Leak Detection in Winston-Salem, NC
There are some plumbing leaks that do not present an obvious puddle. Before a homeowner is aware of any trouble, water may have been making its way behind drywall, under the concrete slab or flooring, in a crawlspace, or through subterranean pipes for days and sometimes months on end. To stop hidden water from causing more extensive damage, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Triad offers professional leak detection to get to the source of the issue.
When it comes to a hidden water leak, some will make themselves known right away. In other cases, a stain on the ceiling or an uncharacteristic water bill is the first indication of a problem. Our local team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing considers unexplained water use, dampness, musty smells, low pressure, or the sound of running water as telltale warning signs. Proper leak detection can put a name to the problem and point the way to the correct repair.
Warning Signs of a Hidden Leak
Among the indicators that you might have a concealed leak are:
- Dampness on walls or floors
- Mold or mildew where it should not be
- A water meter in motion with all fixtures turned off
- Warmth in the floor over a hot water line
- Peeling paint, damaged drywall, or water at the foundation
- A spike in water use or diminished pressure
It is better to find these early; doing so can save your property from harm and keep what would otherwise be a major project from becoming an expensive one.
Slab and Underground Plumbing
You cannot put the same kind of fix on a slab or an underground line as you would on a faucet in plain view. Take a slab leak: it is out of sight, occurring where a line has failed beneath the concrete foundation. Our local experts will not hesitate to call attention to any warm areas on a concrete floor for immediate repair; that can be a sign of a hot water line giving way. You might also notice dampness underfoot or the sound of running water.
We have no interest in needlessly tearing into the home to find the problem. Instead, we make use of our technology and equipment to do a more focused search. The methods at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing are designed to track down leaks in walls, above ceilings and around the foundation while keeping disruption to a minimum. After the plumber has the source, it is a matter of deciding if a targeted fix, pipe replacement or more involved system work is called for.
Older Homes and Added Risks
There is a special case to be made for leak detection when it comes to the area’s older housing. According to service data from the region, you will find galvanized piping in some of the historic West End and Ardmore properties. Over time, internal corrosion has a way of building up in such pipes, restricting flow and eventually causing them to fail. In other homes we have noted issues with the likes of older polybutylene and galvanized lines as well.
A homeowner might put down a minor symptom such as discoloration, a small wet spot or low pressure to old pipes. But in many instances, one leak is enough to suggest that other parts of the water line are nearing the end of their run. Proper detection and repair is about more than mending a wet spot. An experienced plumber will take the time to assess the state of the surrounding piping and put forward why a wider replacement may be called for over a localized fix.
Piedmont Soil and Underground Water Lines
You should not overlook what is going on outside the home, for it can be of equal import. Take the red clay of the Triad, for instance; it has a propensity to retain moisture and is different with the changing of the seasons. Our local plumbing experts will tell you that this shifting clay places more than its fair share of strain on the underground infrastructure.
As a result, an underground water leak is not something you can readily see. A line may have given way and seeped into the soil without fanfare, while a damp spot in the grass might well be put down to rain or the irrigation system. But there are indicators to be had: unexplained sogginess, a lawn that is greener than it ought to be, or a loss of pressure. Should water use continue even with all the fixtures in the house turned off, a plumber would consider those the sort of clues needed to determine whether the problem lies in the home or below ground.
Using Your Water Meter to Detect a Leak
The meter is a good place to start. Our leak guide suggests this simple test: shut off the faucets and appliances and have a look at the meter. Should it still be registering usage when nothing is running, there is likely a concealed leak between the meter and your fixtures. The meter will confirm the water is moving but not where it is coming from, which is where we come in. In the case of an active major leak, do what is safe and cut off the supply while you put in for service.
Private Water Lines and Utility Leaks
One should also be clear on ownership of the water system. Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities will handle main breaks in the street; any break on private property is the responsibility of the owner. If there is a suspected public rupture or sewer overflow, put in a call to CityLink to have utility crews make an assessment. For anything on your end, from the yard to the private service line, a plumber is required.
Leak Detection Services Across the Triad
We cover homes and businesses in Greensboro, High Point, Kernersville, Winston-Salem, and the vicinity with our full range of detection and repair. With our equipment, we can find the hard ones, like leaks behind a wall or under a slab.
There is something to be said for serving the Piedmont. You have your historic neighborhoods and old growth trees, not to mention the chance to get outdoors. Old Salem is a destination in its own right, and you can enjoy the mild weather on the patio at Muddy Creek Café in the historic district.
For any unexplained loss of water or a suspected problem with an underground line, give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Triad a ring to set up an appointment.
Your Privacy Choices
© 2026 Benjamin Franklin Franchising SPE LLC. All Rights Reserved. 
