In this case, it depends on where the leak is, how difficult it is to access the area and several other factors. Most plumbers charge for their time, so the longer it takes to detect your leak, the more it will cost. The national average hourly cost to hire a plumber ranges anywhere from about $80 to $150* an hour, according to Thumbtack data. 

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

You can your homeowner's insurance policy to see if it covers leak detection services. If it doesn't, you may save money in the long run by paying a slightly higher premium for this coverage.  

Some insurance companies will also give you a discount on your premium if you strategically place wireless leak sensors around your home. These sound an alarm or send a message to your phone when they touch water, giving you a chance to quickly shut off the main water valve and soak up the mess before it causes too much expensive damage. You can also buy smart water shutoff valves to prevent major flooding from broken water lines when you’re not home. 

That said, the best way to save money on leak detection is to prevent a leak from happening in the first place. For example, pipes burst when they freeze, so it’s critical to insulate every accessible pipe if you live in an area that experiences freezing temperatures. Pipes may also leak if they corrode and weaken, so consider getting an inspection regularly.

Contact a plumber or leak detection professional near you to identify problems before a leak develops.

Plumbers typically start a leak investigation by looking at the leak indicator on your home’s water meter. This triangle- or snowflake-shaped disc spins when there’s a leak somewhere on the property. By turning off the home’s main water shutoff and noting whether the disc continues to spin, the plumber can determine if the leak is inside the home or in the pipes buried between the home and the water meter. 

After that, the plumber may look around for visual signs of a leak like wet drywall or subfloor. But more than likely, they’ll reach for a specialized tool like a pipe camera, thermal camera or ultrasonic leak detector. Plumbers even use microphones to hear the sound of water rushing out of the pipe. 

The water meter method only works for water supply lines, not sewer pipes. To find a sewer leak, the professional will feed a camera through the pipe until they find the break. They should know exactly where to dig by using a locator tool that senses the camera head beneath the soil. 

When you hire a pro for leak detection, expect them to take at least 30 minutes to confirm the presence of a leak and find its exact location. 

Large homes may take much longer to assess because there are typically more supply lines to evaluate. The process could also take longer if the plumber needs to inspect a long sewer pipe inch by inch using a camera. You can get a general idea of the length of your home’s sewer pipe by looking at the space between your home and the road. The leak could be anywhere in that pipe, and it may take a while to find it.

You can help the leak detection pro by pointing out any standing water or suspected water damage you’ve noticed in the home. Mention any pressure changes in your showers or faucets too.  

Leak detection isn’t always a feasible DIY project for most people. In many cases, it’s best to hire a professional. 

Professionals have an arsenal of leak detection equipment that costs thousands of dollars. Thermal cameras, pipe cameras, ultrasonic leak detectors and listening discs help them precisely locate leaks. So if the leak is buried beneath soil or hidden under drywall, they’ll know exactly where to dig or cut, keeping your restoration costs low. 

Specialized equipment also allows a leak detection pro to find the leak quickly. Stemming the flow of water as soon as possible saves you money on your water bill and prevents additional damage to your home or yard. 

So while you may be able to find the leak yourself, it would probably take longer and result in a bigger mess compared to calling in the pros. In many cases, hiring a leak detection company is worth the cost.

Finding the source of a hidden water leak without special imaging and audio equipment is tricky, so don’t expect to make too much headway on your own. Calling a leak detection expert near you is the best choice for a quick solution.

That said, you can do a few things to find the general area of the leak:

1. Start by checking your water meter, often located near the street. If there’s a spinning triangle- or snowflake-shaped dial, the leak is in the water supply lines rather than the sewer. 

2. Turn off your home’s main water shutoff valve. Go back to the water meter and check the spinning dial. If it stopped spinning, the leak is somewhere in your home. If it’s still spinning, call a pro — the leak is between the water meter and your shutoff valve, so it’s coming from a pipe that’s buried in the soil. 

3. If the leak is in your home, look carefully for signs of water or water damage in your flooring, ceilings and walls. Also check under sink cabinets and major appliances, behind the shower access panel and around your basement or crawlspace.