Leak Detection in Montclair, CA

Clues to look for

• Usage on your water bill rising for no obvious reason
• The meter moving with every tap and the sprinklers off
• Rusty or discolored water from one faucet, which can mean corroding pipe nearby
• A warm or damp area on a slab floor
• Water sounds in walls when the house is quiet
• Stains under sinks, around the toilet base or on ceilings

What's different about Montclair

Montclair grew out of former citrus orchards after World War II, and its housing is mostly older: city-stats.com puts the median year built at 1969. In homes of that age, aging supply and drain lines are common. Galvanized pipe corrodes from the inside and eventually leaks at threaded joints, and older copper can develop pinholes. The City itself advises having older homes checked for problems such as pipe corrosion.

Water and sewer are separate here. Monte Vista Water District (MVWD) provides water, and the City refers main water line questions to MVWD at (909) 624-0035. If water is surfacing at the meter or the street, that's the first call. The City of Montclair handles sewer. Leaks between the meter and the house, and all plumbing inside, are the owner's to repair.

Older houses may have had partial repairs over the years, so one home can mix galvanized, copper and plastic. Joints where different metals meet are a frequent leak point, and they're one of the first places a plumber checks.

What affects the cost

• How many sections must be tested before the leak shows itself
• Whether the pipe is in a wall, under the slab or in the yard
• Equipment such as acoustic listening tools or thermal imaging
• Whether a spot repair makes sense or the pipe is worn enough to replace
• Permits through the City of Montclair Building Department, (909) 625-9477

What happens when you call

You'll be connected with an independent plumber who works in Montclair. Describe what you've seen and heard, and whether the meter moves with all water off. If you know the house has galvanized pipe or has had leaks before, mention it, since that helps the plumber decide whether to look for one leak or assess the whole system.