Two jobs, often priced separately
Locating a hidden leak and repairing it are different kinds of work. Detection is diagnostic: time, equipment and judgment to find one spot. Repair is construction: opening, replacing pipe, testing and closing up. Many plumbers quote them separately, and some will not know the repair scope until detection is finished.
Ask any company up front what the detection visit includes, whether it is credited toward a repair, and what happens if the leak cannot be located in one visit. Get every price in writing before work starts.
Factors that change the scope
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Number of leaks | Two leaks on different lines mean two searches and two repairs. |
| Line location | Under slab, inside a wall, in the attic or in the yard all need different access. |
| Floor finish | Tile, stone and hardwood take more care to open and restore than carpet or bare concrete. |
| Pipe material and condition | Old or corroded pipe may push the repair toward a reroute or repipe. |
| Access | Furniture, cabinets, built-ins and tight attics add time. |
| Leak size and noise | Quiet, slow leaks can take longer to pinpoint acoustically. |
| Permits | Some work may need a city permit and inspection; check with the city. |
| Restoration | Patching drywall, concrete and flooring may or may not be included. |
What a clear written estimate should show
- The contractor's name and CSLB license number.
- What the detection visit covers and what it does not.
- The repair method chosen and why.
- Who opens and who patches floors, walls and ceilings.
- Whether a permit is included or needed.
- Whether the system will be pressure tested afterward.
- Any exclusions, such as flooring replacement or mold remediation.
Lower-scope and higher-scope situations
Usually simpler
- Single leak found quickly
- Pipe in good condition
- Leak under carpet or in an accessible wall
- Clear attic for any reroute
Usually more involved
- Multiple or repeat leaks
- Corroded copper or galvanized lines
- Leak under tile, stone or cabinetry
- Limited attic access or two-story routing
Questions to compare estimates fairly
- Are both estimates based on the same leak location and the same repair method?
- Do both include patching and restoration, or only one?
- Who is doing the work: employees or subcontractors?
- Is a permit included in each?
- What does each contractor do if a second leak shows up during the job?
Common questions
Why does this site not list prices?
Prices depend on the specific house and leak, so a fair number only comes after someone has looked at it. Ask for a written estimate, from us or any licensed plumber, before work starts.
Will insurance pay for leak detection?
Policies differ. Some cover access and resulting damage but not the pipe itself. Ask your insurer before work begins.
Is the cheapest option the best choice?
Not necessarily. Compare what is included, the method, and whether the job addresses the cause or only the symptom.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.