Water Leak Detection & Repair in Arlington Heights, IL

We invest in professional-grade leak detection equipment that allows us to find hidden leaks without unnecessary demolition:

Electronic Leak Detection — Specialized sensors detect the sound of water escaping from pressurized pipes, even through concrete, tile, and drywall. This is our primary tool for locating leaks in supply lines behind walls and under floors.

Thermal Imaging (Infrared Camera) — Thermal cameras detect temperature differences in walls, floors, and ceilings caused by water presence. A wet area behind drywall shows a distinctly different thermal signature than dry material, allowing us to map the extent of water migration without opening walls.

Acoustic Leak Detection — Ground microphones and contact sensors amplify the sound of water escaping from underground pipes. This technology is essential for finding slab leaks — leaks in water supply lines running under or through your concrete foundation.

Pressure Testing — We isolate and pressurize sections of your plumbing system to determine if and where pressure drops occur. This definitively confirms whether a leak exists and helps narrow the location.

Meter Flow Analysis — By monitoring your water meter with all fixtures off, we can determine if water is flowing when it shouldn't be — confirming a hidden leak exists somewhere in the system.

Moisture Meters — Handheld moisture detection tools that measure moisture levels in drywall, wood, and other building materials to track the path of water migration and identify the source.

Different types of leaks require different detection and repair approaches:

Slab Leaks — Water supply lines running under or through your concrete foundation develop pinhole leaks from corrosion (copper pipes) or deterioration (older materials). Signs include warm spots on the floor, the sound of running water when nothing is on, unexplained high water bills, and cracks in the foundation. Slab leaks are common in Arlington Heights ranch homes and split-levels built in the 1950s–1970s with copper supply lines under the slab.

Supply Line Leaks Behind Walls — Pinhole leaks in copper pipes caused by internal corrosion (especially in homes with aggressive water chemistry), failed solder joints, or frozen pipe damage. These leaks may go undetected for weeks, causing extensive hidden water damage.

Drain Leaks — Slow leaks from drain pipes, P-traps, and waste connections. These are insidious because they don't show up on your water bill — they only leak when a fixture is in use. Common in older cast iron drain pipes and at connections between different pipe materials.

Fixture Leaks — Leaking supply valves, worn faucet cartridges, toilet fill valves, and water heater connections. While often visible, these can also leak slowly behind walls or under vanities for months.

Underground Service Line Leaks — The water line from the street to your home can develop leaks from corrosion, ground shifting, or frost damage. Signs include a wet spot in the yard, reduced water pressure, and high water bills.

Your home's age tells us a lot about where leaks are most likely:

1950s–1960s Homes — Original galvanized steel supply pipes are the primary concern. After 60+ years, internal corrosion creates pinhole leaks and restricted flow. These homes often have original copper drain connections with lead solder that can fail. Check behind bathroom and kitchen walls for signs of moisture.

1970s–1980s Homes — Copper supply lines are generally in good condition, but solder joints (especially pre-1986 lead solder) can develop pinhole leaks. Some homes in this era have polybutylene (gray plastic) supply lines that are prone to sudden, catastrophic failure. If your home has polybutylene, we strongly recommend proactive replacement.

1990s–2000s Homes — Copper and early PEX supply systems. Primary leak points are at brass fittings and valves. Water heater connections and washing machine supply valves are common failure points.

Newer Homes (2010+) — Modern PEX supply systems with fewer joints and better materials. Leaks in newer homes typically occur at fixture connections, improper installations, or from construction defects during the warranty period.

Once we've located the leak, we provide the appropriate repair:

Pinhole Leak Repair — For isolated pinhole leaks in copper pipes, we can cut out the damaged section and splice in new copper or transition to PEX. If multiple pinhole leaks are developing, this indicates systemic corrosion and we'll recommend repiping the affected section or the entire supply system.

Slab Leak Repair Options:

• Spot repair (jackhammer through the slab to access and repair the specific leak) — Most cost-effective for a single, accessible leak
• Reroute (abandon the leaking under-slab line and run a new line through the walls or ceiling) — Best when the under-slab pipe has systemic issues
• Full repipe (replace all under-slab supply lines with overhead routing) — Recommended when multiple slab leaks have occurred or the pipe shows widespread deterioration

Joint & Fitting Repairs — Replacing failed solder joints, compression fittings, or valve connections.

Underground Service Line Repair — Excavation and replacement of the damaged section of your water service line from the meter to the house.

Emergency Leak Containment — For active leaks causing water damage, we first isolate the leak by shutting off the appropriate valve or the main shutoff. We then perform the repair and test the system before restoring water service.

When we arrive for a leak detection call, protecting your home from further damage is our first priority:

Immediate Steps We Take:

1. Shut off water supply to the affected area (or main shutoff if needed)
2. Document the damage with photos for your insurance claim
3. Advise you on water extraction and drying (we can refer trusted water damage restoration companies in Arlington Heights)
4. Locate and repair the leak
5. Test the repair and restore water service

Insurance Claim Guidance: Most homeowner's insurance policies cover sudden, accidental water damage from plumbing failures. They typically do NOT cover damage from gradual leaks that have been occurring over time, or damage from deferred maintenance. This is why early detection is so important — a leak caught in days is more likely to be covered than one that's been leaking for months.

We provide detailed documentation of the leak location, cause, and repair for your insurance claim. Our written report includes photos, a description of the failure, and the repair performed.

Prevention Recommendations:

• Install water leak detection devices (smart sensors) near water heaters, washing machines, and under sinks
• Know the location of your main water shutoff valve
• Inspect visible plumbing connections annually
• Monitor your water bill for unexplained increases
• Consider a whole-house water shutoff system that automatically cuts water when a leak is detected

Leak Detection Service — $150–$400 depending on complexity and equipment required. If the leak location is obvious, detection costs are lower. Hidden slab leaks requiring acoustic and thermal detection equipment are at the higher end.

Standard Pipe Leak Repair (accessible location) — $200–$600 for cutting out the damaged section and splicing in new pipe.

Slab Leak Repair — $1,500–$4,000 for spot repair through the slab. $2,500–$6,000+ for rerouting the line through walls/ceiling.

Underground Service Line Repair — $1,500–$5,000+ depending on depth, location, and length of replacement needed.

Emergency Leak Response (after-hours) — Same repair costs plus emergency service fee. Given that water damage costs escalate rapidly ($1,000+ per hour in severe cases), emergency response is almost always worth the premium.

We provide written estimates before beginning repair work. The leak detection fee is typically applied toward the repair cost if we perform both services.