Professional Water Leak Detection Services

A hidden plumbing leak can waste water and damage flooring, drywall, cabinets, framing and other building materials before the source becomes obvious.

The difficult part is that water does not always appear directly where the pipe is leaking. Moisture can travel beneath flooring, through wall cavities, along framing or through soil before becoming visible in another location.

Professional water leak detection services are designed to identify the affected plumbing system and narrow down the suspected leak location before unnecessary demolition begins.

Plumbing Solution Specialist provides leak detection for residential, commercial and multifamily properties throughout Southern California.

Types of Plumbing Leaks We Detect

Signs You May Have a Hidden Plumbing Leak

Some plumbing leaks become visible immediately. Others can remain hidden beneath the building or inside finished surfaces.

Possible signs that you may need professional leak detection services include:

• Unexplained increase in water usage
• Water meter movement when fixtures are turned off
• Sounds of running water when nobody is using plumbing
• Warm areas on tile, wood or other flooring
• Wet carpet or damp flooring
• Water appearing through concrete
• Water stains on walls or ceilings
• Moisture around cabinets or baseboards
• Reduced water pressure
• Recurring moisture in the same area
• Repeated pinhole leaks
• Previous slab leaks
• Unexplained wet areas around the property

How Plumbing Leak Detection Works

There is no single leak detection method that is appropriate for every property.

A professional leak investigation normally begins by reviewing the symptoms and determining which part of the plumbing system is most likely involved.

The suspected plumbing lines can then be isolated, tested and traced using the methods appropriate for the particular system.

Initial Plumbing Inspection

The first step is reviewing visible plumbing, fixtures, valves, water heater connections and areas where moisture has appeared.

This helps separate obvious fixture leaks from problems involving concealed pressurized water piping.

Water Meter Testing

Water meter activity can provide useful information when determining whether water may be escaping from the plumbing system while normal water fixtures are not being used.

Meter testing alone does not identify the leak location, but it can be one part of determining whether additional leak detection is warranted.

Pressure Testing and Isolation

Sections of the plumbing system may be isolated and evaluated to determine whether a specific hot or cold water line is losing pressure.

Determining which portion of the plumbing system is affected can significantly reduce the area that requires additional leak locating.

Electronic and Acoustic Leak Detection

Water escaping from pressurized piping can create sound and vibration.

Professional acoustic and electronic leak detection equipment can help compare sounds in different areas and narrow down the suspected location of a concealed leak.

Pipe Tracing and Mapping

Before attempting to locate a leak beneath a slab or underground, it can be important to determine where the water line actually travels.

Pipe tracing can help identify the path of concealed plumbing so diagnostic testing can be concentrated along the piping route.

Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging can be useful in certain situations where a plumbing leak creates a detectable temperature difference within flooring, walls or other surfaces.

This can be particularly useful when evaluating suspected hot water line leaks.

Thermal imaging is one diagnostic tool and should be interpreted together with the other plumbing tests performed at the property.

Tracer Gas Testing

Certain difficult concealed leaks may require additional diagnostic methods when ordinary testing does not provide enough information.

Tracer gas testing may be considered for qualifying isolated piping systems when appropriate for the conditions and the equipment being used.

Slab Leak Detection Services

A slab leak occurs when a pressurized water line located beneath or within the concrete foundation develops a leak.

Because the piping is concealed by the foundation and finished flooring, the actual failure cannot usually be visually inspected without first creating access.

Professional slab leak detection can help identify which line is affected and narrow down the suspected location before a repair method is selected.

Possible Signs of a Slab Leak

• Warm flooring
• Wet carpet
• Water appearing between flooring materials
• Water meter activity when fixtures are off
• Sounds of running water beneath the floor
• Unexpected water usage
• Moisture around baseboards
• Repeated under slab pipe failures

Learn more about the conditions that may contribute to underground pipe failures in our

What Causes Slab Leaks guide
.

Pinpoint Leak Detection

Pinpoint leak detection focuses on narrowing down the suspected location of a concealed plumbing leak after the affected plumbing system has been identified.

This can involve combining pressure isolation, pipe tracing, acoustic testing, electronic detection, thermal imaging and other diagnostic methods depending on the conditions at the property.

The objective is to gather enough information to concentrate repair access in the appropriate area rather than opening large areas simply to search for a leaking pipe.

For a deeper explanation of the locating process, visit our

pinpoint leak detection

page.

Underground Water Leak Detection

Water leaks can also develop in underground piping outside the structure.

These problems may involve the building water service or another buried pressurized water line.

Possible Signs of an Underground Water Leak

• Unexplained water meter activity
• Wet soil without irrigation running
• Pooling water
• Unusually soft ground
• Unexpected water usage
• Reduced water pressure
• Moisture appearing near the foundation

Testing can help determine whether buried piping is leaking and narrow down the area that may require excavation or rerouting.

Water Leak Detection Inside Walls

A concealed pipe can leak inside a wall long before water becomes visible.

Moisture may eventually appear as staining, bubbling paint, deteriorated drywall, swollen baseboards or damp cabinetry.

The first visible wet area does not always identify the exact pipe failure because water can move through framing and wall cavities.

Leak detection helps determine which plumbing line is involved before repair access is created.

Ceiling Water Leak Detection

A water stain on a ceiling may originate from plumbing located directly above the damaged area, but the actual source can also be farther away.

Possible plumbing sources may include water supply piping, fixture connections, tub or shower components, toilets, drains or other plumbing systems above the affected ceiling.

The plumbing should be inspected before assuming that the visible ceiling damage identifies the exact leak location.

Pinhole Leak Detection

Small pinhole leaks in copper piping can release water inside walls, ceilings and other concealed building areas.

One isolated pinhole leak may only require a localized repair.

When a property experiences repeated pinhole leaks in different sections of the water distribution system, the condition of the remaining piping should also be considered.

Leak detection can identify the current failure, while a broader plumbing evaluation can help determine whether continued individual repairs or repiping makes more sense.

Hot Water Leak Detection

A concealed hot water line leak may produce symptoms that differ from a cold water leak.

Warm flooring, frequent water heater operation, unexplained hot water loss or other temperature related symptoms can help guide the investigation.

Pressure testing, pipe tracing, acoustic equipment and thermal imaging may be used as part of the diagnostic process when appropriate.

Cold Water Leak Detection

Cold water leaks may not create obvious warm spots and can therefore require a different combination of diagnostic methods.

Testing can involve water meter observation, plumbing system isolation, pressure testing, pipe tracing and electronic or acoustic leak detection depending on the location of the piping.

Leak Detection Under Concrete

Opening concrete should not be the first diagnostic step simply because moisture is appearing near a slab.

Water can migrate through soil, concrete joints and flooring before becoming visible.

Leak detection can help determine whether the problem is associated with pressurized plumbing and which water line should be investigated before concrete access is considered.

Leak Detection Without Unnecessary Demolition

One of the primary reasons to perform professional leak detection is to gather information before opening finished building materials.

Depending on the plumbing problem, substantial exploratory demolition may not be necessary to begin testing.

Physical access can still be required after the leak is located if the property owner chooses a direct pipe repair.

The amount and location of access depends on the plumbing system, building construction and repair method selected.

What Happens After a Leak Is Found?

Leak detection identifies the affected plumbing line and helps narrow down where the failure is occurring. The next step is deciding how the damaged piping should be repaired.

The appropriate repair depends on the location of the leak, pipe material, accessibility, condition of the surrounding plumbing and whether the property has experienced previous failures.

Possible Plumbing Repair Options

• Localized pipe repair
• Replacement of a damaged pipe section
• Rerouting the affected water line
• Partial pipe replacement
• PEX rerouting
• Larger plumbing repipe when repeated failures are present

For repair information after the leak has been located, visit our

leak detection and repair services

page.

Slab Leak Repair vs Water Line Reroute

Finding an under slab leak does not automatically determine how the pipe should be repaired.

A direct repair may involve accessing the damaged pipe at the slab. A reroute may abandon the affected under slab section and install new piping through another accessible path.

The better approach depends on the leak location, existing plumbing condition, building layout, flooring, accessibility and history of previous pipe failures.

Leak Detection Before Repiping

One plumbing leak does not automatically mean that the entire property needs new water piping.

Leak detection can help identify whether the current problem is isolated.

A larger repipe evaluation becomes more relevant when a home has experienced multiple previous pipe leaks, recurring slab leaks, repeated pinhole leaks or widespread deterioration of the water distribution system.

If the plumbing system has a history of repeated failures, learn more about our

repipe plumbing services
.

PEX Repiping After Repeated Water Leaks

PEX can be one option when an existing domestic water system requires larger scale replacement.

Instead of continuing to rely on deteriorating water lines, a whole house PEX repipe installs new hot and cold water distribution piping to the included plumbing fixtures.

Visit our

PEX repipe services

page for complete repiping information.

Copper Repiping After Repeated Leaks

Copper is another option for domestic water pipe replacement depending on the property, project requirements and homeowner preference.

Plumbing Solution Specialist provides

copper repiping services

for homes and qualifying commercial properties.

Residential Leak Detection Services

PSS provides water leak detection for single family homes, townhomes, condominiums and other residential properties throughout Southern California.

Residential testing can involve concealed hot and cold water lines, under slab piping, underground water services, bathroom plumbing, kitchen piping and other pressurized water systems.

The testing method is selected according to the type of plumbing system and the symptoms observed at the property.

Commercial Leak Detection Services

Commercial and multifamily plumbing systems can contain multiple branches, larger distribution lines, risers, water heaters, recirculation systems and extensive concealed piping.

PSS provides commercial leak detection for qualifying apartment buildings, offices, retail properties and other commercial plumbing systems.

System isolation and pipe tracing can be particularly useful when narrowing down a leak within a larger domestic water distribution system.

Leak Detection for High Water Usage

Unexpected water usage can have several possible causes, including plumbing fixtures that continue running and concealed water piping that is leaking.

A plumbing inspection can help separate visible fixture problems from suspected concealed pipe leaks.

When the plumbing fixtures are confirmed off but the water system continues showing signs of consumption, additional leak detection may be appropriate.

Leak Detection and Water Pressure

Water pressure can be an important part of diagnosing plumbing problems.

Pressure testing can help determine whether an isolated section of piping is losing pressure, while excessively high system pressure may also need to be addressed separately when evaluating repeated plumbing failures.

The leak itself and the operating condition of the overall water distribution system should both be considered.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Leak Detection?

Insurance coverage depends on the individual policy, cause of the water loss and circumstances surrounding the claim.

Property owners should contact their insurance carrier directly to determine whether leak detection, access work, water damage or plumbing repairs are covered under their policy.

Read our

Does Insurance Cover Leak Detection guide

for additional information.

Gas Leak Detection Is a Separate Service

A suspected natural gas leak is different from water leak detection and requires the appropriate safety procedures and gas piping tests.

If you suspect a gas line problem, do not treat it as a normal water leak investigation.

For PSS gas piping information, visit our

gas line leak repair services

page.

Leak Detection Services Near Me

If you are searching for leak detection services near me, Plumbing Solution Specialist provides professional plumbing leak detection throughout Southern California.

Our service coverage includes Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, the San Gabriel Valley, Gateway Cities, Inland Empire and surrounding Southern California communities.

We provide leak detection services in Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Fullerton, Brea, Buena Park, Santa Ana, Yorba Linda, Orange, Corona, Norco, Eastvale, Riverside, Moreno Valley, Ontario, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, Walnut, West Covina, Cerritos, Long Beach, Whittier, La Habra, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Redlands, Menifee, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore and surrounding communities.

Leak Detection in Orange County

PSS provides leak detection throughout Orange County for hidden water leaks, slab leaks, pinhole leaks, underground piping and concealed plumbing problems.

Orange County service areas include Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Fullerton, Brea, Buena Park, Santa Ana, Orange, Yorba Linda, Laguna Niguel, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente and surrounding communities.

For general plumbing service throughout the county, visit our

Orange County plumbers

page.

Leak Detection in Los Angeles County

Plumbing Solution Specialist also provides professional leak detection for qualifying residential and commercial properties throughout Los Angeles County, including Gateway Cities and portions of the San Gabriel Valley.

Our plumbers evaluate hidden water loss, under slab leaks, concealed piping and other plumbing leak problems throughout our service area.

Visit our

Los Angeles County plumbers

page for broader plumbing service information.

Leak Detection in Riverside County

PSS provides plumbing leak detection throughout Riverside County communities including Corona, Riverside, Norco, Eastvale, Moreno Valley, Menifee, Murrieta and surrounding areas.

Services can include hidden water leak investigation, slab leak detection, underground water line evaluation and plumbing system isolation.

Visit our

Riverside County plumbers

page.

Leak Detection in San Bernardino County

Plumbing Solution Specialist provides leak detection for qualifying properties throughout San Bernardino County, including Ontario, Chino Hills, Redlands and surrounding communities.

Visit our

San Bernardino County plumbers

page for additional service information.

Why Professional Leak Detection Matters

The goal of leak detection is not simply to confirm that water exists somewhere inside a building.

A useful plumbing investigation should help determine which system is leaking, narrow down the suspected location and provide information that helps the property owner choose an appropriate repair.

This can reduce unnecessary exploratory access and help separate an isolated plumbing failure from a larger piping problem.

Why Choose Plumbing Solution Specialist for Leak Detection?

Plumbing Solution Specialist provides both diagnostic leak detection and the plumbing services that may be needed after the source has been identified.

Depending on the condition of the plumbing system, repair options can range from a localized pipe repair to a reroute, partial pipe replacement or whole house repipe.

Our objective is to diagnose the plumbing problem first and then explain the repair options based on the actual conditions found at the property.