If you know what to watch for, you can stop a leak before it causes thousands in damage. The most common early warning signs include unexplained spikes in your water bill, the sound of running water when no fixtures are on, low water pressure, moldy smells, damp drywall, and even unusually lush patches of grass in the yard. If you see any of these indicators, especially near fixtures like your wall hydrant or hose bib, it’s time to act quickly.
We also get a lot of calls from customers who notice water pooling near their outside faucet or sillcock, especially in spring. That can signal a split pipe behind the wall caused by winter freezing. These types of leaks are easy to miss at first, but if ignored, they can soak insulation, rot wood framing, and even flood the basement.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is waiting too long to address a small leak. A pinhole leak under a sink or behind drywall might seem harmless at first, but over time it creates the perfect conditions for mold growth and structural rot. In extreme cases, slow leaks under the slab or inside the wall can damage flooring, ceilings, and even the home’s foundation.
It’s not just about the visible water. A persistent leak wastes gallons per day and forces your water heater and pressure systems to work overtime. That adds wear and tear across your entire plumbing system. We’ve seen it time and again. A $250 repair turns into a multi-thousand-dollar remediation job when someone delays.
Our leak detection process uses the best diagnostic tools available, paired with years of hands-on plumbing experience. Depending on the situation, we may use acoustic listening devices to pinpoint pipe noise, thermal imaging to detect temperature changes caused by escaping water, or video inspection cameras to see inside the pipes directly. For slab leaks or buried lines, we also offer pressure testing and tracer gas detection to isolate the problem without tearing up the entire floor or yard.
When a leak is behind your wall hydrant or hose bib, we carefully open up just the area we need, using moisture sensors and our inspection cameras to guide the process. That means faster diagnosis, smaller repairs, and less mess.
The most common leaks we deal with are behind toilets, under kitchen sinks, inside walls where hose bibs or sillcocks penetrate, and in the main service lines coming into the house. Each type requires a different approach. For example, a leaky outside faucet could be as simple as a worn washer or as serious as a cracked pipe behind brick or siding.
If it’s a leaking supply line, we’ll replace the damaged section with updated piping and secure fittings. For drainage issues, we may re-seal joints or replace traps. And if the leak is inside your wall or foundation, we make sure the repair is thorough and the surrounding materials are dried and safe before we close things back up.
The best way to avoid future leaks is to be proactive. We recommend annual inspections of all exposed plumbing, especially around older hose bibs, wall hydrants, and sillcocks. We can also install frost-proof outside faucets that are designed to protect against freeze damage. Inside the home, replacing worn supply lines, shutoff valves, and corroded fittings can head off issues before they begin.
If you’re noticing water where it shouldn’t be, or just want peace of mind, World Class Sewer and Drain is ready to help. Leak detection is one of our specialties, and we’ll make sure you’re not caught off guard by hidden damage.
We uphold the highest standards in the industry, using top-tier tools and techniques to get the job done right. With extensive knowledge and years of experience, we’re ready to handle any sewer or drain crisis, ensuring swift, professional service you can trust.
