Leak Detection

Signs You May Have a Hidden Leak

• Water bill spiking with no change in usage habits
• The sound of running water when nothing is turned on
• Damp, warm, or soft spots on floors, walls, or ceilings
• Mold or mildew smell in areas that should stay dry
• Reduced water pressure across multiple fixtures with no obvious cause
• Foundation cracks or shifting — can indicate a slab leak that has been present for some time

How Non-Invasive Leak Detection Works

• Acoustic detection: sensitive amplification equipment listens for the sound of water escaping through a pipe leak behind walls or under slabs
• Electronic tracing: electrical leak-tracing equipment identifies the path of water travel, narrowing the location before any surface is disturbed
• Thermal imaging: infrared cameras detect temperature differences caused by water behind walls or under flooring, revealing the leak area without any demolition

All three methods locate the leak precisely before any wall, floor, or foundation is opened — which keeps repair costs significantly lower than exploratory work.

Slab Leaks in Simi Valley Homes

Slab leaks are particularly common in Simi Valley homes built between 1950 and 1980 with copper pipe. Copper reacts with the alkaline soil chemistry common in Ventura County and develops pinhole leaks over decades. The leak occurs under the concrete foundation, which is why warm spots on the floor or a water bill spike with no visible source are the first signs. If a slab leak is detected, the pipe section may need spot repair or full replacement depending on how widespread the corrosion is. If a pipe replacement is needed after detection, our pipe replacement in Simi Valley service covers that next step.

What Leak Detection Costs

• Standard leak detection: $150–$400
• Slab leak detection with additional equipment: $300–$600
• Repair cost varies based on leak location, pipe material, and access

For area-specific service, see our leak detection in Simi Valley page. If a gas leak is suspected rather than a water leak, see our gas leak detection services page instead. Get a free leak detection cost estimate or a free gas leak detection estimate ahead of your visit.