November 24, 2025
Denver, CO Leak Detection and Repair: Find Hidden Home Water Leaks
Estimated Read Time: 12 minutes
Hidden leaks cost money, damage finishes, and attract mold. If you’re searching for water leak detection near me, this guide shows seven proven, non‑invasive ways to track leaks before they explode into emergencies. We’ll explain what you can do today, what tools help, and the signs that mean it’s time to bring in a licensed pro. Bonus: active coupons inside for repairs.
Why Hidden Leaks Matter in Denver‑Area Homes
Front Range homes take a beating from freeze‑thaw cycles, slab movement, and aging supply lines. A slow pinhole leak behind drywall or under a slab can soak insulation, feed mold, and weaken framing before you ever see a stain. The EPA estimates household leaks can waste nearly 10,000 gallons per year, and 10% of homes lose 90 gallons or more every day. That is money down the drain and risk to your home’s health.
Our technicians see this weekly across Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, and Boulder: a faint ceiling mark turns into a sagging panel, or a hot spot on a floor reveals a failing copper line in the slab. The good news is you can run a few simple checks and catch problems early.
1) Use Your Water Meter for a Quiet‑Hour Test
Your water meter is a truth teller. A simple test can confirm a hidden leak even when you cannot find it.
- Turn off all water uses inside and outside. Do not run faucets, appliances, or sprinklers.
- Find the main water meter. In most Denver‑area homes it is in the basement or a curb box near the sidewalk.
- Note the reading and the leak indicator. Many meters have a small spinning triangle or star that moves with tiny flows.
- Wait 30 to 60 minutes with no water use, then recheck.
• If the indicator moves or the reading increases, you likely have a hidden leak. This could be a slab leak, a toilet seep, an irrigation line break, or a slow drip in a wall.
When our team confirms meter movement, we narrow the zone with pressure testing and isolation valves. If needed, we deploy acoustic sensors or tracer gas to pinpoint the exact spot without opening walls blindly.
“The tech arrived, got right to work, located and repaired the problem quickly!”
2) Dye‑Test Toilets to Catch Silent Seepage
Toilets are the most common source of silent water loss. A worn flapper or misadjusted fill valve can leak for months.
- Remove the tank lid. Add 5–10 drops of food coloring or a dye tablet to the tank.
- Do not flush for 10 minutes.
- Check the bowl. If colored water appears, water is leaking from the tank to the bowl.
Replace the flapper if the bowl colors up. If dye appears and the water level in the tank is low, you may have a fill valve issue. Our plumbers also use electronic leak detectors and moisture meters around the base to confirm no wax ring seepage is affecting the subfloor.
“From the initial call to the completed repair, their team was professional, punctual, and respectful. They explained the issue thoroughly and gave an honest quote before doing any work.”
3) Track Your Water Bill and Compare to Seasonality
A sudden spike on a bill without a lifestyle change often signals a hidden leak. Compare your bill month over month and year over year. Consider seasonal uses:
- Summer: irrigation and evaporative coolers in parts of the Denver metro can add gallons.
- Winter: hose bibs and crawlspace lines are prone to freeze cracks.
If usage jumps 15% or more without explanation, investigate. We pair this with pressure decay testing to see if your system holds steady at normal static pressure. A drop means water is going somewhere it should not.
“Every technician who came to our home was courteous, efficient, and clearly experienced in their trade. The scheduling process was seamless, and they kept us updated every step of the way.”
4) Feel for Hot‑Spot Floors and Listen for Hissing in Quiet Rooms
Hot‑water slab leaks often show up as unusually warm flooring, especially on tile or engineered wood. At night, when the house is quiet, walk barefoot and listen:
- Warm strip across a room suggests a hot line leak.
- Hissing or faint whooshing inside a wall hints at a pressurized line leak.
- Musty smells or cupping boards indicate chronic moisture.
Our team uses thermal imaging to visualize temperature anomalies and acoustic sensors to locate leak noise through concrete. Non‑invasive tools mean we do not have to demo floors to find the source. Once located, we provide a targeted repair or reroute with minimal disruption.
“We had an emergency late at night, and their team arrived fast and ready to help. They diagnosed the issue quickly and walked us through the repair plan before starting anything at all.”
5) Inspect Irrigation, Hose Bibs, and Crawlspaces
Outdoor leaks waste water and can undermine foundations. Check these areas each season:
- Hose bibs: Look for drips at the spout and wet siding. Freezing can split the stem.
- Irrigation: Walk the zones. Soggy patches or greener strips may signal a broken lateral line.
- Crawlspaces: Use a flashlight. Look for dripping valves, damp soil, and white mineral tracks on pipes.
If you suspect an underground irrigation leak, we can isolate the sprinkler system from the home’s supply and test each zone. Tracer gas helps identify broken sections without trenching your yard.
“Fix it 24/7, in my opinion is top shelf. Their people are always informed, educated, & ready to get the job done with smiles on their faces. I have not had a bad technician come out in the 8 years we have worked with 24/7.” — Mike H.
6) Check Under Sinks, Behind Appliances, and Around Fixtures
Cabinet bottoms and appliance connections tell the story. Take five minutes per room:
- Kitchen: Look under the sink for warped wood, damp P‑traps, or green corrosion on shutoff valves. Check the dishwasher supply line and air gap.
- Laundry: Inspect the washer hoses and the wall box. Replace rubber hoses with braided stainless lines.
- Bathrooms: Run the tub and shower. Check the back side of the wall if accessible. Look for swollen baseboards and peeling caulk.
A moisture meter can quickly confirm concerns. Our plumbers carry electronic moisture detectors to measure content behind surfaces. If levels are high, we map the wet area and recommend targeted opening and drying, then repair.
“The tech arrived, got right to work, located and repaired the problem quickly!”
7) Know When to Call the Pros for Non‑Invasive Leak Detection
DIY checks are great, but advanced issues require specialized tools and training. When you call Fix‑it 24/7, here is what to expect from our professional leak detection process:
- Initial consultation and assessment: We listen, perform a visual review, and plan the best detection methods for your home.
- Advanced equipment deployment: Acoustic sensors, thermal imaging cameras, electronic moisture detectors, tracer gas, and video inspection isolate the leak with precision.
- Comprehensive system evaluation: We assess related fixtures, valves, and lines to ensure the whole system is sound.
- Detailed reporting and recommendations: You receive clear findings with photos and prioritized repair options.
- Professional repair solutions: Our licensed plumbers complete the repair with flat, up‑front pricing and a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
Non‑destructive testing protects walls, floors, and landscaping. For emergencies, we offer 24/7 service with a 60‑minute response goal across Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Thornton, Arvada, Boulder, Westminster, Centennial, Lafayette, and Longmont.
Fast Leak‑Control Checklist for Homeowners
Use this quick list to act fast and limit damage:
- Shut off the main valve if a major leak is suspected. Most Denver homes have a main near the basement wall where the line enters.
- Turn off water heater power or set to vacation mode if you shut the main.
- Capture photos or video of active leaking for insurance documentation.
- Move valuables and run fans to start drying.
- Call a licensed plumber for leak detection and repair.
We can often restore water the same day, and our $0 service call with repair keeps costs predictable.
What Makes Our Approach Different
- Technology first, not demo first: Acoustic, thermal, tracer gas, video inspection, and pressure testing reduce guesswork and wall cuts.
- Transparent pricing: Up‑front, flat‑rate estimates before work begins.
- Proven trust: A+ BBB rating, Angie’s List Super Service Award, and HomeAdvisor Top Rated.
- People you can welcome home: Licensed, background‑checked, drug‑tested technicians.
- Real availability: 24/7 live answer and same‑day service.
These are the reasons thousands of Denver‑area homeowners choose us for leak detection and repair.
When Hidden Leaks Become Emergencies
Some signs mean you should stop reading and call now:
- Water pouring from a ceiling or light fixture.
- A hot floor that suddenly gets hotter in one spot.
- The sound of running water when everything is off.
- A spinning meter with fixtures closed.
Turn off the main valve, then call (720) 734‑7243. We will guide you through the next steps while a technician is en route.
Special Offers for Leak Detection & Repair
- Save $89 on any plumbing repair. Use code: PLUMB89.
- $87 drain cleaning special. Use code: DRAIN87.
- $0 service call with repair. Pay nothing for the trip when we complete a repair.
Call (720) 734‑7243 and mention your coupon, or schedule at fixmyhome.com. Offers subject to change; available across the Denver metro.
What Homeowners Are Saying
"Fix it 24/7, in my opinion is top shelf. Their people are always informed, educated, & ready to get the job done with smiles on their faces. I have not had a bad technician come out in the 8 years we have worked with 24/7."
–Mike H., Leak Detection
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a hidden leak if I cannot see water?
Run a quiet‑hour meter test. Shut all water uses, note the meter and leak indicator, then recheck after 30–60 minutes. Movement suggests a hidden leak.
Will leak detection damage my walls or floors?
No. We use non‑invasive tools like acoustic sensors, thermal cameras, tracer gas, and moisture meters to pinpoint leaks before any opening.
What is the fastest way to stop damage from a major leak?
Turn off the home’s main water valve immediately, then cut power to the water heater if the main stays off. Call a licensed plumber for detection and repair.
Are slab leaks common in the Denver area?
They occur, especially in older homes or where hot‑water lines run in slabs. Warm floor spots, high bills, or the sound of running water are signs to investigate.
Do you offer same‑day leak repairs?
Yes. We provide 24/7 service with a 60‑minute emergency response goal and same‑day repairs in most cases, pending parts and access.
Bottom Line
Finding hidden leaks early protects your home and wallet. Start with the meter test, toilet dye, and visual checks, then call for professional water leak detection near me in the Denver metro when signs point to a hidden problem. We deliver non‑invasive pinpointing, clear pricing, and fast repairs.
Call or Schedule Now
- Call: (720) 734‑7243
- Book online: https://fixmyhome.com/
- Active coupons: $89 OFF Any Plumbing Repair, $87 Drain Cleaning, $0 Service Call with Repair
Need help tonight? We answer 24/7 and service Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Thornton, Arvada, Boulder, Westminster, Centennial, Lafayette, and Longmont.
Ready to stop that hidden leak? Call (720) 734‑7243 or book at fixmyhome.com now. Mention PLUMB89 to save $89 on any plumbing repair. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.
Fix-it 24/7 Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric is Denver’s trusted home-services partner. We’re A+ BBB rated, family owned, and available 24/7 with a 60‑minute emergency response goal. Our licensed, background‑checked technicians use acoustic, thermal, tracer-gas, and video inspection tools for non-invasive accuracy. We back every job with honest, flat-rate pricing, $0 service call with repair, and a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Recognitions include Angie’s List Super Service Award and HomeAdvisor Top Rated. Serving Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Thornton, Arvada, Boulder, Westminster, Centennial, Lafayette, Longmont.