Leak detection and repair services pinpoint water loss behind walls and beneath slabs without demolition, stop slab leaks that silently erode foundations and feed mold, and restore supply line integrity before structural damage compounds. Bonded Plumbworks’ licensed plumbers use LeakTronics acoustic systems, FLIR thermal cameras, and Vivax-Metrotech pipe locators to find the source, then repair with ProPress or PEX expansion fittings. A single undetected leak can waste thousands of gallons per month.
What Is Leak Detection and Repair
Leak detection is the process of locating water leaks that are not visible to the naked eye. Modern leak detection uses electronic and acoustic technology — including ultrasonic listening devices, thermal imaging cameras, electromagnetic pipe locators, and tracer gas systems — to find leaks inside walls, under concrete slabs, in ceilings, and in underground water lines without cutting into surfaces.
Leak repair follows detection and addresses the root cause of the water loss. Repairs range from simple fitting tightening and valve replacement to slab rerouting, pipe section replacement, and whole-system repiping. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that household leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually nationwide, and fixing easily corrected leaks can save homeowners approximately 10% on their water bills. This service connects to broader plumbing disciplines including Sanitary sewer, which Bonded Plumbworks addresses through our full range of residential services.
Signs You Need Leak Detection
- Unexplained increases in your monthly water bill without changes in usage patterns
- The sound of running water when all fixtures and appliances are off
- Water meter dial spinning or digital meter incrementing with all water shut off inside the home
- Warm or hot spots on the floor, indicating a hot water line leak beneath the slab
- Musty or moldy odors in rooms without obvious moisture sources
- Discolored or bubbling paint, warped baseboards, or soft drywall indicating moisture behind surfaces
- Cracks in the foundation or noticeable floor settling caused by soil erosion from a slab leak
- Unexplained wet areas in the yard, particularly along the path of the water main
- Mold or mildew growth on walls, ceilings, or in closets near plumbing runs
Our Leak Detection and Repair Process
Initial Assessment and Meter Test
Our technicians begin with a water meter isolation test. We shut off all fixtures and appliances, then monitor the water meter for movement. Any meter activity confirms an active leak in the system. We then isolate sections of the plumbing system — supply lines, irrigation, and hot versus cold lines — to narrow the leak to a specific zone. Leak detection and repair inspection gives you a live view of the problem before any work starts. You review the findings and approve the quote before any repair begins.
Electronic Leak Location
Using the zone information, we deploy precision detection equipment. Acoustic listening devices (LeakTronics and similar professional systems) amplify the sound of pressurized water escaping through pipe walls or fittings. Thermal imaging cameras (FLIR) detect temperature differences caused by water migrating through concrete, drywall, and soil. For slab leaks, we use electromagnetic pipe locators to map the pipe path beneath the concrete before any cutting. Helium tracer gas testing locates leaks in pressurized lines where acoustic methods are inconclusive.
Diagnosis and Repair Recommendation
After pinpointing the leak, we explain the findings with visual evidence — thermal images, acoustic readings, and pipe location mapping. We present repair options ranging from spot repair (replacing the failed section) to rerouting the line through an accessible path, to full repiping if the pipe material shows systemic failure. Every recommendation includes a written estimate with material specifications.
Repair Execution and Verification
We perform the repair using code-compliant materials and methods. Slab leaks may be repaired through targeted slab penetration or rerouted through the attic or walls to avoid future slab access. All repaired or rerouted lines undergo pressure testing to verify integrity. We restore any surfaces disturbed during the repair and document the work for your records and your insurance company if applicable.
Equipment and Materials
Our leak detection technicians use professional-grade diagnostic equipment. Detection tools include LeakTronics acoustic listening systems, FLIR thermal imaging cameras, Vivax-Metrotech electromagnetic pipe and cable locators, helium tracer gas systems, and digital moisture meters. Repair materials include Type L copper pipe, Uponor AquaPEX tubing, ProPress and expansion fittings, SharkBite push-fit connectors for emergency repairs, and Schedule 40 PVC for drain line repairs. All materials meet applicable state building codes and IPC specifications. Additional components used in these installations include Tap (valve), selected based on system requirements and site conditions.
Why Choose Bonded Plumbworks for Leak Detection and Repair
Bonded Plumbworks has been locating and repairing hidden leaks homes since 2006. Our plumbers are trained in electronic leak detection methods and carry the specialized equipment needed to find leaks non-invasively. We maintain membership in the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Our approach prioritizes accurate diagnosis before any cutting or demolition — saving you time, money, and unnecessary disruption. Every repair includes pressure testing, documentation, and a warranty on parts and labor.
Leak Detection & Repair Pricing
Leak detection and repair services range from $250 for a standard detection visit to $5,000 or more for a slab leak reroute. Common price ranges include:
- Leak detection (acoustic + thermal): $250 – $600
- Slab leak detection: $350 – $500
- Spot repair (accessible pipe section): $200 – $600
- Slab leak repair (targeted access): $1,500 – $3,500
- Line reroute (attic or wall bypass): $2,000 – $5,000
Every leak detection and repair estimate is based on diagnostic findings, so you know the exact scope and cost before work begins. Call Bonded Plumbworks at (855) 557-9600 for a written quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does leak detection cost near me?
Professional leak detection typically ranges from $250 to $600 depending on the complexity and number of potential leak locations. Slab leak detection with thermal imaging and acoustic equipment generally falls in the $350 to $500 range. The detection fee is separate from repair costs, and we provide a detailed repair estimate after locating the leak.
Can you find a leak without tearing up my floor?
Yes. Our non-invasive detection methods — acoustic listening, thermal imaging, and electromagnetic pipe location — locate most leaks without any demolition. We pinpoint the leak first, then make the smallest possible access opening for repair. In many cases, we reroute the line through the attic or walls to avoid slab work entirely.
Does insurance cover slab leak repair?
Most homeowners insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage caused by a slab leak, but they typically do not cover the plumbing repair itself. Your policy may cover drywall repair, flooring replacement, and mold remediation resulting from the leak. We provide documentation that supports your insurance claim, including detection reports and before-and-after photos.
How do I know if I have a slab leak?
Common indicators include warm spots on the floor (hot water line leaks), the sound of running water with all fixtures off, unexplained water bill increases, and cracks or heaving in the foundation. A water meter test is the simplest first step — if the meter moves with all fixtures off, you have an active leak. Call us for a professional detection to determine the exact location.
Does leak detection and repair work come with a guarantee?
Leak detection and repair services from Bonded Plumbworks include a written warranty on all parts and labor. Every repaired or rerouted line is pressure-tested to verify integrity before the job is complete. If any leak detection and repair component we installed fails within the warranty period, we return and correct it at no additional cost.
Schedule Today
Call Bonded Plumbworks at (855) 557-9600 to schedule leak detection service. Our licensed plumbers provide same-day response for urgent leaks and use non-invasive technology to find the source before any cutting begins. Every leak detection and repair service includes a 90-day guarantee on leak detection and repair work, covering parts and labor.
Bonded Plumbworks’ leak detection and repair services are available across Florida — see all service locations.