Leak Detection in Boca Raton, FL
A rising water bill with no obvious cause, a warm spot on the floor, or the sound of running water when everything is off usually means a leak that hasn't shown itself yet, not a plumbing problem you can see.
Finding a leak you can hear but not see
Most people calling about this don't say "leak detection," they say the meter is running with the water off, or they don't know where the water is coming from. Leak detection is the equipment and process that answers that question: acoustic listening devices, thermal imaging, and pressure testing that locate a leak behind a wall, under a slab, or underground without cutting into anything first.
The three places we check first
Under the slab
A warm spot on the floor or water pooling near the foundation often traces to a slab leak in the supply line running under the concrete.
Behind a wall
A ceiling or wall stain, especially near a bathroom, usually means a supply or drain line leak inside the wall cavity.
Between the meter and the house
A running meter with every fixture off often points to the underground line connecting the street meter to the home.
Pinpointing before any digging or demolition
The goal is a confirmed location before anything gets opened up. Acoustic equipment picks up the sound of water escaping under pressure, and thermal imaging can spot temperature differences from water moving through concrete or drywall. Once the leak is pinpointed within a small area, the repair itself, whether that's a slab leak, a wall repair, or a section of underground line, can be scoped and quoted accurately instead of guessed at.
A pressure test on the whole system, checking whether pressure holds steady with everything shut off, is often the first step, since a pressure drop confirms a leak exists somewhere in the closed system before any acoustic or thermal work narrows down exactly where. Florida's plumbing code, based on the International Plumbing Code (IPC), sets the pressure-testing method this kind of diagnostic follows.
What changes the cost
Want your real number? Call (561) 448-8545 and describe what you're seeing on the bill or the floor.
Matching the equipment to the likely location
| Suspected location | Equipment used |
|---|---|
| Under the slab | Acoustic listening plus thermal imaging |
| Behind a wall | Thermal imaging, sometimes moisture meters |
| Underground service line | Acoustic correlation and pressure testing |
Matching the right equipment to where the leak likely is keeps the inspection focused instead of running every test everywhere, which is part of what keeps the estimate accurate.
One check that helps narrow it down
- • Turn off every fixture in the house, then check if the water meter is still moving.
- • If it is, the leak is between the meter and your fixtures, not a fixture itself.
- • Note whether the sound, smell, or warm spot is closer to the street or the house.
Once the leak is found
If detection confirms a slab leak, repair options range from a spot repair to rerouting the line above the slab. If it's the main service line, repiping a section may be the more durable fix. Older homes in Deerfield Beach with original copper supply lines see this most often, and it's worth mentioning the home's approximate age and pipe material when you call, since it helps us bring the right equipment on the first visit instead of a second trip.
Common questions
Acoustic listening equipment and thermal imaging locate the leak's approximate position first, so any opening up that's needed is targeted rather than exploratory.
Yes. Slab and underground leaks often show up as a bill increase or a running meter well before any visible water appears.
Modern acoustic and thermal equipment typically narrows a leak's location to a small, specific area, which is what makes the repair itself faster and less invasive.
Yes. Turn off every fixture in the house and see if the water meter is still moving. If it is, the leak is somewhere between the meter and your fixtures, which helps narrow down what equipment we bring.
Already suspect a leak but not sure where? Call (561) 448-8545 and we'll talk through what you're seeing.
Ready to get this fixed? Call (561) 448-8545 and we'll get a technician on the way.