Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions About Leak Detection for Homes and Commercial Buildings
What are the most common signs of a hidden water leak?
We usually see a few patterns show up fast:
- A higher water bill with no change in use
- Wet spots on ceilings, walls, or floors
- Warm areas on a slab (often tied to a hot water line)
- Low water pressure or a drop that comes and goes
- Mildew smell or visible mold growth
- Sounds of running water when fixtures are off
With State-of-the-Art Thermal Imaging, we can often confirm abnormal temperature patterns that point to moisture or a leaking line, without opening walls just to check.
How does professional leak detection work, and will it damage our property?
We use non-invasive tools to pinpoint the leak first, then talk through repair options. In many cases, we can narrow the location before any cutting starts.
A typical visit may include:
- A quick review of symptoms (bill changes, stains, odors)
- Pressure checks and fixture isolation
- Acoustic listening to trace water movement in piping
- State-of-the-Art Thermal Imaging to spot heat and moisture clues behind surfaces
When an access opening is needed, we keep it as small as practical and place it where it makes sense for the repair.
What’s the difference between a leak detection service and a plumbing repair?
Leak detection is about finding the exact source and mapping where it is, so repairs stay targeted. Repair is the work that stops the leak, which might include replacing a section of pipe, fixing a fitting, or addressing a valve or supply line.
We treat detection as the step that prevents guesswork. Using State-of-the-Art Thermal Imaging and acoustic tools helps us confirm the most likely spot before repairs begin.
Can a slab leak be found without breaking up the floor?
Often, yes. Slab leaks can be tricky because the piping is under concrete, but we can usually narrow the location using sound, pressure testing, and State-of-the-Art Thermal Imaging to identify unusual heat signatures that match hot water line leaks.
If the leak is on a cold line, thermal may be less direct, but it can still help in some cases by showing temperature changes caused by moisture and evaporation.
Why do leaks cause mold, and how fast can that happen?
Mold needs moisture, and a hidden leak can keep materials damp for long periods. Drywall, insulation, wood, and carpet backing can hold moisture and feed mold growth.
The timeline depends on humidity, airflow, and how much water is leaking, but mold can start in as little as 24 to 48 hours in the right conditions. We use State-of-the-Art Thermal Imaging to help spot moisture patterns early, even when surfaces look normal.
What should we do right now if we think there’s an active leak?
We recommend a simple, safe order of steps:
- Shut off water at the main valve if water is actively spreading, or if you’re not sure.
- If safe, turn off electricity to any wet area near outlets, panels, or equipment.
- Take quick photos of visible damage for records.
- Avoid running hot water or irrigation until the source is confirmed.
- Schedule professional detection so we can locate it accurately using tools like State-of-the-Art Thermal Imaging.
Can leak detection help explain a high water bill even if we don’t see water damage?
Yes. Many leaks stay hidden in walls, under slabs, in ceilings, or in yard lines. Some never show obvious staining until the damage is advanced.
We compare usage clues (meter behavior, pressure changes, fixture isolation) with tool-based confirmation. State-of-the-Art Thermal Imaging can help us find hidden wet areas or hot water line leaks that match the billing spike.
How long does a leak detection appointment usually take?
Most appointments fall in the one to a few hour range, depending on building size, how accessible the plumbing is, and how many possible sources we need to rule out.
Commercial buildings can take longer because of multiple zones, longer pipe runs, and mechanical rooms. State-of-the-Art Thermal Imaging can speed up narrowing the search area, especially when the leak is affecting temperature patterns behind surfaces.
