Leak Detection in Okemos, MI. Find It Before You Start Opening Walls.
A water leak that is not visible at the surface is still doing damage. We locate the source accurately with professional equipment so repair work targets the right spot the first time.
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A water leak you cannot see is often the most damaging kind. It runs quietly inside a wall, under a slab, or along a buried supply line while the water bill climbs and the structure around it absorbs the moisture. By the time it becomes visible, the damage is already done. Finding it accurately is the first step whether what follows is a targeted repair or a full Water Line Replacement, since guessing at the wrong section wastes time and money either way.
What We Commonly Repair
Pinhole Leaks and Corrosion
Older copper and galvanized lines develop small pinhole leaks as the pipe wall thins from the inside out, often long before there's any sign at the surface. These usually show up as a slow drop in water pressure or a wet spot that never fully dries, rather than an obvious break.
Cracked or Separated Fittings
The joints and fittings connecting sections of pipe are usually the first point of failure, whether from age, ground settling, or water hammer over time. A cracked or separated fitting is often a faster, less invasive repair than replacing a run of pipe.
Damaged Service Connections
The connection point where your line ties into the water meter or the municipal supply can shift or corrode independently of the rest of the line. We check this connection specifically, since it's easy to miss if you're only looking at the pipe itself.
Root Intrusion on Supply Lines
Tree and shrub roots are drawn to the moisture around even a small leak, and once a root finds its way in, it can widen a minor crack into a much bigger problem. We clear the intrusion and repair the section it damaged, and flag any spots likely to see it again.
Pressure Regulator Failure
A failing pressure regulator can look exactly like a line leak, sudden drops or spikes in pressure throughout the house, without the water loss a real leak would cause. We test the regulator separately before assuming the problem is in the line itself.
Signs You May Have a Hidden Leak
- A water bill that has increased without any change in usage
- The sound of running water when everything in the house is off
- Warm spots on a floor that has no radiant heat
- Soft or discolored drywall without a visible source
- Mold or mildew in areas that should not have moisture exposure
- A water meter that continues to move when all fixtures are shut off
- Low water pressure throughout the house or at specific fixtures
What Happens After We Find It
Once we've located the leak, what happens next depends on what we find. A single section with isolated damage is usually a straightforward Water Line Repair. If the leak is one of several signs that supply lines throughout the house have deteriorated, a full Repiping is typically the better long-term fix. Either way, you're not paying to open up the wrong section first.
Our Leak Detection Process
Describe What You're Seeing
We start with what you've noticed, a bill spike, a sound, a wet spot, to narrow down where to start looking.
Run Diagnostics
We use acoustic detection, pressure testing, or thermal imaging, whichever fits the situation, sometimes more than one.
Pinpoint the Source
We narrow the search to the smallest possible area before recommending any access point.
Report & Recommend
We tell you exactly what we found and what it will take to fix it, whether that's a repair or something bigger.
Leak Detection Cost in Okemos, MI
Detection cost depends on the complexity of the search, how accessible the plumbing system is, and whether multiple methods are needed to isolate the source. A straightforward supply line leak with clear acoustic signature is different from a diffuse slab leak that requires thermal imaging across a large area.
We give you a detection fee upfront and let you know if the situation calls for additional methods. If we locate the leak and you proceed with repair through us, the detection cost is credited toward the repair. Call (517) 742-2848 to describe what you are experiencing and we can give you a preliminary read before we come out.
Why Choose Plumbing by Custom Built
Leak detection done correctly protects your home from unnecessary damage. We use the right equipment to find the source before any opening is required, and we tell you exactly where to make access before the first cut. That approach protects your walls, your floors, and your budget.
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FAQs
How do I know if I have a hidden water leak in Okemos, MI?
A water bill that has gone up without explanation is the most common indicator. Other signs include the sound of running water when nothing is on, warm spots on the floor, unexplained mold or moisture, and a water meter that does not stop moving when all fixtures are off.
What is a slab leak and how is it detected in Okemos?
A slab leak is a leak in a supply or drain line that runs beneath the concrete foundation. They are often detected through a combination of pressure testing and thermal imaging, which identifies the temperature differential caused by water warming the slab above it.
Will you have to open my walls to find the leak in Okemos, MI?
Not to locate it. We use acoustic and thermal equipment to pinpoint the source before any physical access is required. Once located, we identify the smallest and most direct access point for the repair.
Can a small leak wait in Okemos?
Rarely. Leaks behind walls or under slabs cause continuous moisture damage to structural framing, insulation, drywall, and flooring. The longer a hidden leak runs, the more secondary damage accumulates. Finding and fixing it promptly almost always costs less than waiting.
Is leak detection worth it if I'm planning to repipe anyway in Okemos?
If you already know the supply lines are corroded throughout the house and a full repipe is happening regardless, detection on one specific leak may not be necessary. Detection makes the most sense when you're not sure yet whether the problem is isolated or widespread, since that answer is what determines which direction makes sense.
A Leak You Cannot See Is Still Doing Damage
The sooner it is located, the less it costs to fix. Give us a call to schedule a detection visit.