How to Tell If You Need Leak Detection Services
Why Leak Detection Should Never Be Ignored
Leaks may start small, but their impact is anything but minor. A single undetected leak in your home can result in water damage, mold growth, weakened structures, higher utility bills, and in some cases—total system failure. These silent threats can lurk for weeks or months before becoming visibly apparent.
At Dyess Air & Plumbing, we’ve seen firsthand how a seemingly insignificant drip can spiral into thousands of dollars in repairs. Whether you live in a historic home in Savannah or a new build on Hilton Head Island, leak detection is essential to safeguarding your home’s health and your peace of mind.
Understanding the Hidden Nature of Leaks
Plumbing systems are designed to remain hidden behind walls, under flooring, and underground—out of sight, out of mind. Unfortunately, this also makes it easier for leaks to go undetected until serious damage is already done.
Leak detection is the process of locating and diagnosing leaks that are not immediately visible or accessible. Using specialized tools and proven diagnostic techniques, professionals can identify leak sources with pinpoint accuracy—without tearing up drywall or excavating unnecessarily.
At Dyess, we combine industry-leading technology with local expertise to deliver fast, non-invasive, and highly accurate results.
Common Warning Signs You May Have a Leak
If you’re experiencing any of the following, you may have a leak that requires professional attention:
1. An Unexplained Increase in Your Water Bill
A sudden and persistent rise in your water bill—despite no changes in water usage—often points to water loss behind the scenes. Don’t assume your utility provider made a mistake. In many cases, this is the first and most measurable indication of a leak.
2. Noticeable Drop in Water Pressure
If faucets or showerheads are underperforming, it may be due to a leak siphoning off water before it reaches its destination. This is especially concerning when low pressure is isolated to a single area, such as a bathroom or kitchen.
3. Stains or Discoloration on Walls and Ceilings
Brown, yellow, or copper-toned stains often result from long-term exposure to moisture. These visual signs may indicate a leak in overhead pipes or within wall cavities. Bubbling paint or sagging drywall is another strong warning sign.
4. Warped Floors, Peeling Wallpaper, or Soft Spots
Flooring that feels spongey or uneven may be absorbing water from a below-surface leak. Likewise, peeling wallpaper or cracking baseboards can be evidence of long-term hidden moisture.
5. Persistent Mold, Mildew, or Musty Odors
Leaks create ideal breeding grounds for mold and mildew, which thrive in moist, dark environments. If you detect a consistent musty smell or see black, green, or gray spots forming, there’s likely a water source feeding it.
6. Running Water Sounds When No Fixtures Are On
If you’re hearing hissing, dripping, or rushing water behind walls—or beneath your floors—despite all fixtures being off, trust your instincts. Many leaks are audible before they’re visible.
7. Foundation Cracks or Structural Shifts
Leaks beneath the slab or around your home’s foundation can cause soil erosion and structural shifting. Cracks that widen or appear suddenly in ceilings, floors, or walls should never be ignored.
8. Soggy Areas or Unusually Green Patches in the Yard
Excess moisture from underground leaks can saturate your lawn. If you notice standing water, muddy areas, or grass growing faster and greener in isolated sections, your main water line may be compromised.
When Is Professional Leak Detection Necessary?
While some leaks—like a dripping faucet or leaking toilet—are easy to spot and repair, many leaks are hidden deep within your plumbing system. These include:
Leaks under slab foundations
Pinholes in copper piping
Faulty connections inside walls
Leaks in irrigation or water main lines
Leaks in second-floor plumbing affecting ceilings below
If you’ve observed any of the signs above, or you simply suspect something’s wrong, it’s time to bring in a professional. At Dyess Air & Plumbing, our licensed plumbing technicians use non-invasive technology to detect leaks without damage or guesswork.
Technology We Use to Find Hidden Leaks
We equip our team with industry-leading tools to accurately detect leaks with minimal disruption to your home:
Acoustic Leak Detection: Uses sensitive microphones to hear water movement inside walls or underground.
Thermal Imaging Cameras: Detect temperature changes caused by escaping water, revealing hidden leaks in floors and walls.
Moisture Meters: Measure the moisture content in walls, floors, or ceilings to track the presence and spread of a leak.
Pressure Testing: Checks your plumbing system’s pressure levels to determine if water loss is occurring internally.
Video Camera Inspections: Ideal for sewer lines or hard-to-reach pipes, allowing us to visually inspect for breaks or blockages.
Benefits of Early Leak Detection
Taking action early provides a wide range of benefits:
Minimize Property Damage: Stop leaks before they rot wood, warp floors, or compromise structural framing.
Reduce Water Bills: Save hundreds of dollars annually by eliminating wasted water.
Protect Indoor Air Quality: Prevent mold growth that can trigger allergies or respiratory issues.
Avoid Expensive Repairs: Addressing a small leak is significantly less costly than repairing damage from a burst pipe or collapsed drywall.
Preserve Your Investment: Keep your home safe, healthy, and market-ready with regular plumbing health checks.
Leak Detection Services Backed by Dyess Expertise
Dyess Air & Plumbing has proudly served the Southeast Georgia and South Carolina Lowcountry region for over 40 years. Our plumbers are licensed, experienced, and equipped to handle leak detection on homes of every size and age.
We’re also proud to offer:
24/7 Emergency Plumbing Support
Comfort Club and Plumbing Club Memberships
Upfront Pricing & Transparent Repair Options
Financing Through Wells Fargo, Service Finance, and Spectrum by Microf
Whether you’re preparing to sell your home, buying a new one, or just want peace of mind, leak detection is a critical step toward long-term plumbing reliability.
Schedule Leak Detection With Dyess Air & Plumbing Today
Leaks don’t fix themselves. If left untreated, they can lead to serious financial and structural consequences. At Dyess Air & Plumbing, we make leak detection simple, efficient, and stress-free.
To schedule your inspection or learn more about our plumbing services, contact us today:
📞 Call (843) 242-0855
🌐 Visit www.dyessair.com
📍 Proudly serving Southeast Georgia & South Carolina Lowcountry
Don’t gamble on water damage. Detect it early—protect your home for life.