Leak Detection

Signs You May Have a Hidden Leak

While some leaks are easy to spot, others go unnoticed for weeks or even months. Early detection is critical for minimizing property damage and controlling repair costs. That’s why we urge homeowners to pay close attention to any changes in their plumbing system or water usage.

Common warning signs include:

• Unexplained increase in water bills: If your usage habits haven’t changed but your bill has jumped, a leak may be to blame.
• Damp or warm spots on floors: Leaks under the slab or behind tile can heat the surface or cause dark stains.
• Mold or mildew smells: Even if you can’t see moisture, persistent odors could mean water is trapped inside your walls.
• Wall or ceiling discoloration: Yellow or brown stains often indicate a slow leak from a pipe in the wall or ceiling.
• Running water sounds when all fixtures are off: If you hear water flowing with no taps open, there's likely a leak somewhere in the system.
  

Advanced Leak Detection Methods

Locating a hidden leak requires more than turning a wrench. Our team uses professional-grade equipment and non-invasive techniques to pinpoint the source without damaging your walls or flooring. With the right tools and training, we can detect even the smallest leaks behind any surface.

Tools and techniques we use:

• Acoustic listening devices: These allow us to hear water movement inside walls or underground without tearing up your property.
• Infrared thermal imaging: We use infrared cameras to detect temperature changes caused by water escaping from hot or cold lines.
• Pressure testing: We isolate sections of your plumbing system to determine where pressure is dropping and leaks are occurring.
• Moisture meters: These devices help confirm the presence of moisture in drywall, flooring, or cabinetry.
  

Common Leak Locations

Plumbing leaks can happen almost anywhere water flows, especially in older homes or homes with high water pressure. Understanding where leaks most often occur helps us narrow the search and act fast.

We frequently find leaks in:

• Slab foundations: Leaking pipes under concrete slabs can go unnoticed for long periods and cause structural damage.
• Behind walls: Hot and cold water lines running to fixtures can develop pinhole leaks over time.
• Inside ceilings: Second-floor bathrooms or laundry areas may leak through the ceiling below.
• Under sinks and cabinets: Small, slow leaks from fittings and supply lines can ruin cabinetry and flooring.
• Exterior pipes and irrigation lines: Leaks outside the home can waste water and cause soggy patches in your yard or foundation washout.
  

Repair After Detection

Finding the leak is only the first step—fixing it properly is just as important. Once we locate the leak, JR Plumbing offers full repair services to restore your plumbing system to full functionality. Whether it’s a quick patch or a full section replacement, we handle the job with care and precision.

After detection, we provide:

• Clear explanation of the issue: We show you where the leak is and what caused it, so you understand the full picture.
• Immediate repair when possible: If the leak is accessible and can be fixed quickly, we complete the repair during the same visit.
• Pipe replacement or rerouting: For more serious leaks or aging systems, we replace the damaged sections or reroute lines as needed.
• Clean restoration: We minimize impact on your property and restore surfaces as neatly as possible after repairs are complete.