Have you noticed a sudden jump in your water bill or unexplained moisture around your home or business? These could be early warning signs of a hidden water leak — and ignoring them can lead to serious property damage and costly repairs.
At AquaSmart Plumbing, we provide expert leak detection services throughout Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ, using cutting-edge technology to locate leaks quickly and accurately. Our skilled team of licensed plumbers is committed to finding the root of the problem and offering smart, effective solutions to keep your property safe and dry.
Unexpected increase in your water bill
Damp spots on walls, floors, or ceilings
Mold or mildew odors
Decreased water pressure
Sounds of running water when all taps are off
Catching a water leak in its early stages can save you from costly damage and unnecessary water waste. Below are some of the most common signs to look out for in your home or business:
Water Stains: Keep an eye out for stains on walls, ceilings, or floors—especially near plumbing lines or fixtures. These marks often indicate hidden leaks.
Mold or Mildew Growth: Persistent moisture can lead to mold or mildew, often appearing as dark patches or spots.
Damp or Musty Odors: A lingering musty smell—particularly in basements, crawl spaces, or behind walls—may point to hidden moisture from an undetected leak.
Spiking Water Bills: A noticeable increase in your water bill, with no clear increase in usage, is one of the clearest signs of a hidden leak.
Sound of Running Water: If you hear water running when all taps are off, there may be a leak inside your walls or underground.
Low Water Pressure: A sudden drop in water pressure could indicate a leak diverting water away from your fixtures.
Soft or Warped Flooring: If floors feel unusually soft, bouncy, or warped, water may be seeping in from underneath.
Unusual Plant Growth: Overgrown or dying patches of vegetation near plumbing lines could mean a hidden outdoor leak.
Foundation Cracks: In some cases, ongoing leaks can impact your foundation, causing cracks or other structural issues over time.
If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait. Contact a licensed plumber right away to investigate and resolve the issue. At AquaSmart Plumbing, we use advanced leak detection tools to pinpoint problems quickly—helping protect your property and your wallet.
Water leaks can develop for many reasons — some simple, others more complex. Understanding the most common causes can help you take preventative action and avoid costly damage to your home or business.
Corrosion Over Time
Pipes naturally deteriorate due to prolonged exposure to water, chemicals, or minerals. This corrosion weakens the pipe walls and eventually leads to leaks.
Cracked or Broken Pipes
Physical damage caused by freezing weather, shifting soil, pressure from heavy objects, or even invasive tree roots can crack or rupture pipes, resulting in water loss.
Joint Failures
Pipe connections can loosen, shift, or wear down due to ground settlement, vibration, or corrosion—allowing water to escape at the seams.
Worn-Out Gaskets and Seals
Faucets, valves, and other fixtures rely on gaskets and seals to prevent leaks. When these parts wear down or crack, drips and leaks are inevitable.
Corroded or Aged Internal Components
Internal parts like valves or cartridges can degrade over time, especially in hard water conditions, contributing to fixture malfunctions and leaks.
Poor Installation or Lack of Maintenance
Incorrect installation or skipped routine maintenance can lead to premature wear, inefficiencies, and increased leak risk.
Tree Root Intrusion
Roots naturally seek moisture, often invading underground pipes. This intrusion can crack or crush pipes, causing serious leaks below the surface.
Freezing Temperatures
In colder seasons, exposed or poorly insulated pipes may freeze. The expanding ice puts pressure on the pipe walls, often resulting in bursts once thawed.
Sediment and Mineral Buildup
Hard water minerals can accumulate inside pipes over time, reducing flow and increasing internal pressure — both of which heighten the risk of pipe failure.
When faced with a water leak, it might be tempting to roll up your sleeves and handle it yourself — but in most cases, DIY repairs can lead to bigger problems. Here's why calling a professional plumber is the safer, smarter choice:
Hidden Leaks: Many leaks occur behind walls, under floors, or within ceilings — places not easily accessible without proper tools and expertise.
Specialized Equipment: Accurate leak detection often requires advanced tools like infrared cameras or acoustic sensors that most homeowners don’t have.
Risk of Further Damage: Without a full understanding of the plumbing system, DIY attempts may cause more leaks or damage to nearby pipes and fixtures.
Safety Hazards: Digging into walls or floors without knowing what’s behind them can put you at risk of hitting electrical wires, gas lines, or structural elements.
Expertise & Experience: Licensed plumbers know how to diagnose the problem correctly the first time and apply lasting solutions.
Efficient Repairs: Professionals can complete the job quickly and minimize disruption to your home or business.
Peace of Mind: You’ll avoid costly mistakes and potential hazards.
Warranty & Guarantees: Many plumbing companies offer warranties on both parts and labor for added protection.
Imagine attempting to fix a leak behind a wall. In the process, you accidentally drill into an electrical wire — now you’re not just dealing with water damage, but also facing the risk of fire or electrocution. What started as a small leak could quickly spiral into a costly, dangerous situation.
Concealed Plumbing: Pipes are often hidden inside walls, ceilings, or underground, making visual inspection nearly impossible.
Slow or Silent Leaks: Some leaks develop gradually without obvious signs, causing hidden water damage over time.
Complex Plumbing Layouts: Homes and businesses often have extensive plumbing networks, making leak detection challenging without a professional eye.
Advanced Tools Required: Leak detection may involve infrared imaging, moisture meters, or acoustic sensors — tools that require both training and experience.
Multiple Leak Sources: Some properties may suffer from more than one leak simultaneously, which complicates the diagnostic process.
Detecting a water leak is a critical first step in preventing costly property damage and water waste. But how much should you expect to pay for professional leak detection? The cost can vary based on several key factors, and understanding them can help you make the right choice for your home or business.
🧾 Key Factors That Influence Leak Detection Costs
Leaks hidden underground, behind walls, or in slab foundations require more advanced tools and time to locate — which can increase overall cost.
A minor drip in a water line is usually quicker and cheaper to address than a larger, more complicated leak in a sewer or main line.
The more complex your plumbing system — with multiple branches, fixtures, or older piping — the more time and expertise it may take to trace the problem.
Leaks located in tight or hard-to-reach areas like crawl spaces, basements, or behind appliances may require extra effort and add to the cost.
Emergency calls or after-hours service typically come at a premium. Weekends, holidays, or urgent responses may carry higher rates.
While actual pricing depends on your specific situation, here’s a general guide to help set expectations:
Basic Leak Detection: $100 – $300
For simple leaks identified through visual inspections or basic tools.
Advanced Leak Detection: $300 – $1,000+
For complex cases requiring tools like infrared cameras, acoustic sensors, or ground-penetrating radar.
Emergency Services: $200 – $500+
For urgent situations requiring immediate attention outside regular hours.
Investing in expert leak detection now can save you from thousands in repairs later. At AquaSmart Plumbing, we use advanced, non-invasive technology to locate leaks quickly and accurately — helping homeowners across Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ protect their property and avoid unnecessary stress.
📞 Get a personalized quote today at (480) 825-2426, or schedule a consultation to discuss your specific needs.