Leak Detection in Carmichael 

Advanced Leak Detection Services in Carmichael and Sacramento County

A hidden water leak is one of the most frustrating and potentially destructive issues a Carmichael homeowner can face. Whether it is a slow pinhole leak behind a wall or a major failure beneath your concrete slab, the damage to your foundation, flooring, and drywall can escalate rapidly. Because these leaks are often invisible, finding the exact source requires specialized equipment and a deep understanding of residential plumbing infrastructure.

We are Mr. Drain, your locally trusted partner with over 30 years of experience serving Sacramento County. Our licensed, fully insured technicians use state-of-the-art acoustic and thermal technology to locate leaks with surgical precision, minimizing the need for invasive exploratory digging. We combine this technical skill with upfront pricing to ensure your home is protected and your costs are controlled.

If you suspect a leak in your plumbing system, it is important to contact a licensed plumber as soon as possible. Call (530) 658-0972 to schedule a service!

Common Types of Plumbing Leaks We Detect

Our leak detection specialists are fully trained and equipped to locate and resolve a wide range of plumbing leaks. Knowing the most common types of leaks and what causes them can help you understand the issue sooner and protect your property from costly damage.

Some of the most common leaks we handle include:

• Toilet leaks: Worn-out flapper valves or malfunctioning fill valves can cause continuous water flow, leading to wasted water and inflated utility bills. Our team can quickly diagnose and repair these leaks before they cause further problems.
• Faucet leaks: Dripping faucets are often the result of deteriorated washers or O-rings. Even a slow drip can waste a surprising amount of water, so it’s important to have a professional address the issue promptly.
• Slab leaks: Slab leaks occur in the water lines beneath concrete foundations. If left untreated, they can weaken the structure of your property. Using advanced technology, we accurately detect slab leaks to minimize disruption and prevent major structural damage.
• Burst pipes: Aging pipes, high water pressure, or sudden temperature changes can cause pipes to burst. These situations require immediate attention to prevent severe water damage to your home or business.
• Showerhead and bath leaks: Failed gaskets or O-rings in shower and bath fixtures can lead to hidden leaks that drive up your water bills and damage surrounding materials. We locate the source and repair it to help you avoid unnecessary costs.
• Underground leaks: Leaks in underground water lines can erode soil and damage landscaping. Because they are difficult to detect without the right tools, it’s important to contact a licensed professional as soon as signs appear.

How Does Infrared Leak Detection Work?

Infrared leak detection uses thermal imaging cameras to identify temperature variations on surfaces. These cameras detect infrared radiation — which isn’t visible to the naked eye — and convert it into color-based images that reveal abnormal hot or cold areas.

When water escapes from a pipe, it often alters the surrounding temperature. For example:

• Evaporating moisture cools surfaces
• Hot water leaks create warmer areas

Our highly sensitive equipment allows us to detect these subtle temperature differences through walls, floors, and even underground — without invasive demolition.

Our trained technicians interpret the thermal images to pinpoint the most likely leak sources, allowing for faster and more accurate repairs with minimal disruption to your property.

Signs You May Have a Hidden Plumbing Leak

Early detection is key to preventing serious water damage. Watch for these common warning signs:

• Persistent musty odors
• Mold or mildew growth
• Unexplained water sounds when no fixtures are running
• Wet spots or pooling water
• Fluctuating or reduced water pressure
• Sudden increases in your water bill

If you notice any of these symptoms, there may be a hidden leak somewhere in your plumbing system. Simple self-checks — such as monitoring your water meter when no water is in use — can also help identify problems early. For accurate detection and repair, it’s always best to involve a professional.

Non-Invasive Technology for Accurate Leak Detection

In the past, leak detection often meant cutting into walls or breaking concrete based on guesswork. Today, we use advanced, non-destructive technology that allows us to identify leak locations with precision — saving you time, money, and property damage.

Our leak detection methods include:

• Acoustic Sonic Detectors
  Highly sensitive microphones detect the sound frequency of water escaping from pressurized pipes — even through concrete and soil.
• Thermal Imaging Cameras
  We identify temperature differences caused by moisture or hot water leaks behind walls and floors.
• Electronic Pipe Locators
  These tools allow us to map the exact route of underground plumbing so repairs are accurately targeted.
• Pressure Testing
  By isolating different sections of your plumbing system, we can identify which line is losing pressure and narrow down the source of the leak.

By combining these techniques, we ensure any required access point is as small and precise as possible — reducing mess, cost, and repair time.