A hidden leak?
Start with the evidence.

Clues deserve investigation—not a label.

Damp flooring, staining near a wall, or unexpectedly high water use can justify an assessment. These observations do not, by themselves, prove a leak beneath the slab. Moisture may have another source, and higher use may have another explanation.

Start with a short timeline: when you first noticed the change, where it appears, whether it changes after water use or weather, and whether water bills show a new pattern. Record only what you can observe without entering an unsafe area or opening building materials.

What detection should help establish

• Whether an active plumbing leak has been confirmed.
• Which part of the system is implicated and how confidently it has been located.
• What the evidence does not yet establish.
• Whether access or additional testing is needed before choosing the repair.

Ask for the limits of the findings

Detection and repair are different scopes. Before the visit, ask what the assessment includes, how findings will be documented, and whether the provider also performs the eventual repair. A location estimate may need confirmation once access is opened.

Ask the provider to explain the tools selected for your situation and any limitations imposed by the building, materials, access, or type of leak. No single method should be treated as a guarantee of a complete diagnosis.

A repair plan should follow the evidence

These are conversation prompts, not a recommendation for a particular method. A suspected slab-area leak does not automatically require rerouting or imply structural failure. A qualified on-site assessment controls the recommendation.

Compare more than the plumbing work

A written proposal should distinguish detection, access, repair, drying, and restoration. Ask what happens if the suspected location is not confirmed after opening the area. Accessibility, concealed conditions, permits, and the extent of affected materials may change the cost and schedule.

When the situation becomes urgent

If water is actively spreading, move to the active-water guidance and seek prompt local help. Keep people clear of wet electrical equipment and potentially contaminated water.