15 Signs You Need Leak Detection Services

June 26, 2025
Plumbing

Water leaks seem like a minor issue at first, but can lead to significant damage over time when left unaddressed. Whether in commercial properties or personal homes, leaks cause structural damage, mold growth, increase water bills, and compromise safety. Professional leak detection services play a crucial role in identifying and repairing these issues early. They are essential to minimize water damage, preserve structural integrity, and avoid costly repairs.

Leak detection service covers a range of systems such as plumbing, irrigation, pools, and sewer lines. Each type of leak has its own warning signs, and recognizing them early helps avoid serious consequences. For instance, an increase in water bills with no change in usage can indicate hidden leak, low water pressure can signal a plumbing leak, damp or moldy smells indicates standing water from a concealed leak, and more.

Professional leak detection services use advanced and specialized tools like infrared cameras, acoustic sensors, and pressure tests to accurately locate leaks without unnecessary damage to your property. It’s essential to schedule regular inspections, mainly for older properties or those with high water usage, to protect their home and ensure all systems are functioning properly.

Common Signs of Household Leaks

Leaks in plumbing systems are one of the most common yet overlooked issues in homes. They usually develop quietly behind walls, under floors, or within ceilings, causing hidden damage like mold growth, increasing utility bills, and even structural issues when left unidentified and unaddressed.

Some common signs of household leaks include unexplained water stains on ceilings or walls, mildew or mold, noticeable drop in water pressure, and damp carpets. Although this seems minor at first, with time, the problem becomes visible with extensive damage to the property. It is crucial to take precautions and address plumbing leaks promptly to prevent health hazards from mold, avoid expensive repairs, and protect your home.

1. Water Stains on Ceiling and Walls

Water stains on walls and ceiling are discolored patches, often yellow or brown, caused by moisture from a plumbing leak seeping through building materials. As water seeps through walls and ceilings, it leaves behind brown or yellowish stains and can spread outward and darken over time as the leak continues. If left unchecked, these stains can expand, damage, or weaken drywall and lead to mold and mildew growth. Homeowners should act quickly on leaks in the pipes to prevent further damage.

2. Mold Growth Around Pipes

Mold thrives in damp conditions around pipes, often resulting from leaks that act as a source of moisture. This can go unnoticed, mainly in areas like under the sinks or behind the walls. This can not only damage your walls and insulation but also pose health risks, such as respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and worsened asthma symptoms. It is crucial to address mold and the underlying leak with the help of professional plumbing repairs and mold remedies to ensure a safe living environment.

3. Wet Carpet Near Plumbing Fixtures

A wet carpet or damp areas around sinks, toilets, or water heaters are key early signs of plumbing leaks, indicating that water is seeping into the flooring from nearby pipes. Water escaping from pipes, toilet connections, and washing machine hoses can accumulate beneath floors, causing moisture buildup due to loose fittings, corrosion, or wear over time. Property owners should inspect these areas immediately and tighten or repair any faulty connections to prevent further water damage and potential mold growth.

4. Low Water Pressure in Plumbing

A sudden drop in water pressure can be caused by a leak that allows water to escape from the system before reaching fixtures. Homeowners should check for damp spots, water stains, or the sound of running water when taps are off to detect a leak. If the pressure remains low even after addressing potential clogs or valve issues, contact a professional plumber to locate and fix the problem. This ensures normal water pressure is restored and helps prevent costly repairs in the future.

5. Musty Odor in Damp Areas

A musty or earthy odor, particularly in damp areas, is a common sign of mold or mildew growth due to hidden leaks caused by plumbing leaks. This is most common in basements, crawl spaces, areas with poor ventilation, or near plumbing systems. Ignoring this smell can lead to long-term damage and health problems; hence, it is important to address both the source of the leak and mold growth through professional plumbing and mold remediation services.

6. Cracked or Warped Walls and Floors

Cracked or warped walls and floors can be a sign of underlying water damage from plumbing leaks. It is often caused by moisture buildup behind surfaces. Homeowners should look for cracks, soft spots, bulging drywall, or warped wood near plumbing fixtures or pipes to detect the leak. Over time, this issue can affect your home’s appearance and compromise structural integrity. Property owners should consult with professional plumbers to identify and fix the leak.

Common Signs of Sewer or Drain Leaks

Sewer and drain leaks can lead to costly repairs and unpleasant odors, both inside and outside the home, if they go unnoticed for a long time. This type of leak usually results from root intrusion, aging pipes, or blockages and can create health hazards and structural issues while disrupting normal plumbing functions.

If the leaks are left unchecked, they can contaminate soil, produce harmful bacteria, damage foundations, and release gases, posing risks to both property and health. Common signs of sewer and drain leaks are unpleasant odors, slow-draining sinks or tubs, frequent backups, and gurgling sounds from toilets or drains. Homeowners should seek professional help at the first sign of sewer issues, as it can escalate quickly and cause severe plumbing damage, resulting in costly repairs.

7. Unpleasant Odors from Drains

Foul smells coming from drains are often caused by trapped food particles, waste, or standing water in the pipelines. These odors indicate a drain backup or a sewer line leak, which releases harmful sewer gas into the home. Prolonged exposure to these gases can pose both a health risk and a serious sanitation issue. Homeowners should call a plumber for a thorough drain system inspection and repair any blockages or leaks.

8. Wet Yard Spots from Underground Leaks

Wet spots or patches in the yard that aren’t caused by recent rainfall can indicate an underground sewer or drain leak. The moisture from the leak can saturate the ground, creating puddles, mud spots, or soggy patches, often above buried pipes. When it is left unchecked, the excess moisture can damage the landscape and affect the home’s foundation. Homeowners should contact a professional to locate and repair the leak before it leads to serious damage.

Signs of Pool Leaks

Maintaining proper water levels in a pool is crucial for its performance, safety, and longevity. However, pool leaks go unnoticed during regular use or hot weather when natural evaporation occurs. When it is left unaddressed, even a small leak can lead to significant water waste, damage to the surrounding area, and higher utility bills. Some common signs of a pool leak are unusual drops in water levels, wet or soggy spots around the pool, and frequent need for refills to maintain normal operation. These signs indicate problems such as cracks in the pool shell, broken pipes, pool filtration system issues, or underground plumbing issues. When this happens, homeowners should seek professional inspection and repair to stop water loss and prevent structural damage.

9. Water Loss Beyond Evaporation

If your pool’s water level drops beyond the normal rate of evaporation, it can be due to leaks. Leaks can occur in the pool’s plumbing or the pool shell itself, leading to substantial water loss. If your pool is losing more than ¼ to ½ inch per day, a leak may be the cause due to cracks in the pool shell, faulty plumbing, or leaks in the filtration system. Homeowners should contact a pool professional for a thorough inspection and timely repairs to prevent further damage and save water.

10. Water Level Drop After Refilling

If your pool’s water level drops right after refilling, it’s likely due to a leak. Leaks can cause rapid water loss, requiring frequent refills and wasting both water and money. This also indicates structural or plumbing issues within the pool system. Homeowners should monitor the water level closely over several days and call a pool professional to repair the leak before it leads to more serious damage.

Signs of Irrigation Leaks

Leaks in irrigation systems are a common issue in lawns, agricultural systems, and gardens, and often occur underground or at connection points where they go unnoticed for a long period. This can lead to uneven watering, disrupt the efficiency of your watering system, and waste resources. When irrigation leaks go unnoticed, they can significantly waste water and damage the landscape. Waterlogged or unusually green patches of grass, broken or misaligned sprinkler heads, pooling water, and uneven water coverage are the most common signs of irrigation. To identify and fix the issue, regular maintenance, including visual inspections and pressure tests is essential. If the signs are ignored, it can lead to higher water bills, landscape damage, and reduced effectiveness of your irrigation system over time.

11. Broken or Cracked Sprinkler Heads

Damaged sprinkler heads can disrupt the distribution of water, leading to uneven watering, where some areas are overwatered and others left dry, and potential water waste. Property owners should regularly check for visible cracks, misalignment, or weak spray patterns to identify the cause. Broken heads should be replaced immediately to keep the system efficient and prevent further damage.

12. Waterlogged Grass

Over-watering caused by a leaking irrigation system can lead to waterlogged grass, preventing proper drainage. This can harm your plants, cause root rot, and attract pests like mosquitoes and fungus gnats. To prevent this, homeowners should regularly check for irrigation leaks, adjust the watering schedule based on weather and soil conditions. Ensuring proper drainage and quick repairs helps maintain a healthy and balanced lawn.

13. Uneven Sprinkler Coverage

This occurs when parts of your lawn receive more or less water than others due to clogged nozzles, pressure issues, or misaligned sprinkler heads. If there’s stressed grass in some areas and oversaturation in others, root rot, and weed growth, it is usually due to this. Uneven coverage can waste water and harm your garden; hence, owners should regularly inspect their sprinkler heads, adjust spray patterns, and clean clogged nozzles to ensure water distribution across the entire lawn.

14. Sprinkler Water Pressure Drops

If you notice a drop in water pressure when your sprinklers are running, it could indicate a blockage, damaged pipes, clogged nozzles, or a leak in the irrigation system. Low water pressure can result in weak spray patterns and cause uneven watering and wasted water as the system runs longer to compensate. Homeowners should check for any visible leaks and repair them as soon as possible to restore optimal watering.

15. Water Pooling Around Sprinklers

Water pooling around sprinklers is a sign of an irrigation leak, which is often caused by broken sprinkler heads or cracked pipes. It occurs when leaking water oversaturates the ground, leading to inefficient watering and potential damage to your lawn or nearby structures. This can also lead to wasted resources and potential foundation damage. To fix the issue, owners should inspect the sprinkler heads for signs of leakage and repair or replace damaged components quickly.

General Leak Detection Tools

Leak detection tools like infrared cameras and acoustic detection are essential in identifying hidden leaks early in plumbing, irrigation, and pool systems, and minimizing damage. These advanced tools are designed to detect leaks without causing unnecessary damage to property. They make leak detection efficient and less invasive, allowing technicians to detect problems early and repair them before the issue escalates. Each of these tools has a specific purpose, such as infrared cameras that detect temperature variations that can indicate moisture behind walls, and acoustic sensors that pick up the sound of water escaping from pipes. These tools offer a comprehensive approach to finding leaks, saving time, reducing water waste, and preventing costly damage to your home or landscape.

Infrared Detection for Temperature Variations

Infrared cameras use thermal cameras to detect temperature differences in walls, floors, or around pipes, revealing hidden leaks. This non-invasive tool can pinpoint the location of a leak behind walls or underground, without causing damage to the property. By highlighting cooler or warmer areas caused by moisture, infrared detection saves time and reduces the need for destructive testing, helping homeowners avoid unnecessary repairs while quickly addressing the problem.

Acoustic Detection for Water Flow Sounds

Acoustic detection devices use sensitive microphones to listen for the sound of running water, helping to identify leaks in pipes that are hidden. This method is effective for locating leaks underground, behind the walls, or in concealed pipes where no visible signs are present. This is an efficient way to detect the exact location of a leak, allowing for targeted repairs and minimizing damage to the property. Tool Comparison Table: Leak Detection Methods

Tool	Description	Advantages	Best For	Approximate Cost	Use Case
Infrared Cameras	Thermal cameras that detect temperature differences caused by moisture behind walls or in floors.	Non-invasive, accurate, quick, identifies hidden leaks without damaging property.	Professionals (Plumbers, Contractors)	$500 – $2,000+ (depending on quality)	Detecting leaks behind walls or under floors without cutting or drilling.
Acoustic Sensors	Devices that pick up sound waves emitted by escaping water, useful for detecting underground leaks.	Effective for underground leaks, minimal damage to property, pinpoint location of leak.	Professionals (Plumbers)	$300 – $1,500	Locating leaks in water pipes, especially underground or behind walls.
Pressure Testing	Measures drop in pressure within the system to pinpoint leaks in water pipes and plumbing systems.	Simple to use, cost-effective, quick results, detects leaks in a wide range of plumbing systems.	Homeowners, Professionals	$50 – $300	Checking pipes and plumbing for pressure loss to identify leaks.
Dye Testing	Adding colored dye to the water system to detect leaks visually, often used for pool systems.	Low cost, simple process, easy to identify leaks in pools and plumbing systems.	Homeowners, Professionals	$10 – $50	Detecting pool leaks or plumbing leaks in exposed pipes and drains.
Ultrasonic Leak Detectors	Detects high-frequency sounds created by leaks using ultrasound waves.	High precision, effective for detecting small leaks, non-invasive.	Professionals (Plumbers)	$200 – $3,000	Detecting small or early-stage leaks in plumbing, irrigation, and HVAC systems.
Smart Leak Detectors	Wi-Fi-enabled devices that monitor for water leaks and alert homeowners via smartphone apps.	Automated, real-time alerts, easy to install and monitor, affordable.	Homeowners	$30 – $200	Continuous monitoring of potential leaks in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
Water Flow Sensors	Measures the water flow rate to detect abnormal fluctuations indicating a leak.	Low maintenance, easy to install, ideal for monitoring water usage and detecting leaks early.	Homeowners, Professionals	$50 – $250	Monitoring irrigation systems or plumbing for signs of unusual water flow that might indicate a leak.

What Should You Do If You Find a Leak?

If you discover a leak, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further damage and protect your home or business from structural damage, mold growth, and increased utility bills. Homeowners should turn off the main water supply to stop the flow of water and reduce further flooding or damage. Then, you should contact a professional plumber to assess and repair the leak as soon as possible. Also, documenting the damage is important to keep track of and later claim the insurance. When the minor issues are resolved, homeowners should focus on long-term measures and schedule regular inspections of their irrigation and plumbing systems. This helps catch leaks early and ensures your property is well-maintained and protected from future water damage.

Turn Off the Water Supply

Turning off the water supply is crucial when a leak is discovered to prevent further damage. This stops the flow of water and minimizes further harm to your property, allowing you to locate the exact leak point. For minor leaks, such as under a sink or toilet, you can use the fixture’s shut-off valve and call a professional plumber immediately to inspect and repair the leak properly.

Contact a Professional Plumber

Calling a professional plumber to assess the situation is essential for property owners to properly repair leaks and prevent further damage. Owners should look for an experienced, licensed plumber with good reviews who specializes in leak detection and repair. Expert leak detection service providers can identify the source of the leak, repair it effectively, and prevent future leaks.

Document the Damage for Insurance

Documenting the damage is vital for an insurance claim after a leak. Owners should take photos of the damage and all affected areas, like walls, floors, ceilings, and any damaged belongings, and keep detailed records for their insurance claim. Proper documentation can help ensure you receive appropriate compensation for the damage caused by the leak.

Prevent Future Leaks Through Regular Inspections

Regular inspections of your plumbing, irrigation, and pool systems are key to preventive measures to catch leaks before they cause major damage. Schedule routine check-ups to identify worn pipes, faulty fixtures, or irrigation issues to keep your systems in good condition, save on costly repairs, avoid water waste, and protect your home from long-term damage.

Secure Your Property to Avoid Further Water Damage

After discovering a leak, securing your property is essential to prevent further water damage. Owners should move valuables and electronics away from the affected area to prevent additional damage and use buckets or towels to contain water to protect floors. Taking these precautions can help protect your home while waiting for professional assistance.