Water escaping a pressurized pipe makes a sound, even under concrete. Our ground and contact microphones filter out background noise and amplify that leak signature, pinpointing slab, wall and buried-line leaks to within inches across Las Vegas.
How does acoustic leak detection work?
Water escaping from a pressurized pipe creates a hiss and vibration. Acoustic leak detection uses sensitive ground and contact microphones with noise filters to pick up that sound through concrete, soil and walls. The point where the sound is loudest marks the leak, often to within a few inches.
When water forces its way out of a pinhole or cracked fitting, it creates a hiss and vibration that travels through the pipe and the material around it. Acoustic leak detection uses electronic microphones and filters to pick up that sound and find the point where it is loudest, which is where the leak is.
This method is the backbone of underground leak detection and works well through concrete, tile and compacted soil. We often pair it with thermal imaging on hot-water lines, and once the leak is marked the repair can be handled through our pipe leak repair service.
Pressurized linesAcoustic listening works on any pressurized line. These are the jobs where it does the heavy lifting.
The sound of a slab leak carries up through the concrete to our sensors.
We listen along the main water line route to find the loudest point.
Returns and pressure-side pool plumbing can be checked by sound.
Contact sensors detect leaks in supply lines behind drywall.
Larger pipes in commercial buildings respond well to listening.
Pressurized irrigation lines can be traced and pinpointed.
Describe the problem and we will explain what the visit involves.
The suspect line is isolated and kept under pressure.
Sensors are placed along the pipe path at regular points.
Filtered sound levels show where the leak noise peaks.
The loudest point is confirmed and marked for repair.
Leak listening takes practice. Traffic, AC units and pool pumps all create noise, and knowing how to filter it out is what makes the result reliable.
Ground and contact microphones with digital filtering.
Precise pinpointing for smaller repair openings.
Completely non-invasive testing.
Clear findings after every visit.
Pressurized water escaping a pipe creates sound. Electronic microphones amplify and filter that sound so we can find where it is loudest, which marks the leak.
Yes. Sound travels through concrete and soil, which is why acoustic detection is so useful for slab and underground leaks.
It can. We use filters and may ask for noisy equipment such as pool pumps to be switched off during testing.
In most cases leaks are located to within a small area, which keeps repair openings minimal.
It works best on pressurized lines. Drain leaks usually need camera inspection or other testing.

Find leaks under your concrete foundation with acoustic and thermal tools before you open a floor.
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Trace leaks in buried lines between the meter, house, yard and pool equipment.
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Infrared scans that reveal hot-water and moisture patterns hidden behind finishes.
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Locate leaks on the main service line from the water meter to your home.
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Dye, pressure and electronic testing for pool shells, lights, skimmers and plumbing.
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Pinpoint hidden supply-line leaks inside walls, floors and ceilings without guesswork.
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Locate the source of stains, bubbling paint and drips in walls and ceilings.
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Leak detection for offices, restaurants, HOAs, apartments and retail spaces.
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Fix leaking copper, PEX and supply lines once the exact spot is confirmed.
Learn moreTalk to a local leak specialist now and find out what is leaking, where, and what to do next.