(408) 978-3093

Hidden Leak Detection and Repair in San Jose, CA

A hidden leak wastes water and quietly damages floors, walls and foundations. Our San Jose plumbers find it with acoustic, thermal and pressure testing, so we open only what's needed, and then repair it properly. Finding a typical accessible leak costs $150 to $600; slab, underground and multi-unit leaks run up to about $1,500.

  • Google 4.9130+ reviews
  • Licensed C-36 · C-20 · ACSLB License #1101278
  • 1-year labor warranty24/7 service since 1986
Repair clamps fitted to a leaking underground pipe

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Google 4.9 · 130+ reviews · CSLB #1101278 · BBB A+

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Leak Detection and Repair Services

Non-invasive detection first, targeted repair second.

  • Water leak detection

    Leaks in walls, ceilings, floors and underground lines located with electronic listening, thermal imaging and pressure testing.

  • Pipe leak repair

    Pinhole leaks, failed fittings and split pipes repaired in copper, galvanized, PEX and CPVC, or rerouted when that's the better fix.

  • Slab leak detection and repair

    Leaks in lines under a concrete slab found and repaired, rerouted or repiped. See slab leak repair.

  • Underground and main line leaks

    Leaks in the water service line between the meter and the house located and repaired, or the line replaced.

  • Gas leak detection

    Gas piping tested and leaks pinpointed and repaired. If you smell gas, leave and call PG&E or 911 first. See gas line services.

  • Fixture and appliance leaks

    Running toilets, dripping faucets, water heater and supply line leaks that add up on the water bill.

Signs You Have a Hidden Leak

Most leaks are found because of one of these clues.

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  • A higher water bill

    A bill well above the same month last year, without a change in use.

  • The meter moves with everything off

    Turn off all fixtures and watch the meter's leak indicator. Movement means a leak.

  • Damp spots, stains or warped floors

    Water stains on ceilings and walls, bubbling paint or cupped wood floors.

  • Mold or a musty smell

    Persistent mildew odors, especially in closets, cabinets or along baseboards.

  • Sound of running water

    Hissing or running water in walls or under floors when nothing is on.

  • Warm spots or wet ground

    Warm floors over a slab, or soggy, unusually green patches in the yard.

This page is about finding a hidden leak anywhere in your home’s plumbing. If the leak is under your concrete slab and you want to know the repair options, see slab leak repair.

How We Find Hidden Leaks

No single tool finds every leak, so we combine methods:

  • Electronic and acoustic leak detection. Sensitive ground and wall microphones pick up the sound of water escaping a pressurized pipe, even under concrete.
  • Thermal imaging. Infrared cameras show the temperature difference of a hot water leak or a wet area behind drywall.
  • Pressure testing. Isolating sections of piping and watching for pressure loss confirms which line is leaking.
  • Moisture meters and visual inspection. Confirm the extent of wet materials and spot obvious failures.
  • Gas leak detection. Pressure tests and electronic detectors locate leaks in gas piping.

Common Types of Leaks

Slab leaks in copper lines under the foundation, often in homes from the 1950s to the 1970s. Wall and ceiling leaks from failed fittings and pinholes. Underground service line leaks between the meter and the house. Fixture leaks from toilets, faucets and supply lines. Water heater leaks from valves, fittings or the tank. Drain leaks, which only show when water runs and need a camera or flow test.

Repair Options After the Leak Is Found

For a single leak in sound pipe, we repair the section and pressure-test the line. When a pipe runs under a slab, rerouting it through the attic or walls is often less disruptive than breaking concrete. If the pipe is old galvanized or has had several pinhole leaks, replacing that run or repiping prevents the next one. We’ll price each option so you can choose.

Check for a Leak Yourself

Turn off every faucet and water-using appliance, then look at your water meter. Most meters have a small triangle or dial that spins with even a slight flow. If it moves, there’s a leak somewhere on your side of the meter; the EPA’s WaterSense program suggests the same meter check over two hours with no water in use. Our guide to detecting pipe leaks walks through more checks.

Sources

Checked October 2026.

How Much Does Leak Detection Cost in San Jose?

Leak detection in San Jose ranges from $150 to $1,500. A typical accessible leak costs $150 to $600 to find; slab, underground and multi-unit leaks sit at the higher end.

Typical leak detection prices in San Jose, installed, in US dollars. Checked October 2026.
ServiceTypical San Jose price (USD)
Leak detection, typical accessible leak$150–$600
Leak detection, all jobs$150–$1,500
Flat-rate pricingTypically based on $150–$250 per hour, plus parts and drive time
After-hours flat-rate pricingTypically based on $200–$300 per hour, plus parts and drive time, with a minimum charge
Inspection feeWaived for service plan members$59

What affects the price

  • Where the leak is. Under a sink is quick; under a slab or in the yard takes more testing.
  • Methods needed. Some leaks need acoustic, thermal and pressure testing together.
  • Building size. Multi-unit buildings and commercial systems take longer to isolate.
  • Repair. The repair is priced separately once the leak is found.

Most repairs are quoted as a fixed price before we start. Ranges are typical for San Jose and the South Bay and don't include current specials.

Read the leak detection cost guide →

How Our Leak Detection Works

  1. Call or book online

    Tell us what you've noticed. Active leaks get priority, 24/7.

  2. Confirm the leak

    We check the meter and isolate fixtures and lines to confirm a leak and narrow it down.

  3. Pinpoint it

    Acoustic listening, thermal imaging, pressure testing and moisture meters locate the leak to within inches.

  4. Explain and price

    We show you where it is and give you a written price for the repair options.

  5. Repair

    We open the smallest area possible, repair the pipe and pressure-test the line.

  6. Document

    Photos and notes for your records and insurance claim.

Leaks in San Jose Homes

The leaks we find most often follow San Jose's housing stock.

  • Slab foundations

    Many 1950s to 1970s ranch homes have copper water lines under the slab. Pinhole leaks there are one of our most common calls.

  • Galvanized pipe

    Older homes with galvanized steel pipe develop leaks at threaded joints as the pipe corrodes.

  • Water service lines

    Soil movement and age crack older service lines between the meter and the house.

  • Multi-unit buildings

    HOAs and apartment buildings call us to trace leaks between units and in shared lines.

Neighborhoods we serve: Downtown San Jose · Willow Glen · East San Jose · South San Jose · Evergreen · Cambrian Park · West San Jose · Berryessa · North San Jose · Blossom Valley

Current Specials

Save on your visit. Mention the offer when you book.

  • We had a water service line leak. Danny the technician arrived on time and explained everything to us clearly. He is nice, knowledgeable and professional. He finished the job by himself perfectly and the area was left clean. We would definitely request this technician again when we contact CPI Service in the future.

    Thu L.Google review

  • We had a leak from the ceiling inside our condo. CPI was recommended by our HOA management company because they successfully completed several other jobs in our complex. Scheduling the appointment was easy and we were able to get a same-day appointment. Danny from Consolidated came out to do a leak investigation and was able to replace a leaking fitting during the same appointment. We had a very good experience with CPI and are glad our HOA recommended them.

    Ernesto M.Yelp review

  • Great service and great attitude. Dustin and Jay were up front with the time and cost. They explained the process and walked us through all the work they did. True pros, will definitely do business with them again. Thank you for fixing the leak!

    Tran C.Google review

Leak Detection FAQs

What is leak detection?

Leak detection is locating hidden water or gas leaks with tools such as acoustic sensors, thermal imaging cameras, pressure tests and moisture meters, so the leak can be repaired without opening more than necessary.

What are the signs of a hidden leak?

A higher water bill, a meter that moves when nothing is on, damp spots or stains, mold smells, sounds of running water, warm spots on floors and wet patches in the yard.

Do you offer emergency leak detection?

Yes, 24/7, including weekends and holidays. After-hours work is billed at emergency rates, confirmed before we start.

What kinds of leaks do you find?

Slab leaks, leaks in walls and ceilings, underground water service lines, toilets, faucets, water heaters, gas lines and drain lines. We don't do pool leak detection.

How much does leak detection cost in San Jose?

Typically $150 to $600 for an accessible leak, and up to about $1,500 for slab, underground or multi-unit leaks. The repair is priced separately.

Will you have to tear open my walls?

Usually only a small opening at the leak. Pinpointing it first is what keeps the opening small.

Serving San Jose and the South Bay

Our shop is at 2880 Aiello Dr in San Jose. We provide leak detection across the city and nearby South Bay and Peninsula communities. See our full service area.

Leak detection in other cities

Content and prices reviewed October 2026.

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