Leak Detection and Repair in Orange County
Electronic leak detection and thermal imaging to find slab leaks, hidden pipe leaks, and water damage sources without unnecessary demolition. Licensed, bonded, and insured.
Call (714) 264-4358 Text UsFinding Leaks Before They Cause Major Damage
Not all leaks are visible. Slab leaks, in-wall pipe leaks, and underground supply line leaks can run for weeks or months before you notice the damage. By then, the water has saturated your foundation, warped your flooring, or created mold behind your walls.
S&E Plumbing uses electronic leak detection equipment and thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint the exact location of hidden leaks without tearing up your floor, cutting into walls, or digging up your yard. Once we find the leak, we give you repair options and pricing before any work starts.
Slab leaks are especially common in Orange County. Many OC homes are built on slab-on-grade foundations with copper supply lines running through or under the concrete. OC's hard water accelerates corrosion on these pipes, leading to pinhole leaks that seep into the slab. The Eichler homes in Orange (Fairhaven, Fairhills, Fairmeadow tracts) are particularly prone to slab leaks due to their radiant heating systems with copper embedded in the concrete.
Leak Detection Services in Orange County
Slab Leak Detection in Orange County
We use electronic listening equipment and thermal imaging to detect leaks in water lines running through or under your concrete slab. The equipment picks up the sound of pressurized water escaping from a pipe and pinpoints the location without jackhammering. Once located, repair options include spot repair (accessing the leak through the slab), rerouting the line through walls or attic, or a full repipe if the system is failing systemically.
In-Wall Leak Detection in Orange County
Leaks inside walls often show up as damp spots, bubbling paint, or mold growth. We use thermal imaging to see temperature differences behind the wall surface caused by water intrusion. This lets us locate the leak precisely and cut only where needed for the repair.
Water Line Leak Detection in Orange County
If your water bill spiked unexpectedly or your meter is spinning when nothing is running, you likely have an underground supply line leak between the meter and your house. We locate these leaks using acoustic detection and pressure testing, then repair or replace the affected section.
Leak Repair in Orange County
Once we find the leak, we fix it. Repair options depend on the location, pipe material, and overall system condition. For isolated leaks in otherwise healthy piping, a spot repair makes sense. For homes with multiple leaks or pipes nearing end of life, a reroute or full repipe is the better long-term investment.
Leak Detection Cost in Orange County (2026)
| Service | Typical Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic leak detection | $250 to $500 | 1 to 2 hours |
| Thermal imaging inspection | $200 to $400 | 1 hour |
| Slab leak spot repair | $800 to $2,500 | Half to full day |
| Line reroute (bypass slab) | $1,500 to $4,000 | 1 day |
| In-wall pipe repair | $300 to $1,200 | 2 to 4 hours |
| Underground supply line repair | $500 to $2,500 | Half day |
Leak Detection FAQs
Electronic leak detection typically costs $250 to $500. This covers the diagnostic process to locate the leak. If you move forward with the repair, we often credit the detection fee toward the work.
Warm spots on the floor, the sound of running water when nothing is on, an unexplained increase in your water bill, damp or warped flooring, cracks in your foundation, or low water pressure throughout the house.
Yes. Our electronic detection equipment and thermal imaging find leaks through concrete, walls, and underground without demolition. We only cut where needed for the actual repair.
Most leak detection assessments take 1 to 2 hours. Complex situations with multiple potential leak sources may take longer.
OC hard water (15-25 GPG) accelerates corrosion on copper pipes. Homes built in the 1960s-1980s with M-type copper under the slab are most susceptible. Thermal cycling, ground movement, and pipe age all contribute.
If the leak is isolated and the rest of the piping is in good condition, a spot repair or reroute makes sense. If you have had multiple slab leaks or the pipes are at end of life, a full repipe is the better long-term investment.
We provide documentation, photos, and detailed descriptions of the leak and repair for your insurance claim. Many homeowner policies cover sudden water damage from slab leaks, though coverage varies.
Yes. Eichler homes in Orange have radiant heating with copper in the slab. We have experience detecting leaks in these unique systems using thermal imaging and electronic detection.
Other Services We Offer
Cities We Serve
We provide sewer line repair and replacement throughout Orange County.