Help the search go smoothly
Leak detection depends on access and quiet. The plumber needs to reach the meter, the main shutoff, the water heater and the areas you suspect, and acoustic equipment works best when the house is silent. Time spent moving furniture or waiting for a dishwasher cycle to finish is time not spent finding the leak.
Your own observations also matter. The more clearly you can say what happened and when, the faster the plumber can decide where to start.
The day before
- Gather the last several water bills.
- Print or pull up your meter readings and symptom log.
- Note which valve stopped the meter during your own tests.
- Clear a path to the meter box and trim plants around it.
- Clear space around the water heater.
- Move furniture and rugs away from warm spots or stains.
- Empty sink cabinets in rooms you suspect.
The morning of
- Avoid running the dishwasher, washer or irrigation.
- Turn off fans, music and other noise if acoustic listening is planned.
- Keep pets in a closed room.
- Know where the main shutoff and the electrical panel are.
- Have the CSLB license number you were given, and check it at cslb.ca.gov if you have not already.
Information to have ready
- House
- Approximate age, one or two stories, slab or raised floor
- Water heater
- Location, tank or tankless
- History
- Past leaks, repairs, reroutes or repipes
- Symptoms
- What, where and when, from your log
- Tests
- Meter results and which valve stopped it
Questions to ask during the visit
- What did the meter and isolation tests show?
- Which line do you believe is leaking, and how sure are you?
- What equipment pointed you to this spot?
- What are my repair options, and which do you recommend?
- Can I have your findings and estimate in writing?
Common questions
Should I turn the water off before the plumber arrives?
If water is actively spreading, yes. Otherwise leave it on unless told otherwise, since detection usually needs the system under pressure.
Do I need to be home for the whole visit?
It helps to be available to answer questions and to hear the findings and options in person.
What if the plumber cannot find the leak?
Ask what was ruled out, what the next step would be, and how that would be priced.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.