A leaking pipe may be visible under a sink or behind a toilet, or it may be hidden inside a wall, ceiling or crawlspace. Visible leaks are easy to spot. Hidden leaks reveal themselves through stains, odors, higher bills or sounds of running water.

Pipes leak for many reasons. Joints loosen, fittings corrode, seals wear out, pipes freeze or are damaged, and old pipe thins and develops pinholes. The right repair depends on the cause. A loose fitting may need only tightening or replacement, while a corroded section may need to be cut out and replaced.

Our plumbers find the source of the leak, explain what failed and repair it so it stays fixed. We also check nearby pipes for signs of similar wear.

We start by confirming where the water is and shutting off the supply to the leak. We look at the visible plumbing and ask when you first noticed the problem. A leak that has been present a long time may have caused more hidden damage.

If the leak is not obvious, we use appropriate methods to find it. That may include checking pressure, isolating sections of piping and using detection tools. We aim to find the leak accurately so any wall or floor opening is limited.

Once the source is found, we explain the repair. For a fitting leak, the fix can be fast. For a pinhole or corroded section, we cut out the damaged pipe and install new pipe and fittings. We use materials and methods that match your system.

After the repair, we restore water slowly and check for leaks at each joint. We confirm pressure and look at nearby pipes for signs of wear.

If we opened a wall or ceiling, we tell you what needs to be patched. We can describe the damage for your insurer or a restoration contractor.

We also point out other concerns, such as high pressure or old materials, so you can plan for the future.

Pinhole leaks deserve a closer look. Tiny leaks in copper pipe can come from corrosion on the inside or outside of the pipe. They are small, but they seldom stay that way. If you find one pinhole, others may be developing nearby, so we check the pipe around it and explain how much of the line looks healthy.

Leaks under sinks are the easiest to catch and fix. Check cabinets periodically for dampness, a swollen floor or a musty smell. Replacing worn supply lines and tightening slip nuts often prevents bigger problems.

Leaks in crawlspaces and attics can go unnoticed for a long time. If you have access, take a look with a flashlight a couple of times a year. Look for drips, rust trails, stains on the underside of the floor and signs of pests or mold.

Finally, if your leak appeared after freezing weather, tell us. Frozen pipes can split, and a thaw can reveal damage that was hidden while the water was frozen. Quick action limits damage when the water starts flowing again.

The materials in your pipes affect how leaks happen and how they are repaired. Copper can develop pinholes. Galvanized steel corrodes from the inside and eventually leaks. CPVC and PVC can crack with age or from impact. PEX is flexible and resists corrosion, but it can be damaged at fittings or by sunlight. We use the repair method that suits your material and explain what we see.

Water pressure plays a role too. Pressure that is too high stresses every joint in your system and can cause leaks to appear in several places over time. If you have had more than one leak, ask us to check your pressure. A regulator can protect your plumbing and reduce the chance of future failures.

If you are away from home often, consider knowing where your main shut-off is and closing it when you travel. A hidden leak can run for days unnoticed. A few seconds closing the valve can prevent a lot of damage.