Leak Detection Specialists

Leak Detection FAQ

How can I tell if I have a hidden water leak in my house?

The water meter test is the most reliable DIY check: shut off every fixture in the home, confirm no toilet is silently running, then watch the small pinwheel or triangle dial on the meter. If it’s still spinning with everything off, water is escaping somewhere in the system. Other signs include an unexplained spike in the water bill, the sound of running water with no fixture on, warm spots on the floor (often a sign of a slab leak under hot water lines), musty odors, or unexplained mold and peeling paint on walls or ceilings.

What does it cost to find and fix a leak in San Francisco?

Leak detection itself is typically a flat diagnostic fee that locates the leak without unnecessary demolition, and the repair cost depends on where the leak is, how it’s accessed, and whether drywall, flooring, or concrete needs to be opened and restored afterward. A pinhole leak in an exposed pipe is far less costly to fix than a slab leak under a foundation. Ace provides an upfront estimate after diagnosis so there are no surprises before any work begins.

How do plumbers detect leaks without tearing up walls or floors?

Modern leak detection relies on acoustic listening devices that pick up the sound of water escaping under pressure, thermal imaging cameras that spot temperature differences caused by water intrusion, and video pipe inspection cameras that can be run through sewer and drain lines. These tools let a technician narrow a leak down to a specific section of pipe before any cutting starts, which keeps repair costs and damage to a minimum.

What’s the difference between a water leak, a sewer leak, and a gas leak?

A water leak comes from supply lines carrying clean water to fixtures and appliances, and usually shows up as high bills, wet spots, or low water pressure. A sewer leak comes from drain or waste lines and often smells like sewage, attracts pests, or causes soft, sunken patches in a yard or slab. A gas leak is the most urgent of the three — a rotten-egg smell, a hissing sound near a gas line, or unexplained dead vegetation near a buried line warrants leaving the house immediately and calling the gas company and a licensed plumber. Ace is equipped to detect and repair all three.

What is a slab leak, and how common are they in San Francisco homes?

A slab leak is a leak in the water or sewer pipes running underneath a home’s concrete foundation. They’re a particular concern in San Francisco’s older housing stock — including many Victorians, Edwardians, and homes built before modern plumbing codes — where original galvanized or cast iron pipe is reaching the end of its service life. Warning signs include unexplained warm patches on flooring, the sound of water under the slab, cracking in the foundation, or a water meter that won’t stop moving with everything off. Slab leaks should be addressed quickly, since prolonged moisture under a foundation can lead to mold and structural settling.

Will homeowners insurance cover leak detection and repair?

Coverage varies by policy and by what caused the leak. Many policies cover sudden, accidental water damage and the cost of accessing the leak (cutting drywall or flooring) but exclude the cost of the plumbing repair itself, and damage from a leak that went unaddressed for a long time may be excluded as a maintenance issue. Ace can provide documentation, photos, and a written diagnosis that homeowners can submit with an insurance claim, though coverage decisions are ultimately up to the insurer.

How urgent is a suspected leak — can it wait a few weeks?

Waiting is rarely cost-effective. A slow, hidden leak can warp flooring, rot framing, feed mold growth, and erode soil under a foundation long before it becomes visible, and water that’s pooling under a slab or inside a wall cavity gets more expensive to remediate the longer it continues. If the water meter test confirms a leak, scheduling a detection visit promptly typically costs far less than waiting until the damage surfaces on its own.

Contact us today to get leak detection and support service in San Francisco.