Leak Detection in North York

Clues that something is leaking

• The water meter dial moves while every fixture is off
• A brownish ring on the ceiling below a bathroom
• Warm patches on a basement floor over a hot water line
• Musty smells or bubbling paint on a wall
• A bill clearly above the same period a year ago

How we find it

1. Meter test. With all fixtures off, we watch the meter to confirm a leak and judge its size.
2. Isolation. Closing branch valves narrows it to hot or cold, upstairs or down, inside or outside.
3. Fixture checks. Toilets are the most common silent leak. Dye tests and flapper checks rule them in or out.
4. Moisture and thermal tools. A moisture meter and thermal camera help locate wet areas behind finishes.
5. Targeted opening. Only once the spot is narrowed do we open a small, tidy access.

Leaks common in North York homes

Older bungalows often have copper lines that have pinholed after decades of use, galvanized pipe rusting at threaded joints, and cast-iron drains cracked along the bottom. In condos, leaks can come from a neighbour’s suite above. That is why the source matters for insurance and building management. See condo leaks: who is responsible.

After we find it

We explain the cause and repair options. A single pinhole may need only a short section of new pipe. Widespread corrosion may point to repiping. Our water bill guide shows how to spot a leak early.