Leak Detection in Greensboro, NC

Signs you have a leak you can't see

• A water bill noticeably higher than the same month last year, with no change in use
• The meter dial moving with every faucet and appliance off
• Warm spots on a floor, or the sound of running water when nothing is on
• Stains, bubbling paint or a musty smell on a wall or ceiling
• A patch of lawn that stays green or soggy in dry weather

Two checks to try first

The City of Greensboro's Water Resources department suggests a couple of tests anyone can do.

The overnight shutoff test. Turn off every fixture and water-using appliance, then close the main shutoff valve, which the City notes is often under the house, in a closet or near the water heater. If the meter still shows water use, either that valve isn't holding or the leak is outside, on the line between the meter and the house.

The toilet dye test. Put about 10 drops of food coloring in the tank and don't flush for at least an hour. Color in the bowl means the toilet is leaking, usually from a worn flapper or fill valve. Toilets are the most common quiet leak and the easiest fix, so rule them out before paying for detection.

How a plumber finds a hidden leak

Plumbers match the tool to the situation rather than opening things up to look.

• Pressure testing isolates sections of pipe to show which one is losing pressure.
• Acoustic listening picks up the sound of water escaping under a slab, inside a wall or underground.
• Thermal imaging spots temperature differences, which is useful for hot water lines.
• Moisture meters confirm how far water has spread into drywall or subfloor.

Whose leak is it?

If the shutoff test points outside, location matters. The City is responsible for leaks up to your property boundary; the service line from there to the house is the owner's. A leak in the street or at the meter is the City's to fix, so report it to Water Resources dispatch at 336-373-2033.

Why age matters here

About 43% of Greensboro homes were built before 1980, per Census survey data. Pipe and fittings that old are more likely to have pinhole leaks or failing joints, so an older home with an unexplained bill increase is a good candidate for detection.

What affects the cost

Price depends on how many methods it takes, whether the leak is under a slab, in a wall or in the yard, and how much access the house gives. Detection and repair are often quoted separately, so ask which you're being priced for.