FAQs

See below for some frequently asked questions. Please contact us with any additional questions and we’ll be happy to get back to you as soon as possible.

What types of water leaks does Sleuth Inc. locate?

We locate fresh water plumbing leakspool leaks, structural water intrusion, fire line and pipeline leaks, and we conduct conservation and leak surveys for multi-family properties.  We offer our services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers.

I think I may have a plumbing leak. How can I be sure?

Most meters have a leak indicator in the shape of a star, triangle, or small gear on the face of the meter.  To verify a leak, make sure that all fixtures are off including your icemaker and any devices that draws water automatically.  Then check your meter to see if the leak indicator is moving.  If it is, you likely have a leak.

I see water or signs of water damage, but no meter movement. How can that be?

You may have a leak above ground that is too small to activate the meter, or you may be seeing signs of water intrusion into your home from outside sources.

What should I do if I hear water running?

Check both inside and out to make sure no fixtures are running.  If the sound persists, you likely have an underground water leak.  Call Sleuth.

Are my water lines in the concrete foundation?

Not usually.  Most often, your pipes are in the soil under the foundation and only contact the foundation where they come up to feed a fixture.  At those points, they are generally protected by a plastic or foam sleeve.

What should my water consumption be per month?

An average 3 person family uses 8 to 10 thousand gallons a month, excluding irrigation.

Can a leaking toilet run up my water bill?

Absolutely.  A leaking toilet can draw as little as a few gallons per day to over 200 gallons per hour if stuck full on.  Water loss due to a leaking toilet should never be underestimated.

How does Sleuth locate hidden leaks?

We use modern technology and techniques we have developed over 40 years in business.  Most leaks on pressurized lines are located acoustically by listening through the slab, foundation, or wall with electronic equipment to determine the leak location.

How long does it take Sleuth to find a leak?

Most leaks are found within 1 to 2 hours.

Can Sleuth fix the problem?

Sleuth does not do any plumbing repairs.  However, we can often access the leak and apply a temporary clamp to stop the leak until your plumber can make a permanent repair.

What will happen if I don’t find and fix a water leak?

In most cases, a leak will grow to the point where it floods the home or, if outside, the increasing water loss and expense becomes intolerable.

If I have one leak does it mean I will have more?

Not necessarily.  We have found that the life of most piping ranges from 15 to 30 years depending on the type of pipe, but one leak is not a definite indication that a system is failing.

What should I do if I have had more than one plumbing leak?

We recommend fixing your first or second leak.  After that, it is safe to assume your system is failing and you should consider re-piping.

Will Sleuth damage my home while finding the leak?

No. Sleuth locates water leaks using acoustic methods designed to eliminate unecessary damage to your home.  We do not use the destructive, hit-or-miss techniques that many companies employ.

Should I authorize workers to try and find my leak by drilling into the slab?

This type of testing is outdated and mostly ineffective.  Our proven technology renders this type of testing obsolete and prevents damage due to random drilling.

Is finding and fixing and underground leak a big job?

In most cases it is relatively simple.  Sleuth can locate the leak and expose it thru a hole in the slab about the size of a basketball.

Will my insurance cover the cost of leak detection?

Very often yes, but we can not speak for your insurance company.  We strongly recommend that you contact your insurance company with questions regarding coverage.

Will Sleuth Inc. bill my insurance company for leak detection?

We will gladly bill your insurance company provided we receive prior verbal or written authorization for the work to be done.

Can Sleuth do the entire job?

We specialize in leak detection and location only.  However, we are happy to make referrals from a network of over 700 plumbers that we work with and help arrange your repair.

What if my house leaks only when it rains?

We specialize in identifying structural water intrusion to help correct such problems.

Can Sleuth make an inspection of a home I am buying?

Yes we do plumbing and water intrusion inspections on a regular basis for realtors and potential buyers. We can give you a clean bill of health on your home.

I think my swimming pool is leaking. How can I confirm this?

Most pools lose 1/8th to 1/4th inch of water per day to evaporation.  If your pool is losing more than that you likely have a leak in your pool.

What if my pool is leaking?

Sleuth is a state certified pool contractor specializing in pool leak diagnosis and repair.

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