The Complete Guide to Water Leaks in Phoenix AZ

When people call us for Leak Detection Services they typically have a few questions, they like to ask before scheduling service. Below is a list of the most common questions asked of us.

I just received a massive water bill. Do you think I have a leak?

Sudden high water bills can be a sign of a leak. Before scheduling leak detection services, it will be important to check for any obvious signs of a leak. The most common areas for hidden leaks to occur are in the toilets. The plastic parts in the toilet tank only last 5-10 years before a replacement is warranted. Often, the parts in the toilet tank will allow water to escape right into the toilet bowl unnoticed. By adding a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank, you can view water seeping into the bowl if a leak is present.

I can hear water running, but don’t see any water surfacing, do I have a leak?

This is the most common sign of a slab leak. When we receive a call about running water sounds, 90% of the time it is a slab leak.

By utilizing thermal imagery, acoustic leak detection equipment, and water line tracing tools, we are capable of finding even the smallest of slab leaks.

I have a high water bill, but my water meter is not moving. Where is my leak?

Several different problems can cause this symptom. Deteriorating floats for the pool filler may cause this. New irrigation sprinkler heads emitting additional water flow. Leaks in the PVC piping when the irrigation is running. Automatic floats to a pond. Leaks in the drip system may cause this symptom also.

If you are experiencing a high water bill, but no sign of a leak; don’t worry, we can handle it.

Once you find the leak, can you fix it?

Yes. We are experts in the plumbing repair industry and can fix any leak you have.

What happens if the leak is under my slab?

We can fix those too. We can also complete a water line re-route. This includes abandoning the old, leaking water line under your slab and running an entirely new water pipe. This is usually the preferred method of repair when you experience a slab leak.

Will water under my slab cause foundation issues?

Water under a slab can induce foundation issues. If you believe you have a leak, a prompt repair would be prudent to avoid foundation issues. If your leak has only generated in the last few weeks, you’re probably okay. If it has been leaking for a few months, it’s best to have a foundation specialist evaluate your slab after the leak is found and repaired.

I have a sewer odor, can you pinpoint the source?

Yes. Sewer odors can derive from many different locations and be very tricky to locate. Plumber of Phoenix leak detection experts are skilled investigators. If you have a leak, we can find it.

My insurance told me to call you. Do you work with insurance?

Yes, we do. We work with homeowners insurance policies and home warranties. If you need leak detection services and they want to cover the bill for you, we can help.

Does my homeowners insurance cover the repairs too?

In many cases, the insurance does cover repair costs. Coverage will depend on your policy, insurance company, type of leak you have, and the proposed repair.

Why do people choose Plumber of Phoenix for Leak Detection in Phoenix?

1. We believe our job is to fix your problem, deliver the best service imaginable, take care of you, your property, and do everything we can to help you save money.
2. We carry advanced leak detection equipment to locate even the smallest of leaks
3. We can find the leak and fix the leak. You do not need to call multiple contractors for each repair.
4. We always respect your home. We wear shoe covers, place drop covers and mats wherever we place our tools.
5. We work with your insurance company to facilitate your claim and assist you with the entire process.

From irrigation leaks, to leaks under your slab, we repair them all. If a high water bill is your concern, calling a company that handles a great array of leaks is very important. We not only come to your home with the goal of repairing your problem, but also to provide you with a proper diagnose, and best purchasing decision for your home. We will take care of your problems from start to finish. Shopping with one company greatly simplifies the insurance claims process!

Prompt Service – There is no convenient time to be confronted with a possible water leak in your home. Most of the time, detecting these leaks is not something that can be conveniently postponed. Thankfully, we are here to help around the clock, with most appointments being made for 60-90 minutes from the time requested.

Experience and Equipment – We also come prepared for any possible leak that you may have with experience and all of the latest leak detection technology. We know all too well that the initial symptoms of a leak often disguise themselves for a leak of another origin. There is no leak that we cannot detect!

Possible Water Damage? – Are you worried about the potential of water damage associated with your water leak? There is no need to worry! All of our service professionals are trained and certified in remediating water damage, and if you are confused on the best way to proceed with a possible homeowner’s insurance claim, we have got you covered there too. We deal with insurance companies every day. We know how the process works, and will make filing for a claim as seamless as possible for you.

Call the Phoenix leak location and detection experts today at: 602-560-7778

Have signs of a subsurface water leak? Need to pinpoint its location?

Subsurface leaks can be challenging to find. Since leak detection instruments cannot be rented from your local tool rental, relying on a professional leak detector is the best way to locate the leak source.

Here at Plumber of Phoenix, we use leak detection equipment on a daily basis. Because we service 3,000 properties every year, we have amassed an enormous amount of experience detecting all sorts of water leaks. Through this accumulation of knowledge, we have listed some of the most common questions asked of us. By reading on, you will gain insight into leak detection and the repair methods.

What is leak detection?

Leak detection is a term used to describe the process of locating a pipe leak. This can be a leaking drain or sewer pipe, water pipe, gas pipe, or plumbing fixture. By utilizing a combination of tools, a professional leak detector can pinpoint the source of your leak.

What are the Methods of Leak Detection?

There are three, main methods of leak detection used for commercial and residential properties. These methods are listed below:

1.Hydrostatic Testing

A hydrostatic test is a way to test pipes for leaks, by filling them with water and pressurizing the system. This testing method is more commonly used when detecting a drain pipe leak. If you have a sewer odor or slab foundation problems, hydrostatic testing is an excellent way to locate the source.

2.Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging equipment senses the difference in temperature between items and then displays it on a camera screen. If you have hidden moisture in your walls that is not visible to the naked eye, a thermal imaging camera is capable of detecting the moisture. This type of leak detection is very commonly used when attempting to pinpoint a hot water leak.

3.Acoustic Detection

Acoustic leak detection equipment allows the professional leak detector to narrow down the source of the leak using equipment that pinpoints acoustic sound. When you have a water pipe leak, the water emitted from the pipe makes a distinct noise. This “noise,” can be detected by acoustic equipment. This method of leak detection is most commonly used when you are experiencing a slab leak.

What is a Slab Leak?

A slab leak is a term used to describe a water leak generating under your concrete slab. This can be a water pipe or a drain pipe.

What are some Slab Leak Symptoms?

The most common sign is water surfacing from under your flooring. This can be followed by hearing a constant “running water” sound in the walls. Additional symptoms may include foundation issues, cracks in your flooring, settling of your property, sudden cracks in your walls or drywall, and an unexpected warm spot on the floor. (This is usually due to a hot water pipe leaking causing the floor to heat)

What does a Slab Leak Repair Cost?

Pricing for repairs is calculated after the leak is detected. Pricing may vary based on the type of leak, location of the leak, size and type of material that is emitting the leak, and the properties construction design. These factors are considered before pricing is computed.Most slab leak repair costs in the Phoenix and surrounding area will range from $900 to $2200 to repair.

What is the Slab Leak Repair Options?

This would depend on whether your leak is deriving from a drain or water pipe.

If you have a water line leak, repairs usually consist of:

Direct access repair. This means excavating up the spot in your floor where the water pipe is located.

Water Pipe Reroute: This repair consists of abandoning the leaking water pipe under your floor, and installing a brand-new water pipe to your fixture. This is accomplished by utilizing attic and wall space to conceal the new pipe.

If you have a drain line leak, repairs usually consist of:

Direct access repair: Digging up the floor to access the drain is the most common method used to repair subsurface drain leaks. This type of repair can be a bit invasive to the property. Often, it is the only way to repair the drain.

Pipe Lining: Under certain conditions, a pipe leak can be sealed utilizing a pipe liner. This method is also known as a trenchless sewer repair. A fiberglass sleeve saturated in epoxy is inserted into your drain pipe. A balloon inflates the sleeve to take the shape of the pipe. This sleeve is cured, and the balloon is removed. You are left with a new pipe within the old leaking pipe. You can read more about trenchless technology here.

Do I have Slab Leak Insurance Coverage?

Coverage for slab leak repairs is mainly dependent on your insurance provider. Check your homeowners insurance policy to ascertain coverages. In many cases, we find that standard insurance policies provide some level of coverage for the typical slab leak.

Please take note that we are not an insurance company, nor are we affiliated with any insurance agents or brokers. The statements we make are solely based on our experience. It is always best to check with your insurance provider to determine your level of coverages.

Here are some facts about the leak detection process in Phoenix, every homeowner should now.

As you call around to find a company to perform leak detection in Phoenix, you may notice that most companies avoid discussing pricing until they are present at your property, often for a “trip fee.” Here at Plumber of Phoenix, however, we welcome pricing discussions over the phone. Being transparent, as well as very passionate about educating our customers, we can often narrow down the possible reasons for a leak over the phone, giving our clients some sought after insight regarding their problem. From there, we discuss the possible causes, repair options, and repair costs. We want our customers to know the potential costs of services before they commit to scheduling with us!

Does Plumber of Phoenix detect and repair all types of leaks?

No. We do not handle certain types of swimming pool leaks. Fortunately, this is something that is very easily distinguished from other leaks. With a few basic observations, a swimming pool leak can either be confirmed or ruled out. If a homeowner does not feel comfortable and/or confident performing any initial evaluation themselves, then we only charge $99.00 to complete this essential assessment. This fee is waived if leak detection is necessary.

What is the Leak Detection process?

Pinpointing a leak is a process of elimination. First, we conduct an audit of the plumbing system. This helps us rule out any obvious causes of a leak. We check all plumbing fixtures; the toilets, under the sinks, the water heater, pool filler, irrigation valves, and any other plumbing fixtures you may have. We perform a water meter reading, which informs us if a pressurized water leak is present. By shutting off individual valves and backflow devices, this will help us determine which water system may have the leak. Once established, we use electronic sub surface detection equipment to help us narrow down the source. We may also use line tracing equipment and thermal imaging equipment to assist in the leak location.

How long does it take to complete Leak Detection?

This would depend on the type of leak you have. If it is a hot water leak under your slab, an hour is usually all that is needed. If you are experiencing a leak outside your home, two hours may be necessary. Most leak detection services will take 1 to 3 hours.

If we have you repair the leak, is the Leak Detection service waived?

In most cases, yes. If your leak is under the slab, and we complete a water line reroute or an under slab repair, the leak detection services are waived.

Does the leak under my slab result in foundation problems?

If the leak is neglected, it can lead to a foundation problem. If you recently noticed the leak or discovered a high water bill, you probably don’t have anything to worry about. If the leak has persisted a few months, a foundation inspection may be warranted.

How much does leak detection in Phoenix cost?

That depends on where the leak is and what type of material the leaking plumbing component(s) are composed of. Most of the time, a mysterious high water bill is a result of a leaking water line under a house’s concrete slab. At Plumber of Phoenix, our primary objective is to offer the best, most financially sensible solutions possible, so we trace out the entire water line. What this does is determines the two above-ground endpoints for the leaking water line. With this information, we can provide a cost-effective solution to abandon that unreliable, leaking water line, and replace it entirely with a new water line above ground. Not only does such a solution provide far more value, but is it also usually far less invasive to your home, as well as cheaper. The new water line is installed with a modern PEX material. This PEX material, which is the industry standard for current house builds, is, unlike copper, very resilient to Arizona’s very hard water. What many people do not realize is that hard water is the cause of plumbing components breaking down. This above-ground solution is viable under most scenarios.

How can I avoid this problem from happening again?

As mentioned above, hard water is the cause of plumbing components breaking down. Addressing hard water with appropriate water treatment is a very financially sensible proactive approach to protecting your house’s plumbing components. Modern water treatment options not only treat the water to protect plumbing components but also treat water to make it safe and enjoyable to drink. These systems, while compared to old salt-based systems are more expensive to purchase, are very cheap to own, as they require virtually no maintenance or salt refilling.