Leak Detection
Leaks are not always easy to see. An unexplained high water bill, water stains, wet flooring, damp walls, mildew odors, low water pressure, the sound of running water when fixtures are off, or recurring leak symptoms may point to a hidden plumbing leak that needs professional diagnosis.
Wills Plumbing & Testing Service provides leak detection and plumbing leak diagnosis for customers throughout San Antonio and nearby communities, depending on location and current availability.
35 years of licensed plumbing experience in the San Antonio area — 33 of them as a licensed Master Plumber and Responsible Master Plumber (RMP).
Signs You May Have a Plumbing Leak
A plumbing leak is not always visible right away. Warning signs may include an unexplained high water bill, water stains, wet flooring, damp walls, mildew odors, low water pressure, the sound of running water when fixtures are off, or leak symptoms that keep returning after surface cleanup.
If water is actively leaking, spreading, or damaging floors, walls, ceilings, cabinets, or surrounding materials, customers should call Wills Plumbing & Testing Service to request service and reduce the risk of further damage.
Visible Leaks vs. Hidden Leaks
Some leaks are visible at fixtures, supply lines, shutoff valves, water heaters, or exposed piping. Other leaks may be hidden behind walls, under floors, below slabs, underground, or in areas that require testing and diagnostic evaluation before repair access can be planned.
Leak detection is a diagnostic process. In some cases, additional testing, access openings, excavation, tunneling, or specialized repair planning may be needed to confirm the source and complete the repair.
Our Leak Diagnosis Process
Wills Plumbing & Testing Service uses a logical diagnostic process before opening walls, floors, or other materials. We look at the symptoms, check accessible plumbing components, evaluate likely leak categories, and explain the next steps based on the suspected leak location, access conditions, risk, and property protection needs.
Some leaks can be narrowed down through visible inspection and basic testing, while others may require additional testing, access openings, excavation, tunneling, or more detailed repair planning before the leak source can be confirmed and repaired.
What We Inspect
During leak detection, Wills Plumbing & Testing Service may inspect meter behavior, signs of continuous water movement, accessible fixtures, shutoff valves, supply lines, walls, ceilings, floors, and water-damaged areas.
We also evaluate whether the leak appears pressurized, drain-related, fixture-related, or underground, and whether property conditions may affect locating, access, testing, excavation, tunneling, or specialized repair planning.
Slab Leak and Underground Leak Considerations
Suspected slab leaks or underground leaks may require additional diagnostic steps because the leak may be located below the foundation, under flooring, or outside the building. Wills Plumbing & Testing Service can explain when additional testing, tunneling, excavation, or specialized repair planning should be considered.
Tunneling or excavation should be considered only when the location and condition of the leak justify that level of access. Wills Plumbing & Testing Service will explain the practical repair options based on the property conditions and suspected leak location.
Repair Options After the Leak Is Found
After the likely leak source is identified, repair options may depend on the leak location, pipe material, access, severity, age of the system, and risk of additional damage. Some leaks may be repaired at the fixture, valve, or exposed piping. Others may require wall, floor, slab, underground, tunneling, or repiping considerations.
Leak detection and leak repair are related, but the exact repair scope depends on what is found during diagnosis and what access is required to complete the work properly.
Why Licensed Plumbing Experience Matters
Leak detection requires careful diagnosis before unnecessary access openings or repairs are recommended. Plumbing leaks can involve pressurized water lines, drain piping, fixture connections, underground piping, slab concerns, property protection, and code-aware repair planning.
Work is performed by or under the supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE), in accordance with applicable state and local plumbing codes. Wills Plumbing & Testing Service brings 35 years of licensed plumbing experience in the San Antonio area, including 33 years as a licensed Master Plumber and Responsible Master Plumber (RMP).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a hidden leak?
Warning signs may include an unexplained high water bill, water stains, damp flooring, damp walls, mildew odors, low water pressure, the sound of running water when fixtures are off, or recurring leak symptoms.
Can you find leaks behind walls or under slabs?
Wills Plumbing & Testing Service can evaluate hidden leak symptoms and explain the next diagnostic steps. Some leaks can be narrowed down through inspection and testing, while others may require access openings, excavation, tunneling, or specialized repair planning.
Does leak detection always require cutting into walls?
No. Leak detection starts with a logical diagnostic process before opening walls, floors, or other materials. However, some leaks may require additional access to confirm the source and complete the repair.
What happens after the leak is found?
Repair options depend on the leak location, pipe material, access, severity, age of the system, and risk of additional damage. Wills Plumbing & Testing Service explains the practical repair options after diagnosis.
Can a small leak cause major damage?
Yes. Even a small leak can damage floors, walls, ceilings, cabinets, and surrounding materials over time. Active leaks should be evaluated promptly to reduce the risk of further damage.
Should I shut off the water before you arrive?
If water is actively leaking, shut off the nearest fixture valve or the main water shutoff if you know where it is and it is safe to do so. Avoid using affected fixtures and keep the area clear.
Does leak detection automatically include repair?
Leak detection and leak repair are related, but the exact repair scope depends on what is found during diagnosis and what access is required to complete the work properly.
Need Help Now?
If you have an unexplained high water bill, water stains, damp flooring, low water pressure, or signs of a hidden plumbing leak, call Wills Plumbing & Testing Service to request leak detection.