Corona Signs You Have A Hidden Leak
The Meter Keeps Running
You shut off every fixture in the house and the water meter dial is still spinning. That points to a leak somewhere between the meter and a fixture, not a fixture itself.
A Water Bill That Makes No Sense
Usage jumps sharply with no change in how the household uses water. This is one of the most common reasons Corona homeowners call us, and it often traces back to a slab or yard line leak.
Warm Spots Or Damp Carpet
A warm patch on the floor usually means a hot water line leaking under the slab. Damp carpet or a musty smell near an exterior wall often means a supply or drain line leak inside the wall.
A Sound With Everything Off
A faint hissing or trickling sound when no fixture is running is a strong sign of a pressurized line leak somewhere in the system.
Leak Detection In Corona's Housing Stock
Much of central and south Corona was built out in the 1960s and 1970s with copper supply lines run under a concrete slab foundation. Copper that old is a common source of pinhole leaks, and once one forms under the slab, it often shows up first as a mysterious water bill rather than any visible sign. Corona's moderately hard water also speeds up mineral scale buildup inside older galvanized fittings, which is a second, unrelated way a slow leak can start at a joint that used to hold pressure fine. Homes in newer developments with PEX plumbing see far fewer of these calls, which is part of why we ask about the age and construction of your home before guessing at a cause.
Detection Methods We Actually Use
Acoustic Listening Equipment
Ground microphones and acoustic listening devices pick up the sound of water escaping a pressurized line, even under concrete or several feet of soil.
Electronic Amplification
For quieter leaks, electronic amplification equipment isolates the leak sound from background noise, narrowing the search area to a specific section of pipe.
Thermal Imaging
A thermal camera can spot the temperature difference a hot water line leak creates under a slab or behind drywall, without cutting into anything first.
Video Pipe Inspection
For drain and sewer line leaks, a video camera on a fiber-optic cable shows the inside of the pipe directly, confirming the leak's exact location and the pipe's condition.
Water Bill Spiked And You Don't Know Why?
We can usually pinpoint a leak the same day you call.
You Don't Need To Know Where The Leak Is Before You Call
Most people who call about a leak do not know where it is yet, only that something is wrong. That is normal, and it is exactly what leak detection is for. If the meter is running with every fixture off, if you do not know where the water is going, or if your bill went up and you cannot explain it, that is enough information to start. We narrow the search from there.
Self-Check vs Professional Detection
What You Can Check Yourself
- Meter test with everything off.
- Visual check of visible pipes and fixtures.
- Watching the water bill for a pattern.
What Needs Equipment
- Slab and under-foundation leaks.
- Leaks inside walls or ceilings.
- Underground yard or service line leaks.
- Leaks in a pool or spa plumbing loop.
What Affects The Cost Of Leak Detection
Homeowner insurance typically covers sudden, accidental leaks (a burst pipe) but not gradual leaks caused by long-term wear. We can tell you which category your leak likely falls into once we find it, but the final coverage decision is always your insurer's.
Common Questions
No. Most calls start with a high bill or a running meter and no known location. Finding it is what we do.
Not to find the leak. Acoustic and thermal equipment locates it without opening anything. Repair may require limited access once the leak is confirmed.
Yes, for a standard leak detection visit. If it is an active emergency leak, we prioritize stopping the damage and confirm pricing on-site.
Yes, pool and spa plumbing loops use the same pressure-based detection principles as household lines.