Are Leak Detection Companies Really Worth It?

Edited: July 24, 2025

You’ve found a wet spot on the ceiling. Or maybe the drywall in your basement feels soft. There’s no obvious source, and you’re wondering: Is this a small problem I can monitor? Or is there water leaking somewhere I can’t see?

If you’re in that situation, you’re not alone—and you’re asking the right questions.

At Done Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, we’ve helped thousands of Denver and Aurora homeowners figure out exactly what’s leaking, where it’s coming from, and how to fix it fast. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how leak detection works, who to call, what it costs, and how to know when it’s worth calling in a pro.

Why Finding a Leak Isn’t Always Easy

Water leaks can be incredibly sneaky. They might show up as a tiny stain in your ceiling, a musty smell in your walls, or a slightly higher water bill. But behind the scenes, a pipe could be dripping steadily under your foundation, inside a wall, or even under your yard.

Here’s the challenge: Most of your plumbing is hidden. That means finding the source of the leak without the right tools could mean tearing into drywall or concrete just to get a clue. That’s why leak detection professionals—like our team at Done—use specialized equipment to locate the leak without creating a mess.

How Does Leak Detection Work?

We use acoustic sensors, thermal imaging cameras, pressure testing, and sometimes even video pipe inspections to pinpoint where water is escaping. These tools help us detect:

• Underground water leaks

• Slab leaks (under your concrete foundation)

• Wall and ceiling leaks

• Leaks in your yard or irrigation system

• Pool and spa pipe leaks

The tech is important, but what really makes it work is experience. Our technicians know what signs to look for, how different home foundations affect plumbing, and how to trace a water trail when it isn’t obvious.

Who to Call for a Leak (and Why You Shouldn’t Wait)

If you’re seeing signs of water where it doesn’t belong, that’s the beginning of a plumbing emergency. Leaks behind walls, under floors, or below ground don’t wait to cause damage—they’re already doing it.

Here’s when it’s time to call Done for leak detection:

• You see water stains or bubbling paint on your ceiling or walls

• There’s a musty odor that won’t go away

• Your water bill spikes for no clear reason

• You hear water running when no fixtures are on

• You feel dampness on floors or carpets

• You notice cracks forming in your foundation or basement walls

These are not wait-and-see issues. Every one of them could mean water is actively damaging your home. We specialize in finding the source fast—before it gets worse.

Is Leak Detection Worth the Cost?

Yes—and here’s why.

Professional leak detection prevents unnecessary damage. Instead of guessing and cutting into walls or digging up your yard, we find the problem fast and fix it without turning your home into a construction zone.

We’ve seen DIY attempts go sideways, especially with:

• Trying to stop basement leaks with sealants (which rarely work if the source isn’t fixed)

• Digging up yards for irrigation leaks without proper locating

• Ignoring a ceiling leak until it leads to a collapsed drywall panel

The cost of leak detection depends on the size of your property and the type of leak, but we keep it fair. At Done, we offer free estimates up front and explain your options clearly.

Think of it this way: A small leak left unchecked can lead to thousands of dollars in mold remediation, structural repairs, or high water bills. Leak detection pays for itself by stopping that damage before it starts.

Real-World Examples We See in Colorado Homes

• Finished basements: Moisture in carpeted basements often turns out to be a leaking pipe behind a utility wall. We isolate it, fix it, and restore it with minimal disruption.

• Yard leaks: High water bills with no indoor signs? We often find broken irrigation lines or main service leaks using ultrasonic detection—no trenching needed.

• Wall leaks after a rainstorm: If your wall’s leaking during heavy rain, it might not be a plumbing issue. We’ll help you tell the difference between a plumbing leak and a foundation or drainage problem.

Bonus: We Also Handle Repairs

Many leak detection companies only find the leak—you still have to call another plumber to fix it. Not with Done. We’re full-service, which means we’ll detect the leak and fix it on the spot, whether that means replacing a section of pipe, sealing a foundation crack, or rerouting lines around tree roots.

We can:

• Find and repair water leaks in ceilings and under floors

• Detect slab and foundation leaks

• Inspect, repair, and replace drain and sewer lines

• Restore sump pump function to prevent basement flooding

• Identify and repair water heater leaks—or recommend replacement if needed

• Test water quality and install filtration or conditioning systems

• Repipe entire sections of aging or corroded plumbing

• Check for electrical system damage caused by leaks

Because we also handle your HVAC and electrical systems, we’re equipped to diagnose water damage that crosses into those areas, like corroded wiring or humidity issues affecting ductwork. No matter where the problem starts—or spreads—we have the team to solve it.

Let’s Stop That Leak—Before It Gets Worse

When water shows up where it doesn’t belong, it’s not just annoying—it’s dangerous. Leaks can lead to mold, structural damage, and costly repairs if ignored. That’s why we treat every leak as urgent and bring the tools and experience to find and fix it fast.

At Done Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, we back our work with our Home Comfort Guarantee—so you can count on us to get it right, protect your home, and stand behind every repair. Reliable leak detection. Expert repairs. Total peace of mind.

Call now or schedule online. We’ll take care of it.