673 Cooley Drive, Colton, California 92324, United States
Professional Plumbing Services for Homeowners and Businesses
Introduction
Hidden leaks can wreak havoc on your home—driving up water bills, damaging walls and floors, and even fostering mold growth. In this guide, you’ll learn:
- How to recognize early warning signs
- DIY checks you can perform
- When to call a pro
- What professional leak detection involves
- How to prevent future leaks
Ready for expert help? Schedule your leak inspection with 5 Star Plumbing »
Warning Signs You May Have a Leak
- Unusually high water bill
A sudden spike of 10–20% without adding fixtures usually signals hidden water loss.
- Constantly running water meter
With all fixtures off, note if the meter spins—if so, water’s going somewhere.
- Mold, mildew, or musty odors
Moisture behind walls or under floors fosters mold—often before you see visible damage.
- Warped or stained walls/floors
Discoloration, bubbling paint, or floorboards that buckle point to ongoing leaks.
- Dripping sounds
Even faint “drips” within walls or under sinks can betray a hidden leak.
DIY Leak-Detection Checks
Before calling a plumber, you can run through these simple at-home tests:
- Meter test
- Turn off every tap and water-using appliance.
- Note your meter reading, wait 15–30 minutes, then read again.
- Any movement means water’s escaping somewhere.
- Turn off every tap and water-using appliance.
- Toilet dye test
- Drop a few drops of food coloring into the tank.
- Wait 10–15 minutes without flushing.
- If color seeps into the bowl, the flapper valve is leaking.
- Drop a few drops of food coloring into the tank.
- Visual inspection of visible pipes
- Look under sinks, behind appliances, and in the basement for moisture, corrosion, or drips.
- Check exposed copper or PVC joints for greenish deposits or dampness.
- Look under sinks, behind appliances, and in the basement for moisture, corrosion, or drips.
- Listen in
- At night, when the house is silent, walk the perimeter listening for running water or dripping.
- At night, when the house is silent, walk the perimeter listening for running water or dripping.
Note: These checks catch some—but not all—leaks. Hidden slab or behind-wall leaks require specialized tools.
When to Call a Professional
If you observe any of the following, don’t delay:
- Rapid water-bill increase (>20% jump)
- Structural damage (sagging ceilings, large stains)
- Recurring mold/mildew in the same spot
- Noisy water meter after DIY test
- Suspected slab leaks (hot spots on concrete floors, wall drywall bulges)
A licensed plumber can locate and repair leaks before they balloon into major repairs.
What Professional Leak Detection Looks Like
Here's a breakdown of leak detection techniques, how they work, and when they are used:
Acoustic Listening
- This technique uses sensitive microphones to amplify the subtle sounds of drips or running water, making it possible to hear leaks that are otherwise hidden behind walls or under floors. It's particularly useful when a leak is suspected in these concealed areas.
Thermal Imaging
- Infrared cameras are employed to detect leaks by highlighting temperature differences caused by escaping water. Hot water lines, or leaks in slabs or under slabs, are common applications for thermal imaging, as the water's temperature creates a noticeable thermal signature.
Pressure Testing
- In pressure testing, pipes are filled with either air or water and then pressurized. A drop in pressure indicates a leak. This method is highly effective for isolating the specific section of pipe that is compromised.
Video Pipe Inspection
- A flexible camera, often referred to as a "camera snake," is inserted into the interior of sewer and drain lines. This allows for a visual inspection to identify hidden blockages or cracked pipes that might be causing leaks or drainage issues.
Moisture Meters
- Both pin and pinless moisture meters are used to measure the moisture content in various building materials. They are invaluable for precisely locating areas where moisture levels are elevated, indicating the presence of a leak.
Repair Options & What to Expect
Once the leak is located, you’ll typically see one of these approaches:
- Spot repair
- Cutting out and replacing the damaged pipe section.
- Usually done behind walls or under floors, with minimal drywall or tile removal.
- Cutting out and replacing the damaged pipe section.
- Pipe relining
- Involves inserting an epoxy-coated liner into the existing pipe.
- Creates a new, joint-free pipe within the old—ideal for sewer lines.
- Involves inserting an epoxy-coated liner into the existing pipe.
- Whole-house repiping
- For homes with old, corroded, or repeatedly leaking pipes.
- Replaces the entire water distribution system (copper or PEX).
- For homes with old, corroded, or repeatedly leaking pipes.
- Sealants & epoxy
- Temporary fixes for small pinhole leaks.
- Not recommended as a long-term solution.
- Temporary fixes for small pinhole leaks.
Cost factors: repair type, pipe material, accessibility, and needed finishes (drywall, tile).
Preventing Future Leaks
- Annual inspections
Schedule a yearly plumbing check to catch small issues early.
- Water pressure regulation
Keep home water pressure between 40–60 psi—high pressure accelerates wear.
- Maintain appliances
Replace washing-machine hoses every 5 years; inspect water-heater fittings annually.
- Install water-shutoff valves
Add localized shutoffs under sinks, behind toilets, and near appliances.
- Use quality materials
When upgrading, choose PEX or copper over galvanized steel or polybutylene.
FAQs
Q: How much water can a small leak waste?
A: Even a 1 /16th-inch crack can waste over 6,000 gallons per year—enough to fill a backyard pool.
Q: Will my homeowner’s insurance cover leak damage?
A: Most policies cover “sudden and accidental” leaks (e.g., burst pipes), but not gradual leaks. Always check your policy details.
Q: Can I turn off water to just one room?
A: Yes—adding shutoff valves near fixtures lets you isolate repairs without shutting down the entire house.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Hidden leaks cost homeowners thousands each year. By understanding the signs, performing basic checks, and knowing when to call in experts, you can protect your home’s integrity and your wallet.