24-Hour Leak Detection in Portland, OR

Leaks we trace across the home

If water is escaping where you can't see it, we'll locate it — and in most cases repair it on the same visit:

• Slab leaks under the concrete foundation
• Underground main water-line leaks in the yard
• In-wall and under-floor supply and drain leaks
• Pinholes in copper and corroded galvanized lines
• Silent toilet, fixture, and water-heater leaks

What it costs — and what you save

Most detection visits run $150–$450 and the fee applies toward the repair. Set against the cost of repairing water-damaged drywall, flooring, and framing — or months of an inflated water bill — finding the leak early is almost always the cheaper path.

Can you find a leak with no visible water damage?

Yes — that's exactly what electronic leak detection is for. Many leaks run for weeks inside walls, under floors, or beneath the slab with no stain or puddle to point to, showing up only as a high bill or the faint sound of running water. Acoustic listening, thermal imaging, and pressure testing let us pinpoint the source without visible clues, so we open one small access point at the leak rather than guessing.

How accurate is leak detection — will you open multiple walls?

Very accurate, and no. The whole point of detection is to avoid exploratory demolition: we locate the leak to within a small area before any cutting, then access just that spot. Acoustic equipment hears water escaping under pressure, thermal cameras see the temperature difference a leak creates, and pressure testing isolates which line is losing water. You get a precise repair, not a wall full of holes.

What are the most common hidden leaks in older Portland homes?

The usual suspects are pinholes in aging copper, failing joints in galvanized supply lines, slab leaks in mid-century homes built on concrete, leaks at the water-heater and washer connections, and silent toilet leaks that waste water around the clock. Underground service-line leaks in the yard are common too. Portland's wet ground and decades-old plumbing make all of these more frequent here than in newer, soft-water regions.

How much water can a hidden leak waste?

A surprising amount. The EPA estimates household leaks waste nearly a trillion gallons nationwide each year, and a single hidden leak can quietly run thousands of gallons a month — enough to noticeably raise your Portland Water Bureau bill. Beyond the waste, an unaddressed leak rots subfloors and framing and feeds mold, so finding it early saves both water and far more expensive structural repairs.

Is a higher water bill always a leak?

Not always — seasonal irrigation, guests, or a new appliance can raise usage — but a sudden jump with no lifestyle change is one of the clearest signs of a hidden leak. The quickest check: shut off every fixture and watch your water meter; if it keeps moving, water is escaping somewhere. If it does, that's the moment to call for detection before the leak does real damage.