Leak Detection in Billings, MT

Pinpoint hidden plumbing, slab, pool, and underground line leaks with non-invasive technology—before water damage spreads.

When a leak is out of sight, it’s easy to lose time and money chasing symptoms instead of the source. American Leak Detection of Montana provides professional leak detection in Billings, MT, using specialized, non-invasive methods designed to locate the problem without unnecessary cutting, drilling, or demolition. Our goal is simple: give you accurate leak location information you can act on immediately, whether you’re coordinating with a plumber, a pool professional, or filing an insurance claim. If you’re noticing rising water bills, damp spots, or unexplained water meter movement, the next step is to schedule a targeted inspection.

Contact American Leak Detection of Montana today for pool leak detection in Billings. Call us at (406) 551-6906!

Signs of a Hidden Water Leak in Your Home (and What Your Water Meter Is Telling You)

Hidden leaks rarely stay “small” for long, especially when they feed mold growth, weaken drywall, or saturate subfloors and insulation. In Billings homes, we often see leaks present as subtle changes first—slight musty odors, a warm spot on the floor, or a sudden spike in the monthly bill without a change in usage. You may also notice running water when no fixtures are on, reduced water pressure, or recurring dampness that returns after cleaning or drying. If any of these are happening, it’s worth treating them as a leak until proven otherwise and scheduling residential leak detection.

• Unexpectedly high water bills or a steady increase month over month
• Wet or discolored drywall, baseboards, ceilings, or flooring
• Musty smells, visible mold, or allergy symptoms that worsen indoors
• Warped floors, loose tiles, or bubbling paint
• Low pressure, air in lines, or frequent pump cycling (for well systems)
• Foundation cracks or warm/cool spots on slab floors

If your water meter shows usage with everything off, treat that as a strong indicator of a pressurized leak. Start by turning off all water-using appliances and fixtures, then watch the meter: if the leak indicator dial or digital flow rate continues to move, water is flowing somewhere. Next, isolate the system by shutting off the main house valve; if the meter stops, the leak is likely inside the home, and if it continues, it may be between the meter and the house (an underground service line). Once you confirm meter movement, contact us through our leak detection scheduling page so we can locate the leak before additional damage occurs.

How Non-Invasive Leak Detection Works Without Cutting Walls

Non-invasive leak detection is a diagnostic process that uses instrumentation to identify the leak’s location and characteristics, not a “guess-and-open” approach. We begin by asking targeted questions—when the problem started, whether hot or cold lines are involved, and which areas show symptoms—then we map the plumbing layout and evaluate pressure, flow, and moisture patterns. Depending on what we find, we use tools such as moisture meters, thermal imaging, electronic listening equipment, and line tracing to narrow the problem to a precise area. The result is less disruption, less restoration work, and faster repairs because your plumber can go straight to the right spot.

Many homeowners ask, “Can you really find a leak without cutting into the wall?” In most cases, yes—because the leak produces measurable signals: sound, temperature differences, pressure loss, and moisture migration. For example, a pinhole leak on a hot line can create a thermal signature, while a pressurized leak can create an acoustic “hiss” that travels along pipe and through building materials. When appropriate, we combine methods to confirm findings, so you’re not paying for exploratory openings that miss the leak. If you want a clear plan for next steps, request a non-invasive leak detection appointment, and we’ll explain the process before we begin.

Slab Leaks & Underground Water Lines: Can Leak Detection Find Leaks Under Concrete?

Yes—leak detection can locate slab leaks under a concrete foundation, and doing it early can prevent serious structural and flooring damage. Slab leaks often show up as warm spots on the floor, unexplained damp carpet or tile grout, mildew odors, or cracks that appear or worsen over time. Because the piping is hidden beneath concrete, homeowners sometimes assume the only option is to start jackhammering until the leak is found. Our slab leak detection process is designed to pinpoint the leak location so repairs are targeted and the access area is minimized.

A common question is whether acoustic leak detection is accurate for underground water lines. In many cases, it is highly accurate, especially when performed by trained specialists using professional-grade sensors and correlation tools. Accuracy depends on factors like pipe material (copper, PVC, galvanized, etc.), depth, soil type, water pressure, and background noise from traffic or mechanical equipment, which can be common in neighborhoods throughout Billings. When acoustics alone isn’t enough, we may verify with additional techniques such as line tracing, controlled pressure testing, or other confirmation methods to reduce uncertainty. If you suspect a leak in the yard or between the meter and the home, schedule underground water line leak detection to get an actionable location before excavation begins.

Pool Leak Detection: Is It a Leak or Normal Evaporation?

It’s normal for pools to lose some water to evaporation, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather—but a leak will typically create a consistent, abnormal drop that doesn’t match conditions. As a general guideline, evaporation often falls in the range of roughly 1/8" to 1/4" per day, though it can vary with temperature, humidity, and whether your pool is covered. If you’re losing significantly more than that, frequently adding water, or noticing soggy soil near the pool, air in the pump basket, or an unexplained chemical imbalance, it’s time to investigate. The most reliable first step is the bucket test: place a bucket of pool water on a step, mark water levels inside and outside, and compare the drop after 24 hours with the pump both on and off.

If the bucket test suggests a leak, professional pool leak detection can locate it in the shell, plumbing lines, fittings, skimmers, lights, or equipment pad. We may use dye testing at suspected points, pressure testing of individual plumbing circuits, and electronic listening to track leaks in buried lines. Many pool leaks are repairable without major demolition when the leak location is identified precisely, which is why detection is so valuable before you start replacing parts or resurfacing. If you’re in Billings, MT, and unsure whether the water loss is normal, contact us through our pool inspection request page, and we’ll help you confirm what’s happening.

Cost, Timing, and What to Expect From a Professional Leak Detection Inspection

Homeowners frequently ask, “How much does professional leak detection cost?” Pricing varies based on the type of system (interior plumbing, slab, pool, or underground line), the size and complexity of the property, and the amount of diagnostic work needed to confirm the source. In many markets, professional leak detection commonly falls within a broad range (often a few hundred dollars), with more complex underground or multi-system diagnostics sometimes higher due to added time and equipment. While it’s natural to focus on the inspection fee, accurate detection often reduces total project cost by preventing unnecessary wall removal, flooring tear-out, or yard excavation. For the most accurate estimate for your Billings-area property, the next step is to request an appointment through our contact page and describe what you’re seeing.

So, how long does a leak detection inspection take? Many standard residential inspections take about 1–3 hours, while more complex situations—such as multiple suspected leaks, slab systems, or difficult underground conditions—can take longer. Our goal is to work efficiently while still confirming findings, because a rushed inspection can create false positives and lead to expensive, unnecessary repairs. When we’re finished, you can expect clear documentation of the leak location and practical repair recommendations, including which trade should handle the fix. If you need fast clarity for a plumber visit or to stop a high water bill, schedule a home leak detection inspection as soon as you notice the problem.

Repairs, Responsibility & Insurance: What Happens After the Leak Is Found?

Another common concern is, “Who is responsible for water leak repairs—the homeowner or the plumber?” In most cases, homeowners are responsible for leaks on the private side of the system. At the same time, municipalities are typically responsible for issues on the public side (often up to the meter), but boundaries can vary by local rules and property layout. A plumber generally performs the physical repair (pipe replacement, fitting repair, reroute, re-pipe, etc.), while leak detection specialists focus on accurate location and diagnostics to target the repair. If a leak is related to recent plumbing work, responsibility may depend on workmanship warranties and the specific circumstances, so documentation matters. Once we locate the leak, we can help you take the next step by sharing findings you can provide to your plumber or by guiding you to the repair coordination process.

Homeowners also ask, “Does homeowners insurance cover leak detection and water damage?” Coverage depends on your policy and the cause of loss: many policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, while damage from long-term, gradual leaks may be limited or excluded, and the cost to repair the failed pipe itself may be treated differently from the resulting damage. Leak detection fees are often considered part of reasonable investigation or mitigation when there is a covered loss, but you should confirm with your carrier and keep all documentation. The most important immediate actions are to stop further damage (shut off water if needed), document what you’re seeing, and schedule professional detection to provide clear, defensible findings. For prompt service in Billings, MT, book now through American Leak Detection of Montana so you can move from suspicion to a verified answer and a repair plan.

Contact American Leak Detection of Montana today for pool leak detection in Billings. Call us at (406) 551-6906!