Leak Detection in Riverside, CA

Clues that something is leaking

• A water bill that jumps without any change in use
• The meter's leak indicator moving while every fixture is off
• A warm patch on a tile or concrete floor
• Sound of running water when nothing is on
• Damp drywall, bubbling paint or a musty smell
• A wet or sunken spot in the yard between the meter and the house

A simple meter test

Shut off every faucet, appliance and irrigation valve, then look at the meter. If the dial or leak indicator keeps moving, water is escaping somewhere past the meter. Close the house's main shutoff and check again: if the meter stops, the leak is inside the house; if it keeps moving, the leak is likely on the line between the meter and the house.

How plumbers find leaks

Acoustic equipment picks up the hiss of pressurized water through concrete and soil. Thermal imaging shows temperature differences that follow a hot water leak. Pressure tests isolate which section of piping is losing water. Combined, these narrow the search to a small area before anything is cut.

Riverside factors

Much of the area's housing sits on concrete slabs, so supply lines under the floor are a common source of hidden leaks. Pressure plays a role too: Riverside Public Utilities rules require the customer to install and maintain a pressure regulator and relief valve where static water pressure exceeds 80 psi, and a failed regulator puts extra stress on every joint in the house. RPU's water also averages about 197 mg/L hardness, and scale can wear valves and fittings over time.

Whose leak is it?

RPU owns and maintains the service connection up to and through the meter, including the meter and meter vault. Piping beyond that point is the customer's to maintain. A leak at the meter box or in the street is a call to RPU at (951) 782-0330; a leak past the meter is a plumbing job.

What affects cost

The number of tools needed, how many areas must be checked, and whether a hot or cold line is involved all play a part. Detection and repair are often priced separately, so ask about both.