planning and repair. Detection is only half the job — coordination minimizes disruption and cost.

Repair options depend on location and severity

• Minor pipe repair: tightening fittings, replacing a section of pipe behind an access panel, or replacing a failed flex hose.
• Wall or floor access repair: targeted cutting and patching when the leak is inside a wall or under tile.
• Slab repair: options include targeted slab cutting, rerouting the pipe above slab, or trenchless pipe replacement where feasible.
• Sewer line repairs: trenchless pipe lining or sectional replacement to limit digging; full excavation for severe failures.

How we coordinate repairs

• Provide a clear repair plan, safety steps, and timeline.
• Discuss trenchless options where possible to reduce landscape and driveway disruption.
• If permits are required, we identify necessary permits and can work with your local building department.
• We help schedule follow-up work, cleanup, and restoration recommendations (drying systems, mold remediation referrals if needed).

Working with insurance

• We document damage and detection results to help your insurance claim.
• Provide detailed invoices, photos, and technician reports.
• Offer guidance on typical timelines and what documentation insurers often request.

When a repair requires multiple trades (e.g., plumbing and structural repair), we can help coordinate qualified contractors or advise on the next steps.

Prevention & Maintenance

Regular maintenance reduces the chance of leaks and limits the scale of damage if one occurs.

Monthly and seasonal checks

• Inspect visible supply lines and drains for corrosion or corrosion stains.
• Check flexible hoses on appliances and replace older hoses every 5–7 years.
• Test shutoff valves to ensure they operate; many fail when you need them.
• Check around the water heater for corrosion, pooling, and leaks.
• Flush water heater annually to remove sediment (follow manufacturer instructions and local codes).

Install protections

• Install water leak detectors and automatic shutoff valves near water heaters, under sinks, and near washing machines.
• Consider whole-house leak detection systems if you have older plumbing or frequent travel.
• Use braided stainless steel hoses for appliances for better durability.
• Maintain your sump pump and test it before wet seasons. Replace old pumps proactively.

Seasonal tips: freeze-thaw and root invasion

• In winter, insulate exposed pipes and shut off and drain outdoor hose bibs. A freeze can split pipes; thawing later shows up as leaks.
• Spring thaw and changes in soil moisture can shift foundations and expose pipe joints to stress.
• Tree roots can invade sewer lines in warmer months. Regular sewer inspections (camera) help detect root intrusion early.

Follow code and safety guidance

• For work affecting gas appliances or structural elements, follow local building code and permit requirements.
• For mold concerns after leaks, use CDC guidance and consider IICRC-certified remediation professionals.

Costs & Time Factors

Below are ballpark ranges for leak detection and timeframes. These are illustrative and will vary by location, severity, and access.

Detection-only costs (typical ranges)

• Basic in-home checks and meter test: often free to low-cost if combined with service call.
• Sewer camera inspection: $150–$500.
• Acoustic correlation and slab leak locating: $300–$1,200 depending on methods and complexity.
• Tracer gas detection: $400–$1,500 for complex sewer and buried line work.

Repair costs and time factors

• Small fixture or hose repair: often under a few hundred dollars; typically same-day.
• Wall or floor pipe repair: several hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on finish removal and patching; 1–3 days typical.
• Slab leak repair: can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Targeted slab cutting and repair might take a day or two; full slab reroute can require more days.
• Sewer line repair: trenchless lining $1,000–$5,000; full excavation $3,000–$10,000+ depending on length and landscaping.
• Repiping a house: varies widely—several thousand to tens of thousands; multi-day to multi-week job.

Time to detect and repair

• Detection can take 30 minutes to several hours, depending on complexity.
• Simple fixes often completed in a single visit.
• Complex structural or sewer work may require permits and scheduling, potentially extending timelines.

Factors that raise costs or time

• Difficult access (deep slab, limited crawlspace).
• Multiple leak points or widespread corrosion.
• Need for restoration work (drying, mold remediaton, drywall/floor replacement).
• Permit requirements and municipal inspections.

Note: These ranges are intended to help planning. For an accurate estimate, a technician must inspect the specific situation.

When It’s an Emergency

Some leaks require immediate action. Treat these as emergencies and call emergency plumbing right away.

Emergency signs

• Rapidly rising water, major pooling, or active flooding.
• Sewage backing up into the house.
• Water leaking onto or into electrical panels, breaker boxes, or near live electrical equipment.
• Structural instability (sagging ceilings, significant floor movement).
• Persistent hot water leaks that can cause burns or scalding risk.

Immediate actions to take

• Turn off the main water valve if safe and you suspect the leak source is unknown or uncontrolled.
• If water contacts electrical panels, shut off power at the main breaker if safe; otherwise evacuate and call for emergency help.
• Move people and pets to a safe area, and move valuables off floors.
• Call an emergency plumbing service and explain the situation clearly.

Emergency Plumbing near you: if you have an urgent leak, call for immediate assistance. Emergency plumbers are equipped to stop damage, make temporary repairs, and arrange for permanent fixes.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell if the leak is under the slab? A: Look for warm spots on a floor (if hot water), steady sound of water underfoot, increased water bills, or damp patches in one localized area. Professionals use acoustic listening, thermal imaging, and tracer gas to confirm slab leaks without full demolition.

Q: What is tracer gas and is it safe? A: Tracer gas involves introducing a safe gas (commonly a helium or hydrogen-nitrogen mix) into a pipe under low pressure. Technicians then detect where the gas escapes at the surface. When performed by trained technicians, tracer gas methods are safe and noninvasive.

Q: Will my homeowners insurance cover leak repairs? A: Coverage varies by policy and cause. Sudden, accidental leaks are often covered, while damage from long-term neglect may be excluded. Document the damage, detection reports, and invoices. We can provide diagnostic reports and photos to assist with claims. Check your policy or contact your insurance agent for specifics.

Q: How long does leak detection usually take? A: Simple cases can be identified in under an hour. Complex slab or underground leaks may take several hours of testing and data collection. Once located, we present options and a timeline for repair.

Local & Seasonal Considerations

Freeze-thaw cycles

• In winter, pipes exposed to freezing temperatures can split. Thawing often shows leaks days or weeks later as hidden failure points appear.
• Insulate exposed pipes, maintain indoor heat during cold snaps, and disconnect outdoor hoses before freezing weather.

Spring and root season

• Tree roots grow toward moisture in spring and summer and can invade sewer joints. If you see repeated clogs or slow drains in the spring, consider a sewer camera inspection.

Municipal water line issues

• Sometimes a sudden drop in pressure or dirtied water is caused by a municipal main break or maintenance. Check with neighbors and local water authority alerts. Municipal issues can mimic a home leak (e.g., pressure loss), so ruling out a wider outage is useful before major repairs.

Seasonal water use patterns

• Higher irrigation use in summer may reveal weak points in supply lines. Also, seasonal systems (sprinklers) can develop leaks after winter shutdowns or freeze damage. Include irrigation in your detection checks.

Local plumbing codes and permits

• Repair methods and permit requirements vary by location. For larger repairs (sewer, repiping, structural changes), check with your local building department. Our team can advise on common local rules and help secure necessary permits.

Closing notes and next steps

Early detection saves money, protects your home, and reduces stress. Start with the quick DIY checks above, shut off water if you see active pooling or hear running water, and contact a professional for slab, sewer, or hard-to-find leaks. Burger Plumbing offers licensed technicians trained in noninvasive detection and emergency plumbing response. We provide diagnostic reports and documentation to assist with repairs and insurance processes.

If you suspect a leak now, don’t wait—water damage grows over time. For urgent situations or if you need a professional inspection, contact us.

Call Burger Plumbing now — or reach us anytime at  1-877-778-5124 .