Same-Day ServiceMost calls booked today
Non-Invasive ToolsAcoustic & thermal detection
Written FindingsPhotos and notes after each visit
Local SpecialistsAcross the Las Vegas Valley
Listening for Leaks

Pinpointing Leaks by Sound

Quick Answer

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.

  • Ground microphones for slabs and yards
  • Contact sensors for exposed pipes and valves
  • Noise filtering for busy or windy sites
  • Pinpointing to a small, marked area
Water droplet on a brass pipe where an acoustic leak test was performed in Las VegasPressurized lines
Where It Works

Leaks We Locate With Acoustic Equipment

Acoustic listening works on any pressurized line. These are the jobs where it does the heavy lifting.

Slab leaks under tile and concrete

The sound of a slab leak carries up through the concrete to our sensors.

Buried service and yard lines

We listen along the main water line route to find the loudest point.

Pool and spa pressure lines

Returns and pressure-side pool plumbing can be checked by sound.

Leaks inside walls

Contact sensors detect leaks in supply lines behind drywall.

Fire and commercial lines

Larger pipes in commercial buildings respond well to listening.

Irrigation mainlines

Pressurized irrigation lines can be traced and pinpointed.

Talk to a Specialist About Acoustic Leak Detection

Describe the problem and we will explain what the visit involves.

Our Process

How Acoustic Leak Detection Works

Pressurize the line

The suspect line is isolated and kept under pressure.

Survey the route

Sensors are placed along the pipe path at regular points.

Compare readings

Filtered sound levels show where the leak noise peaks.

Mark the leak

The loudest point is confirmed and marked for repair.

Why Choose Us

Experienced Ears and Professional Equipment

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.

Professional sensors

Ground and contact microphones with digital filtering.

Inches, not feet

Precise pinpointing for smaller repair openings.

No damage

Completely non-invasive testing.

Clear findings

Clear findings after every visit.

FAQ

Acoustic Leak Detection FAQ

How does acoustic leak detection work?

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.

Can you hear a leak through concrete?

Yes. Sound travels through concrete and soil, which is why acoustic detection is so useful for slab and underground leaks.

Does background noise affect the results?

It can. We use filters and may ask for noisy equipment such as pool pumps to be switched off during testing.

How accurate is acoustic leak detection?

In most cases leaks are located to within a small area, which keeps repair openings minimal.

Can acoustic detection find drain leaks?

It works best on pressurized lines. Drain leaks usually need camera inspection or other testing.