Leak Detection Services
A high water bill, a warm spot on the floor, the sound of running water: we find the leak before anything gets cut open.
- CSLB #1085794
- 5.0 on Google · 329 reviews
- 24/7 emergency line
How leak detection works
A hidden leak often does more damage than a visible one, because it runs for weeks or months before anything shows. Sometimes the only sign is a water bill that keeps climbing.
We locate leaks in supply lines, pipes under the slab, drain lines, and wall cavities without cutting or demolition. The plumber reviews the layout of the plumbing, checks the meter, then isolates sections of the system with pressure testing, acoustic listening, and thermal checks until the leak is pinned to a small area.
You are shown where it is and the evidence for it. Then you get repair options, each with a price: a spot repair, a reroute around the slab, or replacing the section.
Signs you need leak detection
- A water bill that jumpedWith no change in how you use water. A small leak running all day adds up quickly.
- The meter moves with everything offThe most reliable home test. Turn off every fixture and appliance and watch the meter.
- A warm spot on the floorOn a concrete slab, this often means a leak in a hot water line underneath.
- Running water or hissing in the wallsWith every fixture off.
- Stains, bubbling paint, or soft drywallMoisture has been there a while.
- Mold or mildew with no obvious sourceA slow leak is feeding an enclosed space.
- New cracks near the plumbingIn a foundation or driveway, they can mean soil is washing out.
How a leak detection visit goes
Call or send a request
Tell us what you have noticed: the bill, a sound, a wet spot, a moving meter.
Property assessment
The plumbing layout and the meter are checked to narrow down the likely zones.
Systematic detection
Pressure testing, acoustic listening, and thermal checks. No cutting.
The location is marked
You are shown the spot and the readings behind it.
Repair options and prices
Spot repair, reroute, or section replacement, priced before any work.
Repair and re-test
The meter is checked again to confirm zero flow with everything off.
Why call So-Cal 1 for leak detection
- A set diagnostic priceFrom $199, with no open-ended search charges.
- Found before anything is openedOnly the area that needs it gets cut.
- Slab, supply lines, walls, and drainsOne visit covers the whole system.
- Detection and repair by the same teamOne company is accountable for both.
Leak Detection questions
What is a slab leak, and how do I know if I have one?
It is a leak in a pipe under the concrete foundation. Signs are a warm spot on the floor, the sound of running water with everything off, a high bill, and a moving meter. An inspection confirms and locates it.
How do you find a leak without tearing up floors or walls?
Pressure testing, acoustic detection, and visual assessment narrow the location to a small area before anything is opened.
My bill is high but I see no water. Could it be a leak?
Yes. That is one of the most common ways a hidden leak shows up. Turn off all the water in the house and check whether the meter still moves.
How long does leak detection take?
Usually one to three hours for a house, depending on its layout.
What happens after the leak is found?
You get repair options with prices: a spot repair, a pipe reroute, or replacing the section. The repair can often be done in the same visit.
How much does it cost to fix a slab leak?
A targeted repair through the slab typically starts around $1,500 to $3,500. A reroute that bypasses the slab runs about $2,000 to $6,000, depending on the length of the run. You get an itemized price before work begins.
Does homeowners insurance cover leak detection or slab leak repair?
It depends on the policy and the cause. Many policies cover sudden water damage; coverage for reaching and repairing the pipe varies. We provide documentation for a claim.
What customers say
★★★★★
Great experience with Miguel and Steven! Fixed my stubborn kitchen sink clog. Very informative and respectful of my home in addressing the issue. Highly recommend!
★★★★★
I had an excellent experience with SoCal 1 Plumbing! Eliass came out to clear a blockage in my kitchen line by snaking it through the outside wall clean-out, and everything was done efficiently and with great care. He also installed new tubular drains under my kitchen sink to stop the leaks I’d been dealing with. The work was high-quality, and they even provided a 1-year warranty on parts and labor, which gave me peace of mind. Highly recommend their professional and reliable service!
★★★★★
I had a plumbing issue that needed to be repaired sooner than later. Miguel came out and knew how to fix it immediately. Miguel was professional, friendly and knowledgeable. I won't hesitate to call them in the future.
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