Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Leak Detection
Get answers to the most common questions about professional leak detection services in the Memphis, TN area.
General Questions
About Leak Detection Services
What is leak detection and how does it work?
Professional leak detection uses specialized electronic and acoustic equipment to locate hidden water leaks without tearing into walls, floors, or foundations. Our technicians use a combination of acoustic listening devices, thermal imaging cameras, pressure testing equipment, and video pipe inspection cameras to identify the exact location of a leak. The process is non-invasive, meaning we find the problem without causing additional damage to your property. Most residential inspections can be completed in one to three hours depending on the complexity of the issue.
How much does leak detection cost in Memphis, TN?
The cost of leak detection in the Memphis area depends on the type of inspection needed and the complexity of the situation. A standard residential leak detection inspection typically starts at a flat diagnostic fee that covers the technician’s visit, equipment use, and a written report of findings. We provide transparent pricing before beginning any work, so there are no surprises. Contact us at (901) 489-2119 for a free estimate based on your specific situation.
Do you offer emergency or same-day leak detection?
Yes, we understand that water leaks do not wait for convenient business hours. We offer emergency and same-day leak detection service throughout the Memphis metro area. If you discover water damage, hear running water with all fixtures off, or notice a sudden spike in your water bill, call us immediately at (901) 489-2119. We prioritize emergency calls and make every effort to dispatch a technician the same day, including evenings and weekends when the situation demands it.
What are the signs of a slab leak?
Slab leaks are common in Memphis-area homes built on concrete foundations. Warning signs include unexplained increases in your water bill, the sound of running water when all fixtures are turned off, warm or damp spots on your floor, cracks in your foundation or walls, mold or mildew smell near the floor, and low water pressure throughout your home. Slab leaks can cause significant structural damage if left unaddressed, so early detection is critical. If you notice any of these signs, schedule an inspection as soon as possible.
Can you find a leak in my yard without digging it up?
Yes. We locate buried water, sewer, and irrigation line leaks from the surface using acoustic sensors, pressure testing, and line locating — before any digging. When the leak needs to be exposed for repair, we use hydro excavation, which uses pressurized water and a vacuum to open one small, clean hole right over the leak instead of trenching across your lawn or risking the other utilities buried nearby.
Process & Technology
How We Work
Will leak detection damage my property?
No. Our entire approach is built around non-invasive detection methods. We use acoustic sensors, thermal imaging, pressure gauges, and video cameras to locate leaks without cutting into walls, breaking through concrete, or excavating your yard. In rare cases where we need to access a cleanout or test point, we discuss this with you beforehand. Our goal is to identify the precise leak location so that any necessary repair work is minimized to the smallest possible area, saving you time and money on restoration.
Does homeowners insurance cover leak detection?
Many homeowners insurance policies cover leak detection as part of a water damage claim, though coverage varies by provider and policy. In general, insurance typically covers sudden and accidental water damage, which may include the cost of locating the source. We provide a detailed written report with our findings that you can submit to your insurance company. We recommend calling your insurance agent before scheduling service to understand your specific coverage. Our reports are designed to give adjusters the documentation they need to process your claim efficiently.
How long does a leak detection inspection take?
A typical residential leak detection inspection takes between one and three hours, depending on the size of your home, the number of plumbing systems involved, and the complexity of the leak. Simple single-point leak verifications may take less than an hour. Whole-house leak surveys or complex commercial properties may require more time. We schedule adequate time for each appointment so our technicians are never rushing through an inspection. Accuracy is more important than speed when it comes to finding hidden leaks.
What technology do you use to find leaks?
We use four primary technologies: acoustic listening equipment that amplifies the sound of water escaping pressurized pipes, allowing us to hear leaks through concrete, soil, and finished surfaces; infrared thermal imaging cameras that detect temperature variations caused by hidden moisture; static pressure testing equipment that isolates and tests individual plumbing lines for pressure loss; and miniature video pipe inspection cameras that travel through drain and sewer lines to visually inspect pipe interiors. Each situation calls for a different combination of these tools, and our technicians are trained to select the right approach for your specific scenario.
Can I detect a leak myself?
There are a few basic checks you can perform at home. Turn off all water fixtures and appliances, then check your water meter. If the meter is still registering flow, you likely have a leak somewhere in your system. You can also look for visible signs such as water stains on ceilings or walls, musty odors, or unusually green patches of grass in your yard. However, pinpointing the exact location of a hidden leak requires professional equipment. Attempting to find a leak by cutting into walls or concrete without proper detection often causes more damage and expense than hiring a professional from the start.
Service & Scheduling
After Detection & Booking
What happens after you find the leak?
Once we locate your leak, we provide a detailed written report that includes the location of the leak, the type of pipe or fixture affected, thermal images or video stills when applicable, and our professional assessment of the situation. This report gives you and your chosen repair contractor a clear roadmap for the repair. We mark the leak location on your property so the repair team knows exactly where to work. If you need help finding a qualified repair contractor, we are happy to provide recommendations from our professional network in the Memphis area.
Do you also repair leaks?
Patton Leak Detection focuses exclusively on locating leaks, which allows us to maintain objectivity and invest fully in detection technology and expertise. We do not perform repairs ourselves, which means we have no financial incentive to exaggerate findings or recommend unnecessary work. For plumbing repairs, we recommend contacting our parent company, Patton Plumbing, Heating & AC, which has served the Memphis area since 2003. They can handle any repair work identified during our inspection.
What areas in Memphis do you serve?
We serve the entire Memphis metropolitan area and surrounding communities. Our service area includes Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, Bartlett, Arlington, Covington, Brownsville, Mason, Lakeland, Millington, Munford, Atoka, Oakland, Somerville, and all communities within Shelby, Fayette, and Tipton counties. If you are unsure whether your location falls within our service area, give us a call at (901) 489-2119 and we will let you know right away.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Scheduling is simple. You can call us directly at (901) 489-2119 during business hours, Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can also fill out the service request form on our contact page and a team member will respond within one business hour to confirm your appointment. For emergency situations outside of regular business hours, call our main number and follow the prompts for emergency service. We will work with your schedule to find an appointment time that is convenient for you.
What makes Patton different from other leak detection companies?
Three things set us apart. First, we are backed by over 20 years of plumbing expertise through our parent company, Patton Plumbing, Heating & AC, which means our technicians understand plumbing systems at a fundamental level, not just the detection equipment. Second, we focus exclusively on leak detection, which means every dollar we invest goes toward better technology, deeper training, and more refined processes. Third, our reputation speaks for itself: a 4.9-star Google rating from over 1,900 reviews and A+ BBB accreditation reflect a consistent commitment to doing right by every customer we serve.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is happy to answer any questions about leak detection. Reach out today and we will help you understand your options.