How Much Does Leak Detection Cost?
By Mike Holt, NJ Master Plumber · October 29, 2026 · 2 min read · Updated November 1, 2026
Quick answer
Leak detection cost depends on how hidden the leak is, so we price each job after we assess it. A drip under a sink can be quick to find; a leak inside a wall, under a slab or in the yard takes longer. Finding a hidden leak is a separate diagnostic fee from the $49 service call, and repairs get written upfront flat-rate pricing options.
- Time
- Job-specific pricing after assessment
Want us to take a look? We find the cause and give you written upfront flat-rate pricing options before any work starts.
The cost of leak detection depends on how hidden the leak is. Before you call, you can check whether you have one with the meter test in our slab leak guide.
What changes the price?
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Where the leak is | Exposed basement pipes are often quick. Leaks inside finished walls and ceilings, under a concrete slab or underground take more time to pinpoint and reach. We don't do outside digging or excavation, so contact us to confirm scope if a repair needs outside digging. |
| How long it has leaked | A long-running leak may have damaged more pipe, fittings or framing around it. |
| Pipe type | Old galvanized steel or corroded copper may need a longer section replaced than the spot that's leaking. |
| Openings | We open walls or ceilings only where the repair has to happen. Drywall patching afterward is a separate cost. |
| Emergency service | Outside regular hours, emergency service requires a $250 upfront emergency fee, which replaces the standard $49 service fee. During regular hours there is no emergency fee. |
How do you know you have a hidden leak?
Turn off every faucet and appliance, then watch your water meter. If it still moves, water is going somewhere. Other signs are a water bill that jumps for no reason, stains on ceilings or walls, warped floors, a musty smell, or the sound of running water when nothing is on.
Why finding it first saves money
Guessing means opening the wrong wall. We confirm the leak at the meter, isolate sections of the plumbing until it's narrowed to one line or fixture, and only then open anything. That keeps drywall and flooring repairs small.
When does repiping make more sense?
If you're fixing a new leak every few months, the pipe itself may be failing, and repiping the worst sections may make more sense than patching leak after leak. Contact us to confirm whether we handle your scope and materials. See signs your home needs repiping.
How we quote
Once the leak is found, we give you job-specific pricing for the repair. Written upfront flat-rate pricing options. You choose. Additional work is quoted before written authorization from the client. Any latent conditions that change the upfront price will be given to the client in writing and will require written approval prior to our starting the work on the latent condition. Most company-supplied materials and repairs come with a 1 year parts and labor warranty. Client-supplied materials are not covered under our warranty. Outside regular hours, emergency service requires a $250 upfront emergency fee. When paid, the standard $49 service fee is waived. During regular hours there is no emergency fee. Additional repairs are quoted before work begins. We respond immediately upon contact; dispatch and arrival depend on availability and location. See leak detection and repair or call 908-873-6686.
Get tips and reminders
New guides and seasonal reminders. A few emails a year.
Stop and call us if
- Your water meter keeps moving with every faucet and appliance off.
- The water bill jumped and nothing changed in the house.
- There's a warm spot on the floor or the sound of running water.
- Stains are spreading on a ceiling or wall.
Call 908-873-6686.
Michael Holt
Owner and operator of Plumbing Doctor, NJ Master Plumber (Lic. #36BI01345600) and U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
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