Leak Detection & Pipe Repair
Leak Detection & Pipe Repair
Finding the real source of a leak — and repairing it properly, not just patching the symptom. Copper pipe repair, supply lines, and shut-off valve replacement included.
Small leaks cause big damage
A leak you can see — a dripping pipe under a sink, a wet spot on a basement ceiling — is frustrating. A leak you can't see is worse. Water escaping behind a wall, under a floor, or above a ceiling can rot framing, ruin drywall and flooring, and feed mold for months before it shows up as a stain.
Our team tracks down the actual source of a leak and repairs it correctly, so you're not calling us back for the same problem next year. That includes copper pipe replacement, water supply line repairs, and shut-off valve replacements — the everyday pipe repair work that keeps a home's plumbing sound.
What’s Included
Here’s what this service covers.
- Leak detection and diagnosis
- Pipe repair and replacement
- Copper pipe installation — soldered and pressure-tested
- Water supply line repair
- Shut-off valve replacement
- Water damage prevention recommendations
Signs of a hidden leak
- A higher water bill without a change in how you use water.
- The water meter keeps moving when every faucet and appliance is off.
- Stains, bubbling paint, or soft drywall on ceilings and walls, especially below bathrooms.
- Warped or cupping floors near kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas.
- A musty smell or visible mold in a cabinet, closet, or basement corner.
- The sound of running water when nothing is on.
- Low water pressure at several fixtures.
If water is actively coming through a ceiling or pouring from a pipe, shut off the main water valve and call us — that's a same-day emergency visit. If you don't know where your main shut-off is, ask us to show you during any visit. It's one of the most useful things a homeowner can know.
How we find and fix leaks
- We ask where and when. When the stain appeared, whether it gets worse when a certain fixture is used, and whether the water meter moves with everything off. That narrows it down quickly.
- We locate the source. We trace the leak with professional equipment and a methodical process, so any opening in a wall or ceiling is as small as possible and in the right place.
- We repair the pipe properly. That may mean replacing a section of copper, a failed fitting, a corroded supply line, or a shut-off valve that no longer closes.
- We test. Repairs are checked under pressure before the wall is closed up.
- We explain what caused it. Sometimes it's a one-off; sometimes it's a sign that older piping is wearing out, and we'll tell you honestly if repiping is worth considering.
Common causes of leaks in North & Northwest suburban homes
Many homes in our service area were built between the 1950s and the 1990s, and their plumbing is reaching an age where problems show up more often:
- Aging galvanized steel pipe in older homes, which corrodes from the inside and eventually leaks at the threads.
- Pinhole leaks in copper, often in older lines or where water chemistry has worn the pipe wall thin.
- Worn shut-off valves and supply lines under sinks and toilets, which are easy to overlook until they fail.
- Frozen pipes in exterior walls, crawlspaces, and garages during hard Chicago-area winters.
- High water pressure that strains fittings and appliance connections over time.
What affects the cost of leak repair
A straightforward estimate is free. Tracing a hidden leak is more involved diagnostic work and may include a service call fee, which we always mention upfront. The cost of the repair itself depends on where the leak is, how much pipe needs to be replaced, the pipe material, and access through walls, floors, or ceilings. You'll know the price before we start.
Recent Work
Workmanship that speaks for itself.
Frequently Asked
Questions homeowners usually ask.
How do you find a leak inside a wall?
We trace it methodically — checking fixtures, the water meter, and the pattern of the damage — and use professional equipment to narrow down the location, so any opening is as small as possible and in the right spot.
Is there a charge for leak detection?
A straightforward estimate is free. More involved diagnostic work, like tracing a hidden leak, may include a service call fee, which we always mention upfront.
Should I shut off my water if I have a leak?
If water is actively leaking, yes — shut off the main water valve to limit damage, then call us. We’re happy to show you where your main shut-off is during any visit.
Do you replace shut-off valves under sinks and toilets?
Yes. Old shut-off valves often seize or leak when they’re finally needed; we replace them as part of our pipe repair work.
Is a pinhole leak a sign I need to repipe?
Not always. One pinhole leak can be repaired. If leaks keep appearing in different places, it can be a sign the piping is wearing out, and we’ll talk through whether repiping makes sense.
Areas We Serve
Serving Chicago's North & Northwest suburbs.
Suspect a hidden leak?
Call I.D. ProPlumbing for accurate leak detection and a repair that lasts.