Leak Detection & Water Line Services in San Diego, CA

Hidden leaks waste water, damage your home, and drive up bills without obvious signs. Pacific Drain & Plumbing uses advanced leak detection technology to find hidden leaks quickly, then repairs water lines properly the first time, backed by our lifetime workmanship guarantee.

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Our Leak Detection & Water Line Services

We provide complete leak detection and water line solutions.

Leak Detection Services

Advanced electronic and acoustic equipment locates hidden leaks in walls, slabs, and underground lines without destructive exploration.

Water Line Leak Repair

Professional repair using the least invasive methods possible to restore service quickly.

Underground Leak Detection

Specialized equipment pinpoints leaks in underground water lines running through yards or under driveways.

Slab Leak Detection & Repair

Precise location of leaks under concrete using electronic sensors and thermal imaging, followed by targeted repairs.

Water Line Replacement

Complete replacement of damaged or deteriorating water lines with modern materials.
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Why Leak Detection Matters in San Diego

Small leaks cause big problems when they go unnoticed. San Diego’s water rates make hidden leaks especially expensive.

What hidden leaks can do:

  • Water damage behind walls – Mold growth and rotted framing you won’t see until it’s serious
  • Foundation damage – Leaks under slabs erode soil and cause cracks
  • Landscaping destruction – Underground line leaks wash away soil and kill plants
  • Massive water bills – San Diego’s tiered pricing means you pay even more once you cross into higher brackets

Why San Diego homes are at risk:

  • Hard water attacks copper – Pinhole leaks from minerals eating pipes from the inside
  • Slab construction – Plumbing runs through or under concrete, making leaks hard to spot
  • Water pressure stress – Municipal pressure combined with temperature changes stresses connections
  • Age – Many homes still have original pipes from 30-50 years ago

The cost of detection is tiny compared to repairing damage from leaks that go undiscovered.

Signs You Might Have a Hidden Leak

These indicators suggest a leak somewhere in your plumbing.

  • Unexplained water bill increases – Usage jumping 15-20% or more without changing habits
  • Sound of running water – Hearing water when all fixtures are off
  • Wet or warm floor spots – Unexplained dampness on floors, especially over slabs
  • Musty odors – Mold and mildew smells from hidden moisture
  • Water pressure drops – Sudden decreases can indicate leaks in your lines
  • Foundation or wall cracks – Moisture erodes soil and causes structural movement
  • Extra green patches in yard – Grass growing faster in certain spots
  • Water meter constantly moving – Movement when all water is off confirms active leaks

Don’t wait for obvious flooding. Professional detection finds problems before they cause major damage.

How We Find Hidden Leaks

Modern leak detection uses technology instead of guesswork and demolition.

Step 1: Isolation testing

  • We isolate different sections of your plumbing
  • This narrows down where the leak might be
  • Eliminates large areas so we can focus our search

Step 2: Electronic leak detection

  • Sensitive audio equipment picks up the sound of water escaping under pressure
  • Works through walls, floors, and concrete
  • Pinpoints leaks within inches without breaking anything randomly

Step 3: Thermal imaging

  • Infrared cameras show temperature differences from moisture
  • Water behind walls or under floors creates cold spots we can see
  • Identifies problem areas without opening walls blindly

Step 4: Tracer gas (for underground lines)

  • We pressurize isolated sections with inert gas
  • Sensors detect where it’s escaping
  • Pinpoints underground leaks even under landscaping or driveways

Once we locate the leak precisely, we determine the repair approach that balances effectiveness with minimal property damage.

Slab Leaks: A Special Challenge

Slab leaks are common in San Diego and potentially serious. When pipes in or under your foundation develop leaks, the water erodes soil supporting your house.

Warning signs:

  • Doors that suddenly don’t close right
  • Cracks appearing in walls or ceilings
  • Uneven floors
  • Warm spots on flooring
  • Sound of running water with everything off

Why San Diego homes get slab leaks:

  • Hard water and copper don’t mix – Minerals create electrolysis reactions with copper, especially when pipes contact concrete and rebar
  • Electrochemical corrosion – Eats away pipes from the outside in, creating pinhole leaks
  • Age factor – Older homes with original copper plumbing are especially susceptible

We locate slab leaks precisely before any concrete cutting. Our equipment works through the slab to pinpoint within a few inches, meaning we open exactly where needed.

Mauzy Cooling, Heating, Plumbing, and Electrical customer reviews on Google

Pacific Drain & Plumbing is a Mauzy brand. The reviews below are from Mauzy customers in San Diego, served by the same team that handles Pacific Drain jobs.

Areas We Serve

From booking to completion, our streamlined process ensures hassle-free, efficient handyman services. Just follow the steps below, and we’ll handle the rest, delivering quality work you can count on.

Pacific Drain Service Area Map

Emergency Plumbing Frequently Asked Questions

How do you detect leaks without tearing up my house?

We use electronic acoustic equipment, thermal imaging, and pressure testing to locate leaks precisely before any demolition. This pinpoints problems within inches.

What causes slab leaks in San Diego homes?

Hard water combined with copper pipes in concrete creates electrolysis that corrodes pipes. Ground shifting, high water pressure, and age also contribute.

How much water does a small leak waste?

Even a pinhole leak can waste 20-30 gallons per day. With San Diego's tiered rates, this adds up fast.

Can you detect leaks behind tile without removing it?

Yes, our equipment works through tile, hardwood, laminate, and carpet. We locate the leak first, then determine the least invasive access.

How long does leak detection take?

Most residential detection takes 1-3 hours depending on home size and plumbing layout.

Will insurance cover leak detection and repairs?

Many policies cover sudden and accidental leaks, but coverage varies. We can provide detailed documentation for your claim.

Do you guarantee you'll find the leak?

Yes. If we can't locate it, you don't pay for detection. Our repairs carry our lifetime workmanship guarantee.

Connect with Pacific Drain today for guaranteed services!

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