Leak Detection & Pipe Repair in Chicago
A higher water bill, a damp spot on the wall, or a musty smell in the basement. We find hidden leaks and fix the pipe, not just the symptom.
The Leaks You Can’t See Cause the Most Damage
A leak inside a wall, under a slab, or behind a shower surround doesn’t announce itself the way a dripping faucet does. Instead, you notice a water bill that’s crept up for no obvious reason, a soft spot in flooring, peeling paint, or a smell that won’t go away no matter how much you clean. By the time it’s visible, it’s often been running for a while, which means real damage to the structure around it, not just the pipe itself.
We use real leak detection methods to find the actual source before opening up walls or flooring, so the repair is targeted instead of exploratory.
Leaks tend to show up most often at pipe joints, around old fittings, and anywhere a supply line runs through an exterior wall exposed to Chicago’s winter temperature swings. Copper pipe can develop pinhole leaks from the inside out over decades, which means there’s often no visible corrosion on the outside to warn you. Catching it early is almost always less invasive and less expensive than waiting until the damage forces the issue.
Signs You Might Have a Hidden Leak
Rising Water Bill
A noticeable jump with no change in your household’s water use.
Damp Spots or Musty Smell
Soft drywall, warped flooring, or a persistent musty smell in one area of the house.
Low Water Pressure
A sudden pressure drop can mean water is escaping somewhere along the line.
Notice Any of These Signs? Let’s Find It Before It Spreads
Why This Isn’t a Job to Guess On
1. We Find It Before We Open Anything
Real leak detection means less demolition and a more accurate repair, not guessing which wall to cut into.
2. Written Price Before Any Cutting
You approve the repair cost before we open a wall or floor, not after.
3. We Clean Up the Access Area
Accessing a pipe sometimes means opening drywall or flooring. We leave that area as tidy as possible when we’re done.
Common Questions
How do you find a leak I can’t see?
We use listening equipment, moisture readings, and pressure testing to narrow down the location before any cutting starts.
Will you have to cut into my wall or floor?
Often some access is needed for the actual repair, but detection first means we open only what’s necessary, not multiple exploratory holes.
What causes pipes to start leaking in the first place?
Age and corrosion are common, especially in homes with original galvanized supply lines. Shifting foundations, freezing, and pinhole corrosion in copper pipe are other common causes.
Is a small leak really worth calling about?
Yes. A small leak today is often a bigger repair, and more water damage, six months from now. It’s cheaper to address early.
Think You Have a Hidden Leak?
Call now before it turns into a bigger repair.
Not sure if it’s an emergency? See our emergency plumbing page.