Leaks start small and get expensive fast. Left alone, they cause water damage, mold, structural issues, and higher utility bills. Our team in Ann Arbor makes leak detection simple for homeowners by sharing what to look for and by using professional tools to pinpoint problems quickly and accurately. Our promise is straightforward: we arrive on time, diagnose the issue, explain your options, and fix it right.
Everyday Signs Homeowners Can Spot
Some signs of leaks are easy to miss, while others are hard to ignore. An unexpected spike in your water bill may be your first clue. You might also hear the sound of running water when all fixtures are off, or notice musty odors that suggest hidden moisture.
Stains on walls or ceilings, changes in floor temperature, or warped materials like wood and vinyl often point to slow leaks behind the surface. And of course, puddles near sinks, toilets, or spigots should never be ignored.
Simple At-Home Tests You Can Do
Homeowners can try a few quick tests to narrow down whether a leak is present:
- Toilet dye test: Add food coloring to the toilet tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, water is leaking past the flapper.
- Meter check: Shut off all water in the home and watch the meter. Movement after 15–30 minutes means water is escaping somewhere.
- Irrigation isolation: Turn off irrigation valves, then repeat the meter test to confirm if the leak is inside or outside.
These steps won’t always show you exactly where the leak is, but they can confirm if calling in a professional is the right move.
When It’s Time to Call Us
Not every leak is easy to track down, and that’s where our team comes in. If you see stains, buckling floors, or swelling around cabinets, it’s time to act quickly. A meter that confirms water flow when nothing is running is also a red flag. And if you suspect a slab leak or an underground issue, professional tools will save you time, stress, and unnecessary damage.
How We Professionally Detect Leaks
We use advanced technology to pinpoint leaks with precision. Acoustic listening equipment helps us hear the sound of escaping water behind walls or even under slabs. Infrared thermal cameras highlight temperature changes that reveal moisture, while electronic moisture meters confirm what’s happening inside building materials.
For underground or drain issues, we use small waterproof cameras to inspect pipes directly. Pressure testing can also tell us if a specific line is losing water. These methods mean less guesswork, less demolition, and faster solutions for you.
Common Places Leaks Hide
Leaks can happen almost anywhere in a plumbing system, but some spots are more prone than others. Toilets with worn-out flappers or seals are a common culprit. Faucets and shower valves may drip constantly if cartridges or washers fail.
Appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines have small supply lines that can split. Water heaters may corrode at their connections or tanks, creating slow leaks that go unnoticed until damage sets in. And outdoors, spigots and irrigation lines often develop cracks from seasonal changes.
Why Homeowners Choose Us for Leak Detection
When you call us, you get more than tools and training; you get our commitment to ethics, professionalism, punctuality, and reliability. We are honest about what we find, and our plumbers are background-checked, drug-tested, and highly skilled.
We respect your time, backing it with our on-time guarantee: If there’s any delay, it’s you we pay! Most importantly, we stand behind our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you know your home is in the best hands.
What Happens During a Professional Visit
Our process is simple and designed to give you peace of mind. We start by listening to your concerns and reviewing any tests you’ve already done. Then we perform our own diagnostics, beginning with meter checks and moving to specialized tools as needed.
Once we find the source, we document what we discover, explain your options, and, when possible, complete same-day repairs. That way, you get fast answers and solutions without unnecessary delays.
Preventing Future Leaks
The best way to deal with leaks is to stop them before they happen. Replacing old supply lines with braided stainless steel, upgrading shutoff valves, and scheduling routine plumbing inspections all reduce your risk.
Many homeowners also install leak sensors and smart shutoff valves for extra protection. For high-risk areas like water heaters or washing machines, drip pans and drains provide extra insurance against sudden leaks.
What To Do If You Suspect a Leak Right Now
If you think you have an active leak, act fast:
- Shut off water at the fixture or main valve.
- Turn off power if water is near outlets or appliances.
- Call us for expert leak detection and repair.
- Document any visible damage with photos for your records.
Call to Action
Don’t let a small leak become a major repair. If you notice warning signs, need confirmation, or want proactive peace of mind, schedule leak detection with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® today. We arrive on time, explain everything clearly, and stand behind our work.
