Water leak detection
Though leaks and drips might not seem like a big deal at first, they should be quickly dealt with by a professional so they don’t become much bigger issues that lead to serious property damage. Oftentimes difficult to notice until it’s too late, there are a few signs homeowners can look out for like mold growth in unusual areas. Be sure to call The 5 Star Plumbing if you hear water dripping within your walls or notice a sudden and unforeseen rise in your water bill.
Since most leaks start small and grow into a large-scale water gushing calamity, it’s imperative to know the warning signs of pipe leakage. Leaks don’t deal with themselves. Once a leak starts, it won’t stop until it is properly dealt with.
We offer same-day service, online booking, upfront pricing, 24/7 customer service and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Whether you’re from Pasadena, Anaheim, or Irvine, our customer service will be available to accommodate your every plumbing service needs.Call us at (855) 999-4417 to schedule a service technician visit today.
FAQ
Q: How do I know if I have a water leak?
A: Turn off all the water in your home and record the number on your water meter. Wait at least 20 minutes and return to check the number on your meter. If the number has changed, you have a water leak.
Q: How do I find water leaks?
A: Check your toilet tanks, look beneath your bathroom and kitchen sinks, examine your bathtub faucets and showerheads, check for puddles near your water heater and leaks near your washing machine hoses. Also, look at outside spigots and possible leaks in your irrigation system.
Q: Could my water leak be a hidden water leak?
A: If you notice odd mold or mildew, unusually damaged paint or wallpaper, sagging walls, stained ceilings, or persistent hissing sounds inside your walls, it’s possible you have a hidden water leak.
Leak Detection in Los Angeles and Orange County
Leak detection in Los Angeles starts with one question: where is the water going? Many leaks run inside walls, under concrete slab floors or along the buried line from the meter to the house. Homes across Los Angeles County and Orange County, from Santa Monica and Sherman Oaks to Long Beach and Torrance, share the same problem: by the time a leak shows, it has often run for weeks. The U.S. EPA’s WaterSense program estimates that household leaks can waste more than 9,300 gallons a year in an average home.
Warning signs of a hidden water leak
- The water meter’s leak indicator moves while every fixture is off.
- An unexplained jump in your water bill, or running water sounds when nothing is on.
- Warm spots on the floor, a common sign of a hot water slab leak.
- Bubbling paint, ceiling stains or a musty smell (see our guide to rising water bills and wall stains).
- Pressure dropping at several fixtures; our article on low water pressure in the house explains how to test it.
- Soggy patches in the yard along the main water line.
Common causes of household leaks
Typical causes are older copper or galvanized pipes corroding from the inside, pinhole leaks, water pressure set too high, worn toilet flappers and supply hoses, and pipes stressed by soil movement under a foundation. Leaks also start at the water heater; see our guide to a water heater leaking from the bottom
Slab Leaks: What Homeowners Should Know
A slab leak is a leak in a water line beneath or inside a concrete foundation. Signs include warm floors, lifting flooring and a meter that never stops. Once it is located, the usual options are a spot repair through the slab, rerouting the line through walls or the attic, or replacing aging pipe with whole-home repiping. Our slab leak repair cost guide for Los Angeles compares these methods.
How Professional Leak Detection Works
Professional water leak detection aims to pinpoint the leak before anyone opens a wall or breaks concrete. Common non-invasive methods:
- Pressure testing to isolate which line is losing pressure.
- Acoustic equipment that hears water escaping a pressurized pipe.
- Thermal imaging to spot leaking hot water lines.
- Moisture meters to map how far water has spread.
For earlier warning next time, smart leak detection systems can shut off water automatically.
What to do if you suspect a leak right now
- Run a meter test: LADWP recommends turning off every water source and checking whether the meter’s leak gauge still moves.
- If water is visibly spreading, close the main shutoff valve and turn off power or gas to the water heater.
- Photograph any damage for your records.
- Read how to handle a burst pipe while waiting for a plumber, and see our emergency plumbing page for urgent situations.
Permits and Local Rules
Finding a leak does not usually need a permit, but the repair can. In the City of Los Angeles, LADBS states that plumbing permits are required for installing or modifying plumbing systems, including potable water piping, such as replacing or rerouting a leaking line. Other cities in Los Angeles County and Orange County, and unincorporated areas, have their own building departments.
What Affects the Cost of Leak Detection and Repair
Cost depends on where the leak is, access, pipe material, the number of leaks, the repair method and how much drywall, flooring or concrete must be restored. For a national reference, Angi reports that slab leak detection costs an average of about $280 (most homeowners pay $150 to $400), and that slab leak repair averages about $2,280 including detection, with most homeowners paying $630 to $4,400. These are national averages from Angi, not The 5 Star Plumbing’s prices, and costs in the Los Angeles area can differ.
Our contact page lists the ways to reach us, and our Los Angeles plumbing page covers the wider area, including Pasadena.
Sources: U.S. EPA WaterSense, Fix a Leak Week; LADWP, How to Detect a Water Leak; LADBS, Plumbing Permits; Angi, Slab Leak Repair Cost (2026).
Water Leak Detection FAQs
How much does leak detection cost?
It depends on the home and the type of leak. Angi reports a national average of about $280 for slab leak detection ($150 to $400 for most homeowners). That is a national figure, not The 5 Star Plumbing’s pricing.
Is professional leak detection worth it?
Usually, yes. Pinpointing a leak before opening walls or floors keeps demolition small. The EPA notes that fixing easily corrected household leaks can save homeowners about 10 percent on water bills.
Can a hidden leak cause low water pressure?
Yes. A leak in a supply or main line lets water escape before it reaches your fixtures. Other causes are covered in our low water pressure guide.
Do I need a permit to repair a leaking pipe in Los Angeles?
Often, yes. In the City of Los Angeles, LADBS requires plumbing permits for modifying potable water piping. Other cities set their own rules.
