Leak Detection
Find the leak first. Open only what needs opening.
Expert Leak Detection
Hidden leaks do damage before anyone sees them. Inside a wall, under a slab, or along the line from the meter, a small leak can rot framing, grow mold, and raise the water bill for months.
We locate leaks with acoustic equipment, thermal imaging, and pressure testing. Repairs start in the right place, with the smallest opening possible.
Signs of a hidden leak
- The water bill jumps without a change in use
- You hear running water when nothing is on
- The water meter moves with every fixture off
- Warm spots on a slab floor
- Damp drywall, stains, or bubbling paint
- A musty smell in one area of the home
- Water pressure drops throughout the house
What causes leaks in Treasure Valley homes
- Pinhole leaks in aging copper pipe
- Failed fittings and joints
- Freeze damage in crawl spaces and exterior walls
- Slab leaks from pipe wear or ground movement under concrete
- Leaks on the main service line between the meter and the house
What we handle
- Leak location in walls and ceilings
- Slab leak detection
- Main water service leaks
- Exterior spigot and hose bib leaks
- Repair or reroute once the leak is found
- Written documentation of the cause and location for insurance claims
What affects the cost
- Size of the home
- How accessible the plumbing is
- Number of suspected leaks
- Repair method: spot repair or reroute
Before we arrive
- Write down the water meter reading, then check it again an hour later with no water running.
- If water is actively causing damage, shut off the main water valve.
Our Approach
We start with a thorough inspection to understand the scope of the problem. Then, we provide an honest assessment and upfront pricing. We'll never try to upsell you on something you don't need. Our goal is to provide the best, most cost-effective solution for your home.
Leak Detection Questions, Answered
Straight answers from local plumbers who've been working in Nampa and the Treasure Valley since 1960.
How do I know if I have a hidden water leak?
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Common signs include a water bill that suddenly jumps, the sound of running water when nothing is on, warm spots on a slab floor, or the water meter dial moving with everything off. If any of those sound familiar, call us and we'll track it down.
How do you find a leak without tearing up walls?
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We use acoustic listening equipment, thermal imaging, and pressure isolation to pinpoint a leak before we open anything up. In most homes we can locate the leak within a few inches and only open the smallest possible access.
What does leak detection cost?
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Pricing depends on the size of the home and how accessible the plumbing is. We'll quote the diagnostic before we start, and if you have us do the repair we'll talk through how the diagnostic fee factors in.
Can a slow leak really cause damage?
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Absolutely — and quickly. A pinhole leak inside a wall can rot framing and grow mold within weeks because wall cavities don't dry as fast as people assume. Finding it early saves thousands.
Do you find leaks in irrigation and main supply lines too?
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Yes. We locate leaks on the home's main water service from the meter to the house, as well as outdoor hose bibs and exposed irrigation manifolds. Buried sprinkler line repair is best handled by an irrigation specialist, and we're happy to refer one we trust.
Will homeowner's insurance cover the leak repair?
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Insurance typically covers the resulting water damage but not the plumbing repair itself. We're glad to provide written documentation of the cause and location, which is what most adjusters need to process the damage portion of the claim.
Can you find a leak under a concrete slab?
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Yes. Slab leaks are one of our most common detection calls in Treasure Valley homes. We isolate the line, listen acoustically, and confirm with thermal imaging before deciding whether to reroute the line overhead or open the slab.
Should I reroute or open the slab to fix a slab leak?
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It depends on the home. A single isolated leak on otherwise healthy copper often makes sense to spot-repair. Aging copper with multiple pinholes is usually better solved by rerouting in PEX through the attic. We'll walk through both options with real numbers.
Is it normal for the water meter dial to move overnight?
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No. If every fixture in the house is off and the meter's leak indicator is still spinning, you have a leak somewhere on your side of the meter. Shut off the supply to the house — if the dial stops, the leak is in the home; if it keeps moving, the leak is on the line between the meter and the house.
How long does a leak detection visit take?
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Most residential leak locates take 1–2 hours from arrival to a confirmed location. Larger homes or stubborn slab leaks can run longer. We'll give you a time estimate up front and stay until we've actually found it.
Leak Detection Across the Treasure Valley
We bring leak detection to homes and businesses throughout the valley: