By Roger Wakefield, Licensed Master Plumber · Updated July 9, 2026

How Do Plumbers Find Leaks? Water Leaks, Sewer Leaks, and Gas Leaks

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Unpleasant odors and overflowing toilets are some of the common signs of a problem with a sewer system. Luckily, with the right camera and equipment, you can locate any sewer line, figure out what the problem is, and determine the best way to fix it.

Performing a Sewer Line Leak Inspection

Sewer lines are usually installed under the foundation of the house. A sewer pipe inspection camera and a locator are used to identify problems in the sewer pipes. As the locator wades through into the sewer lines, you can see everything happening in there with the help of the camera. A sewer pipe inspection camera can help you see the following issues in the sewer system:

Leaking pipe joints
Root intrusion
Bellies holding water and debris
Collapsed pipes
Cracked sewer lateral
Separated joints

Before you start, you might need to hydro jet or run a plumbing snake through the sewer line if it’s holding water. Now, go to the outlet side of the two-way cleanout and set up your gear. Turn the transmitter and the locator on and insert the camera into the sewer line. Watch the live feed on the monitor for any irregularities in the sewer pipes as you move the camera along the sewer line. If you find something, like a crack or a bellied pipe, pause the camera and mark the spot. Using a rigid scout, now locate your marker above the ground. When you get level and directly above your marker, it will tell you how deep the sewer line is under the slab. You can show the footage to the client, explain the problem, and offer suggestions on how to fix it.

Order Your Leak Detection Equipment Today

Thanks to technological advancements in the plumbing industry, leak detection is more accurate, easier, and faster. Every plumber should invest in the best leak detection systems to deliver high-quality services to their clients. Contact LeakPro® today to get your leak detection equipment. Also, visit Roger’s YouTube to learn more about leak detection and how to use your equipment.

Sewer leaks are one of the trickiest calls a plumber gets — if you want to master locating them with isolation testing, our hands-on leak detection training covers cast iron and PVC systems on real live leaks.

Plumber Visits A Home With A Massive Slab Leak

Most people don’t think about their plumbing system often. They are just happy it works. However, if problems like slab leaks occur, they may stay hidden for a while and damage your house while at it. They are also not a quick fix; the pipes are buried under your slab, and it

Customer Saves Over $40,000 on Plumbing Repair

Plumbing repairs are some of the priciest repairs homeowners may have to shoulder, especially in cases where the whole plumbing system has to be replaced. However, a good plumber with the right equipment can perform a leak detection test, analyze the damage, and

What Causes Slab Leak Foundation Damage And How To Fix It

Did you receive a water bill that is higher than usual? Or has there been a drop in water pressure in your home? That may point to a leaking slab under your foundation. But do slab leaks cause foundation problems? Unfortunately, the answer is yes.

Tunneling Under Your Whole House To Save Your Sewer Line

Slab leak repairs are some of the most expensive plumbing repairs, and as a homeowner, you may want to know some of the ways you can save money while getting the best results. Plumbers may also want to know what options they can give their clients to reduce plumbing costs without compromising the quality of the repairs.

What Is A Hydrostatic Test?

If you are buying a home in Texas, you may have come across the Addendum for Authorizing Hydrostatic Testing in the TREC residential contract. The addendum states that the buyer will pay for the hydrostatic test, and should the test damage the house, it allows the buyer and the seller to decide who will pay for the repairs.

Sewer Water Test That EMPOWERS Homeowners Before They Buy!

When buying a house, one can get carried away by the excitement. As soon as the home inspector gives a thumbs up, new buyers are usually ready to sign the mortgage or pay for the house. But here’s the problem; home inspectors don’t have any plumbing knowledge to advise

This Under Slab Hot Water Leak Was Costing The Homeowners $$$

Slab leaks are every homeowner’s worst nightmare. They can cause significant damage to your home and are quite pricey to detect and fix. It’s always wise to have your plumbing system regularly checked by a professional plumber to avoid slab leak issues creeping on you. If you already have a slab leak, getting it fixed as quickly as possible will save you a lot of money in the long run.

If You Call This A Hydrostatic Test, You’re Wrong (And Here’s Why)

Homebuyers are always advised to have the plumbing system of their prospective home thoroughly tested for slab leaks before paying for the house or signing a mortgage. Similarly, homeowners call plumbers to perform the same test if they suspect leaks under their slab. This test is known as a sewer water test, and it’s the first step of leak detection.

How Do Plumbers Find Leaks? Water Leaks, Sewer Leaks, and Gas Leaks

Typically, there are three types of leaks that plumbers often deal with; water leaks, sewer leaks, and gas leaks. There are different ways of finding them, and each requires specific equipment and knowledge. So, how are plumbers able to accurately identify leaks in the pipes buried deep under the house?

Want the full method? See how a pro isolates and pinpoints a leak in our step-by-step leak detection process.

Slab Leak Repairs For Your Plumbing System

The problem with slab leaks is you may not even know you have a big plumbing problem developing until a significant amount of damage has already been done. Also, since the water lines are beneath the house, slab leaks are not your typical DIY plumbing job. So, what

Flooded Water Meter Box- Can I Find the Water Leak?

A flooded meter box points to a leak around the meter. But where exactly is the leak? Water flows from the District’s main through a meter to the private side and then travels underground to a home’s shutoff valve. So

How To Find A Gas Leak Under A House

The natural gas we use in our homes is usually safe, but in some cases, such as poorly maintained gas lines, gas leaks may occur. Even the smallest of gas leaks can be very dangerous, and it’s important to have your gas lines regularly inspected for leaks.

How To Find A Sewer Leak In Your Plumbing System

Running a Shower Pan Test (Will it Leak?)

A shower pan is a lead or vinyl waterproof barrier placed under the shower floor to collect water that may seep through the tiles, grout, and mud mix and direct it down the drain. Plumbers are advised to perform a shower pan test before installing the tile because replacing a shower pan in a tile shower can be very expensive.

Slab Leak Repair Tunneling Under Your House

Fixing slab leak problems in inaccessible areas of the house can be a tiring plumbing job as it may require digging holes through the slab to reach water lines. To make your work easier, you should first conduct a leak detection test to figure out the exact location of the leak.

What Is Slab Leak Detection and Why Should You Care?

Leaks can occur in the cold and hot water lines below the concrete foundation of your home. If the leaks are not fixed early, they can cause significant damage to your home’s foundation. Slab leak detection is the process of detecting and locating water leaks under concrete slabs in your home.

How To Do Water Leak Detection Like A Plumbing Pro

Regardless of size, water leaks in a home can cause costly property damage and should be addressed immediately. Even the smallest leaks require timely intervention and in a proper manner; otherwise, they can lead to potentially greater damages, hazards, or even health problems. If you’re wondering how you can detect water leaks in your home, yet some pipes run in hard-to-reach or see places, then this post is for you.

This New Remote Leak Detection System Will BLOW YOUR MIND!

Water leaks in your home can be quite dangerous and more so if they are not detected early. Leaks can cause flooding, which can damage the structural integrity of your house, or cause the growth of mold and mildew in your home, which can trigger allergies and respiratory issues. But what if we told you there is a way to prevent that from happening?

How to Find Water Leaks (Water Meter Hasn’t Stopped Spinning!)

When there is a leak in your home, the water meter may continue spinning even when you are not using the water. If your water meter hasn’t stopped spinning, you can perform a meter test to confirm you have a leak and determine where it is.

How To Determine If You Have A Plumbing Slab Leak In 15 Minutes

If you suspect a slab leak, you can perform a sewer line and water line leak test to confirm the leak and take necessary action. A sewer water test is one of the best ways to find leaks in your plumbing system.

Slab Leak Detection: How Does It Work?

Unchecked water leakage in your home can cause a vast array of risks, including toxic microbial growth and pest infestation, structural damage, slip hazards, and electrical problems. Therefore, pinpointing the exact location of the leak and conducting necessary repairs is something you cannot overlook.

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How To Find A Sewer Leak In Your Plumbing System

How Do Plumbers Find Leaks? Water Leaks, Sewer Leaks, and Gas Leaks

WATCH THE VIDEO

Performing a Sewer Line Leak Inspection

Order Your Leak Detection Equipment Today

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