Leak Detection | Non-Invasive, Insurance-Approved | Pretoria, JHB, George & Knysna

How Do You Know If You Have a Hidden Water Leak?

Hidden water leaks are often present for weeks or months before they become visible. The most reliable indicator is a water meter reading that increases between two readings taken overnight when no water is being used -if the meter moves, water is flowing somewhere in the system. Other signs include unexplained increases in your monthly water account, damp patches on walls, floors, or ceilings, the sound of running water when all taps are closed, areas of garden that remain wet without irrigation, and in severe cases, structural cracking or paint bubbling caused by moisture. A hidden leak wasting 60 litres per day – a common rate for a small pipe pinhole — adds approximately 1,800 litres to your monthly consumption. If left undetected, leaks can progress to a burst geyser or a sewer line failure. K-Plumbing provides leak detection across Pretoria, Johannesburg, George, and Knysna. Call 087 094 5048 – early detection consistently reduces both repair costs and property damage.

What Technology Does K-Plumbing Use for Leak Detection?

K-Plumbing uses three primary methods for non-invasive leak detection, applied individually or in combination. Acoustic listening devices amplify the sound of water escaping under pressure, allowing our technicians to pinpoint the location through walls, floors, or underground without opening the surface. Pressure testing involves isolating sections of the pipe network and monitoring for pressure drop – a loss within an isolated section confirms a leak there. Gas tracing, the most precise method, pressurises the pipe with a harmless tracer gas mixture that escapes through any leak point and is detected at the surface using a sensitive detector. Gas tracing is particularly effective for underground supply lines and leaks under concrete slabs. Our initial call-out fee of R2,127.50 including VAT covers the first hour of labour and the leak detection process. Additional time is charged at R747.50 per hour including VAT. See our call-out fee schedule for full pricing detail.

What Happens After the Leak Is Located?

Once the leak is precisely located, K-Plumbing provides a written repair estimate before any excavation or repair begins. In many cases the repair is completed during the same visit – a pinhole in a copper pipe, a failed joint, or a cracked elbow. Where the leak is underground or behind a tiled surface, we open only the minimum area necessary to access and repair the fault. After repair, we re-test the pipe under pressure to confirm the leak is fully resolved. If the root cause is a broader pipe condition issue – such as aging pipework throughout the property – we may recommend a pipe relining assessment. Where the leak has caused structural moisture damage, our green plumbing assessment can identify additional water management improvements to prevent recurrence. All leak detection and repair work carries a 12-month workmanship guarantee and is insurance-approved.

Frequently Asked Questions – Leak Detection

How much does leak detection cost?

K-Plumbing’s leak detection call-out fee is R2,127.50 including VAT, covering travel, initial assessment, and the first hour of detection. Additional time is R747.50 per hour including VAT. Gas tracing is charged only for gas consumed. See our full call-out fee schedule.

Will you need to break my tiles or walls to find the leak?

No. Our detection methods are non-invasive – we locate the leak precisely before opening any surface. This minimises damage and repair costs significantly. The same approach is used for sewer line inspections where we investigate before excavating.

Can you detect leaks underground or under a concrete slab?

Yes. Gas tracing is the most precise method for underground and sub-slab leaks – tracer gas escapes through the leak point and is detected at the surface without excavation. We cover underground leak detection across Pretoria, Johannesburg, George, and Knysna.

Does home insurance cover leak detection and repair?

Most South African home insurance policies cover sudden water damage from burst or leaking pipes, including detection and repair costs. K-Plumbing is insurance-approved and provides a full written report of the detection process and findings. Our documentation meets the requirements of all major South African insurers – the same standard we apply across all our plumbing services.

Can a hidden leak cause my water backup tank to empty faster than expected?

Yes –  this is a common issue. A hidden leak drawing on the backup supply can drain a storage tank within hours rather than days, making the system appear to malfunction. We recommend a leak detection check before or alongside any water backup system installation. Call 087 094 5048 to arrange a combined assessment.