Leak Detection & Repair
Don't let hidden leaks damage your home. Shaw Plumbing's experienced team finds and fixes water leaks fast throughout Melbourne FL and Brevard County.
Call (321) 626-6153How Do You Find a Hidden Water Leak?
Finding a hidden leak means locating water that is escaping where you cannot see it -- inside a wall, under the floor, or in a buried supply line. Rather than opening drywall or flooring at random, a plumber uses detection equipment to pinpoint the source first, then repairs only what has to be opened.
Some leaks announce themselves: wood floors buckle, drywall crumbles, or paint bubbles. Others stay silent for months and show up only as a water bill that climbs without any change in how much water you use. Shaw Plumbing inspects the whole system -- fixtures, supply lines, and drains -- to trace the leak to its exact location with minimal disruption to your home.
Early detection is critical. A small leak behind a wall can lead to mold growth, structural damage, and expensive repairs if it is left unchecked. If you suspect a leak, don't wait -- call Shaw Plumbing for a thorough inspection.
What Are the Warning Signs of a Water Leak?
- Unexplained increase in water bills
- Water stains on walls or ceilings
- Musty or mildew smell
- Warped or buckled flooring
- Sound of running water when fixtures are off
- Hot spots on the floor (indicates hot water line leak)
Where Do Hidden Leaks Usually Start?
Hidden leaks fall into a few common categories, and where the leak is determines how it gets found and fixed:
- Fixture and wall leaks -- pinhole failures in the lines feeding sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets often leak inside the wall cavity, showing up as stains, soft drywall, or mildew.
- Underground and yard-line leaks -- the main line running from the meter to your home can leak below ground, causing soggy spots in the yard, a drop in water pressure, or a water meter that keeps turning with everything shut off.
- Slab leaks -- pipes running through or beneath a concrete foundation are among the hardest to find and the most damaging if they are ignored.
Is the leak under your slab? Warm spots on the floor, foundation cracks, or the sound of running water with everything shut off usually point to a leak beneath your foundation. That is a specialized job -- see our slab leak detection page for how we locate and repair leaks under the concrete.
When Should You Call a Plumber About a Leak?
Call as soon as you suspect one. A small leak behind a wall can lead to mold growth, structural damage, and costly repairs the longer it runs. If your water bill jumps, you hear running water with every fixture off, or you see stains, warping, or musty odors, have the system inspected before the damage spreads. Once the leak is located, most fixes are straightforward -- and our repair and maintenance team handles the repair.
Recent leak and pipe repair work
Leak Detection FAQs
How do plumbers detect a hidden water leak?
Plumbers locate hidden leaks with detection equipment rather than by guessing. Acoustic listening tools amplify the sound of water escaping under pressure, a pressure test shows whether the leak is on the supply or drain side, and line tracing follows pipes through walls and underground. This pinpoints the exact spot so only the affected area has to be opened.
What are the signs of a hidden water leak in my home?
The most common signs are an unexplained jump in your water bill, water stains on walls or ceilings, a musty or mildew smell, warped or buckled flooring, and the sound of running water when every fixture is off. Warm spots on the floor can signal a hot-water line leaking beneath the slab.
Can a hidden leak cause serious damage?
Yes. Left unchecked, a small hidden leak can rot framing, ruin drywall and flooring, and create the constant moisture that mold needs to grow. The longer water runs behind a wall or under a floor, the more extensive and expensive the repair becomes, which is why early detection matters.
How do I know if my leak is a slab leak?
A leak is likely under your slab if you notice warm spots on the floor, cracks in the foundation or walls, or the sound of running water with everything shut off. Slab leaks need specialized detection -- see our slab leak detection page for how we find and repair leaks beneath a concrete foundation.
Need a Plumber?
Call Shaw Plumbing.
Fast, reliable plumbing services for Melbourne and all of Brevard County. 36 years of plumbing experience, serving the Space Coast since 2017. Licensed and insured.