What to Expect During a Professional Leak Detection Visit

Never had a professional leak detection service before? You might be wondering what actually happens during the appointment. Here's a complete walkthrough of our process at Active Leak Solutions—from the moment we arrive to when we hand you the final report.

Before We Arrive

When you call to schedule, we'll ask a few questions to understand your situation:

• What signs of a leak have you noticed? (high water bill, wet spots, sounds of running water)
• How long has this been happening?
• What type of property is it? (single-family home, condo, commercial)
• Approximately how many bathrooms?
• Have you already had a plumber look at it?

This helps us come prepared with the right equipment and give you an accurate time estimate. Most residential jobs take 1-2 hours, but complex situations may take longer.

Step 1: Arrival and Walkthrough (10-15 minutes)

When we arrive, we'll introduce ourselves and do a brief walkthrough of your property. We'll ask you to show us:

• Where you've noticed signs of a leak (wet spots, stains, warm areas)
• Location of your water heater
• Location of your main water shut-off valve
• Access to your water meter (usually near the street)
• Any areas of concern you want us to check

We'll also ask about the history of your plumbing—any previous leaks, repairs, or repiping work.

Step 2: Initial Testing (10-20 minutes)

We start with some baseline tests:

• Water meter check: We'll verify whether water is flowing when everything is turned off.
• Static pressure test: We may check your water pressure to identify potential issues.
• Isolation tests: We can isolate different parts of your plumbing (hot vs. cold, indoor vs. outdoor) to narrow down where the leak is.

Step 3: Electronic Leak Detection (30-60 minutes)

This is where our specialized equipment comes in. Depending on your situation, we may use:

Acoustic Listening Devices

Water escaping from a pipe makes sound—even through concrete. We use sensitive microphones and amplifiers to listen for the distinct sound of a leak. We'll move methodically across your floors, walls, and yard, listening for the telltale hiss or whoosh of escaping water.

Thermal Imaging Cameras

Leaking water changes the temperature of surrounding materials. Our infrared cameras can "see" these temperature differences through walls and floors. Hot water leaks show up as warm spots; cold water leaks appear as cool areas. This is completely non-invasive—we're just pointing a camera, not cutting into anything.

Moisture Meters

These devices detect moisture content in materials like drywall, wood, and concrete. We can identify wet areas that aren't visible to the naked eye and track the path of water migration.

Video Inspection

For drain line issues, we may use a small camera on a flexible cable to inspect the inside of your pipes. This can reveal cracks, root intrusion, or blockages.

Step 4: Pinpointing the Leak

Using the data from our equipment, we narrow down the leak location. In most cases, we can pinpoint the leak to within a few inches. We'll mark the spot so your plumber knows exactly where to access the pipe.

Important: We don't cut into your floors, walls, or concrete. Our job is to find the leak using non-invasive methods. The actual repair and any necessary demolition is done by your plumber.

Step 5: Explanation and Report (10-15 minutes)

Once we've located the leak, we'll explain our findings in plain English:

• Where the leak is located
• What type of leak it likely is (pinhole, joint failure, etc.)
• How confident we are in the location
• What the repair process typically involves
• Any other concerns we noticed during the inspection

You'll receive a detailed report with photos, thermal images, and documentation of our findings. This is useful for your plumber and for any insurance claims.

What Happens After?

Since we specialize in detection only—not repairs—you're free to hire any licensed plumber you trust. We don't have a financial interest in the repair, so our assessment is completely unbiased.

If you need a plumber recommendation, we're happy to suggest reputable contractors we've worked with. We can also answer any questions your plumber has about our findings.

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

• Clear access: Move furniture or items away from walls where you've noticed issues.
• Know your water meter location: Usually in a box near the street.
• Gather your water bills: Helpful if you've noticed usage spikes.
• Be available: We may have questions during the inspection.
• Keep water off: Don't run dishwashers, washing machines, or irrigation during our visit.