You open your water bill and feel that familiar sting: it’s higher than ever. Yet, there are no puddles, no dripping faucets, and no running toilets. So where’s all that water going?
Hidden leaks are among the most expensive and sneaky plumbing problems homeowners face. In Sonoma County’s older neighborhoods, small leaks can develop quietly under foundations, behind walls, or in outdoor service lines. That’s where professional leak detection in Sonoma County comes in, using advanced technology to locate water loss quickly, without tearing up your property.
At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, our technicians specialize in finding leaks that others can’t see or hear. Here’s how we track down hidden water waste before it becomes major damage.
Why Hidden Leaks Are So Hard to Find
Not all leaks leave a visible trail. Some happen deep inside your plumbing system, where pipes run beneath concrete slabs or behind plaster walls. Others form in outdoor lines that connect your home to the municipal water supply.
In older Sonoma properties, pipes often experience corrosion, soil movement, or simple age-related wear. These factors cause pinhole leaks, slow drips that can waste hundreds of gallons of water a week. Without professional leak detection in Sonoma County, these issues can go unnoticed until your bill skyrockets or you find damage inside your home.
The First Sign: A Water Bill That Doesn’t Add Up
If your water bill suddenly spikes but your habits haven’t changed, you probably have a hidden leak. Sonoma’s public utilities often recommend checking your water meter for movement when no water is running.
Here’s a quick test you can try before calling in a pro:
- Turn off all faucets and water-using appliances.
- Check the flow indicator on your water meter (a small spinning dial or triangle).
- If it moves, you have a leak somewhere in your system.
If you can’t locate the source, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for leak detection in Sonoma County. Our specialists use professional-grade tools to pinpoint leaks faster than traditional trial-and-error methods.
Common Hidden Leak Locations in Sonoma Homes
Hidden leaks can form in several places, but these are the most common trouble spots our leak detection in Sonoma County experts find:
1. Slab Leaks
Pipes under your home’s foundation are under constant pressure. Over time, ground shifting or corrosion can cause them to rupture. Signs include warm spots on the floor, low water pressure, or damp carpet.
2. Behind Walls or Ceilings
Corroded copper or galvanized pipes can drip for months before showing any surface damage. You may notice paint bubbling, mold growth, or musty odors long before water appears.
3. Yard or Service-Line Leaks
Outdoor leaks between the meter and the home often create soft, soggy spots in your yard or unusually green patches of grass. Our leak detection in Sonoma County uses acoustic listening equipment to detect underground leaks without digging.
4. Plumbing Fixtures and Connectors
Even small leaks at faucets, toilets, or water heaters can waste hundreds of gallons per month. If you hear hissing or dripping when everything’s off, it’s time for professional help.
How Professional Leak Detection Works
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing’s leak detection in Sonoma County service relies on non-invasive technology to locate water loss precisely. Here’s how we do it:
- Acoustic Listening Devices – Sensitive instruments amplify the sound of water escaping under pressure, even through concrete
- Infrared Thermal Imaging – Detects temperature differences caused by moisture behind walls or floors
- Moisture Meters – Identify areas of trapped humidity invisible to the naked eye
- Pressure Testing – Confirms which line is losing water and how severe the leak is
- Camera Inspections – For sewer or drain line leaks, we insert a camera to find cracks or root intrusion
Our goal is to find the problem with minimal disruption, providing accurate answers and lasting solutions.
Why Homeowners Trust Our Leak Detection in Sonoma County
- Fast response times – We know water damage spreads quickly, so we act fast
- Advanced tools – Non-invasive diagnostics prevent unnecessary wall damage
- Honest pricing – Transparent quotes before work begins
- Licensed professionals – Every technician is certified and insured
- Guaranteed satisfaction – We stand behind every service we perform
When it comes to leak detection in Sonoma County, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing delivers accuracy, honesty, and peace of mind.
How to Prevent Future Leaks
While not all leaks can be prevented, regular maintenance reduces the risk significantly. Our plumbers recommend:
- Scheduling annual plumbing inspections
- Having your water pressure checked and regulated
- Flushing your water heater to prevent sediment buildup
- Replacing outdated copper or galvanized piping
- Calling for professional leak detection in Sonoma County at the first sign of rising bills or damp smells
A proactive approach keeps small issues from becoming large, costly repairs.
Areas We Serve in Sonoma County
We proudly provide leak detection in Sonoma County and surrounding areas, including:
- Sonoma
- Boyes Hot Springs
- Temelec
- El Verano
- Fetters Hot Springs
- Creekside Village
- Mission Highlands
- Glen Ellen
Our punctual plumbers are local, licensed, and ready to help 24/7.
FAQs About Leak Detection in Sonoma County
Why is my water bill suddenly higher?
You may have a hidden leak underground or behind walls. Professional leak detection in Sonoma County can confirm it quickly.
Can I find leaks on my own?
You can check your meter for basic signs, but finding the source requires specialized tools. Call for expert leak detection in Sonoma County.
Are slab leaks common in Sonoma homes?
Yes, especially in older homes with shifting soil and aging pipes. We specialize in accurate slab leak detection in Sonoma County.
Do you have to tear into walls to find leaks?
No. Our leak detection in Sonoma County uses non-invasive infrared and acoustic methods.
How long does leak detection take?
Most inspections take 1–2 hours, depending on the size of your home.
Do you repair the leaks you find?
Absolutely. We offer both leak detection in Sonoma County and full repair services.
Call the Trusted Leak Detection Experts in Sonoma County
If your water bill keeps climbing or you suspect hidden moisture, don’t wait until damage appears. Trust Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for professional leak detection in Sonoma County.
Call (707) 867-3000 or book online for same-day service with the punctual plumbers Sonoma County homeowners rely on