Your water bill is high, but you see no leak
A bill that jumps without a change in how you use water is one of the most common first signs. Water can be leaving through a line you never see. Learn what a high bill can mean.
Leak Detection in Orange, CA
Your water bill went up. Your meter keeps moving. Or there's a stain you can't explain. Something is leaking, but you can't see where.
Clearcrest Leak Detection is a residential and commercial leak detection company in Orange. We find hidden water leaks for homeowners, landlords and property managers. We pinpoint the leak first, so no one has to guess or tear open walls and floors to look for it.
- Find the leak before anyone opens a wall or floor
- Talk to a real person 24/7 at a local 714 number
- Get a clear explanation of what we found and what it means for you
- Licensed, insured and certified
Tell us what you're noticing. We'll explain what the inspection involves before you book.
What happens when you call
- 1You tell us what you're seeing. A stain, a sound, a bill, a warm floor.
- 2We explain the inspection. What we'll test and why, before anything is booked.
- 3We find the leak and walk you through it. You see the spot and hear your options in plain words.
Quick answer
What Is Leak Detection?
Leak detection is a test that finds where water is escaping from your plumbing when you can't see it. A technician checks your water meter, tests pipe pressure, and then uses tools like acoustic listening and thermal imaging to narrow it down to the spot. You get the location before anyone cuts into a wall, floor or yard.
Leaks we find in Orange homes and buildings:
- Leaks under a concrete floor: slab leak detection
- Leaks inside walls, ceilings and bathrooms: hidden water leak detection
- Leaks in the line between the meter and the house: water line leak detection
- Leaking supply pipes and pinhole leaks: pipe leak detection
- Pool and spa water loss: pool leak detection
- Leaks in apartments, condos and business buildings: commercial leak detection
What we do
Our Leak Detection Services
Slab Leak Detection
Warm floors or water running under concrete
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Hidden Water Leak Detection
Stains and damp spots in walls and ceilings
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Water Line Leak Detection
High bills, a moving meter, wet yard spots
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Pipe Leak Detection
Pinhole leaks and leaking supply pipes
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Pool Leak Detection
Pools and spas losing water
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Pool Leak Repair
Fixing the pool leak once it is found
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Commercial Leak Detection
Apartments, condos and business buildings
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Emergency Leak Detection
Active leaks, day or night
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Water Leak Repair
Pipe, slab and water line repairs
Learn moreWhy a Leak Detection Specialist Starts With Testing, Not Cutting
Many people think finding a leak means opening walls until you see water. That is slow, messy and often wrong. Water travels. It can run along a pipe or a beam and show up feet away from the real leak.
A leak detection specialist works the other way around. First we prove there is a leak. Then we narrow down which line it is on. Then we find the spot. Only then does anyone talk about opening a wall or floor.
Each step answers a different question:
- Is water actually leaking? A water meter check and a pressure test answer this.
- Which line is it on? Testing lines one at a time shows if it is the hot side, the cold side, or the line outside.
- Where exactly is it? Listening and imaging tools find the spot on that line.
Our team is professional and experienced in this kind of testing. We follow a transparent service process: you see what we test, you hear what we find, and you get a clear explanation in plain words.
Want to know how a specialist differs from a general plumber? Read more about us.
How every visit works
- ListenWhat you have noticed
- TestMeter and pressure
- PinpointNarrow it to the spot
- ExplainOptions in plain words
Warning signs
How Do You Know You Have a Water Leak?
Most hidden leaks give clues before you ever see water. One clue alone doesn't prove a leak. Two or more together are a good reason to get it checked.
Your water meter moves when all water is off
Turn off every tap, the washer and the sprinklers. If the meter's small leak dial still turns, water is going somewhere. This is one of the simplest checks you can do yourself.
You hear running water when nothing is on
A hiss or a trickle inside a wall, under a floor, or behind a toilet often means a pressurized pipe is leaking. Sound is one of the best clues a technician uses too.
A warm spot on the floor
If one patch of tile or concrete feels warm, a hot water pipe under the slab may be leaking. Read about slab leaks.
Stains, bubbling paint or a musty smell
Brown rings on a ceiling, paint that bubbles, soft drywall, or a damp smell that won't go away can point to water inside the wall or ceiling. See signs of leaks in walls and ceilings.
A wet or green patch in the yard
A spot that stays soggy or greener than the rest of the lawn, even in dry weather, can mean the water line under the yard is leaking.
Water pressure drops
Weaker flow at more than one faucet can mean water is escaping before it reaches you. It can also be a pressure regulator or a clog, which is why testing matters.
Noticed two or more of these? Call (714) 439-5275. The sooner the source is found, the less water you pay for and the less time it has to soak into your home.
Is water coming through the ceiling or spreading across the floor right now? Turn off your main water valve, then see what to do in a water leak emergency.
Common causes
What Causes Water Leaks in Orange Homes?
Leaks rarely start for one reason. Usually age, pressure and movement work together over time.
01
Older pipes in older homes
Orange has two big housing eras. Many homes in Old Towne were built before 1920, and large neighborhoods across the city were built in the 1950s to early 1970s. Pipes in homes of that age may be nearing the end of their life, especially if they have never been replaced.
02
Pinhole leaks in copper pipe
Copper can wear thin from the inside over many years. A tiny hole can form and spray or drip inside a wall or under a slab. Learn about pipe and pinhole leaks.
03
High water pressure
When household pressure runs too high, every joint, valve and fitting is under extra stress. Over time, that stress can open small leaks.
04
Pipes rubbing against concrete or soil
Pipes under a slab or in the ground can rub against concrete, rocks or soil as the ground shifts slightly. Rubbing wears a weak spot into the pipe wall.
05
Loose fittings and failed connections
Joints at elbows, valves and supply lines can loosen or wear out. These leaks often start small and hide inside walls or cabinets.
Our process
What Happens During a Leak Detection Inspection?
Every home is different, so we pick the steps that fit your problem. A typical visit looks like this:
- 1
We listen to what you have noticed
Where is the stain? When did the bill go up? Does the floor feel warm? Your answers tell us where to start.
- 2
We confirm there is a leak
We check the water meter with all fixtures off. If needed, we pressure test the plumbing to see if a line is losing water.
- 3
We narrow it down to one line
By testing lines one at a time, we find out if the leak is on the hot water side, the cold water side, or the line coming in from the street.
- 4
We find the spot
We use the tools that fit the job, such as acoustic listening for sound, thermal imaging for heat, or a moisture meter for wet materials. Not every tool is needed on every visit.
- 5
We mark it and explain what we found
We show you where the leak is and what we think caused it. You get a clear explanation of your options before any work starts.
- 6
You decide what's next
If you want, we can also take care of the repair. The choice is yours.
Ready to find out where the water is going? Call (714) 439-5275 or request a leak inspection.
Equipment
What Tools Find Leaks Without Tearing Things Apart?
Modern leak detection uses non-invasive tools. They pick up the sound of escaping water, temperature changes on a surface and moisture in building materials. Here is what each one does.
Acoustic listening devices and ground microphones
Water escaping a pressurized pipe makes a sound. These devices amplify that sound so a technician can follow it to the loudest point, even through concrete or soil.
Thermal imaging cameras
A thermal (infrared) camera shows temperature differences. A leaking hot water line shows up as a warm area. Wet drywall often shows up cooler than dry drywall.
Moisture meters
A moisture meter reads how wet drywall, wood or flooring is. It helps map how far water has spread and where it is strongest.
Pressure test gauges
A gauge on an isolated line shows if the line holds pressure. If pressure drops, that line is leaking.
Tracer gas
For very small or hard-to-reach leaks, a safe gas can be put into a drained line. A sensor picks up the gas where it escapes.
Pipe and line locators
A locator traces where a buried pipe runs, so the search stays on the right path across a yard or under a floor.
Video inspection cameras
A small camera can look inside tight spaces, like a wall cavity through a small opening, to confirm what the other tools found.
Why Find the Leak Before You Open a Wall?
Knowing the exact spot first changes how the whole problem goes.
- Smaller openings. A repair can often start with one small access point instead of several exploratory holes. How much opening is needed depends on where the leak is.
- Less water damage. The sooner a hidden leak is found, the less time water has to soak drywall, flooring and framing.
- Lower risk of mold. Wet materials that stay wet can grow mold. Finding the source early helps stop that.
- A water bill that makes sense again. When the leak stops, the waste stops.
- Better repair choices. When you know which line is leaking and where, you can compare options with real facts.
- Clear answers for your insurer, landlord or tenants. A located leak is easier to explain than "there's a stain somewhere."
Before you open a wall, call us first: (714) 439-5275.
Why choose us
Why Orange Property Owners Call Clearcrest
We work around Orange homes
Orange has a real mix of homes, from older houses in Old Towne to the 1950s to 1970s tract homes found across the city. Different homes leak in different ways, so we match the test to your home instead of using one method for everything.
We help landlords and property managers too
More than 4 in 10 homes in Orange are rented (U.S. Census). When a tenant reports a stain or a high bill, we find the source so you can decide what to fix and who to call.
A local 714 number, answered 24/7
Leaks don't wait for business hours, and neither do we.
You see the process
We explain each test as we go. No mystery, no guesswork.
Clear service terms
You know what we will do and what it covers before work begins.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
We stand behind our work. See our service terms for details.
Our commitments
What You Can Count On
These are the commitments we make on every job:
- Licensed, insured and certified. Our work is backed by proper licensing and insurance.
- Transparent service process. You get an explanation of every step and every finding.
- Clear service terms. Written terms, so there are no surprises. Read our terms.
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If something isn't right, tell us.
- Available 24/7. Call any time at (714) 439-5275.
- Professional and experienced. Our team handles leak detection, not a little of everything.
Licensed
Insured
Certified
Serving Homes, Businesses and Multi-Unit Properties
From single-family homes to apartments, condos and business buildings, we find the leak and explain it in plain words.
How accurate is leak detection?
Professional leak detection is very good at narrowing a leak to a small area. Accuracy depends on the pipe type, depth, noise around the home, and the size of the leak. Using more than one method, like sound plus thermal imaging, helps confirm the spot.
How can I tell if I have a hidden leak?
Turn off all water in the house and watch your water meter for a few minutes. If the leak dial moves, water is leaving somewhere. Other clues are a higher bill, the sound of running water, stains, or a warm spot on the floor.
Can you find a leak without cutting into my walls or floors?
In most cases, yes. The tools find the leak from the outside of the wall, floor or ground. Some opening may still be needed to reach and repair the pipe, but knowing the spot first keeps that opening small.
How much does leak detection cost?
It depends on the type of leak, how many lines need testing, how easy they are to reach, and the size of the property. A single wall leak is a different job than a long line under a yard. Call us, describe what you are seeing, and we will explain what the inspection involves before you book.
Is leak detection covered by insurance?
Sometimes. Many homeowner policies look at the cause of the leak and the damage it caused, and some cover the cost to find the leak. Every policy is different, so check yours or call your insurer. A clear record of where the leak is can help with your claim.
What should I tell you when I call?
Tell us what you've noticed and where: a stain, a sound, a warm spot, a wet patch outside, or a jump in your water bill. If you can, check whether your water meter moves with all water off. These details help us plan the right tests.
Are you available 24/7 in Orange?
Yes. You can call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (714) 439-5275.
How long does a leak detection visit take?
It depends on the home and the leak. A simple leak with clear signs can be found faster than a leak under a slab or a long buried line. We will give you a better idea once we hear what you are noticing.
Do you work on apartments, condos and businesses?
Yes. Multi-unit buildings and commercial properties need a different approach, like finding which unit a leak is coming from. See commercial leak detection.
Do you serve my part of Orange?
Yes. We serve the whole city, including Old Towne and East Orange, plus the nearby neighborhoods of El Modena, Olive and Orange Park Acres. We also serve nearby cities. See all service areas.
Service area
Where We Provide Leak Detection
We cover all of Orange, from Old Towne and the streets around Plaza Park to El Modena, Olive, Orange Park Acres and East Orange.
Nearby, we also serve:
Anaheim · Santa Ana · Tustin · Garden Grove · Villa Park · All service areas
Think You Have a Leak in Orange?
Every day a hidden leak runs, you pay for water you never use, and it keeps soaking into your home. You don't have to guess where it's going.
Call us, tell us what you're seeing, and we'll find the source and explain your options in plain words.
Answered 24/7 · Licensed, insured and certified · 100% Satisfaction Guarantee