How professional leak detection works
From the moment you call to the moment your plumber starts the repair — here's exactly what happens, why each step matters, and how the right combination of non-invasive technologies locates leaks within inches.
Step 1. Free phone consult
5 minutesCall 604-239-9934 or email info@Leak.ca. A certified technician (not a salesperson) listens to your symptoms — high water bill, ceiling stain, sound of running water, warm floor — and determines whether a site visit is actually warranted. About 30% of calls don't need detection at all; we'll tell you straight.
Step 2. Schedule the visit
24–72 hrs lead time typicalIf detection is warranted, we book a window that works around tenants, AGMs, or operations. Same-day appointments are often available within standard hours (Mon–Sat, 8am–6pm PT). For commercial and strata jobs, we coordinate with your property manager directly.
Step 3. On-site multi-technology scan
45 min – 4 hrs depending on scopeTechnician arrives and deploys the right combination of non-invasive tools: thermal imaging (FLIR-grade) for moisture mapping, acoustic correlation for pressurised pipe runs, ground-penetrating radar for subsurface and concrete scans, tracer gas for the hard-to-find. No drilling. No cutting. No excavation.
Step 4. Leak located within inches
Real-time, on-siteFindings are confirmed with at least two complementary technologies. The leak is marked on the surface (paint, flagging, or chalk) and the location is documented with photos, thermal images, and acoustic correlation output. Typical location accuracy: within 5–15 cm.
Step 5. Insurance-ready report
Delivered within 24 hrsWritten report delivered by email within 24 hours: thermal imagery, moisture readings, acoustic profiles, GPR cross-sections (where applicable), narrative findings, equipment manifest, technician credentials, and recommended next steps. Accepted by every major BC insurer.
Step 6. Repair handoff
You choose the contractorYou hand the report to your preferred plumber, restoration company, or trade. Leak.ca does not repair leaks — we only locate them. This separation guarantees unbiased findings (no incentive to find a leak that isn't there). We can recommend trusted BC trades if you don't have one.
Quick answers
Common questions about the process
How long does a leak detection service call take?
A residential leak detection job typically takes 45 minutes to 2 hours on-site. Larger commercial or strata jobs can take a half day to a full day. The free phone consult that precedes the visit takes about 5 minutes.
Is leak detection really non-invasive?
Yes — 100% non-invasive for the detection itself. We do not cut, drill, or excavate to locate the leak. The repair (done by a separate plumber) may require access, but the detection identifies exactly where, so the repair scope is minimised.
How accurate is the location?
Typical horizontal accuracy is within 5–15 cm for slab and underground leaks. For pressurised acoustic correlation over long runs, within 30 cm is standard. Multi-technology confirmation (e.g. acoustic + thermal + tracer gas) tightens accuracy further.
What if you can't find the leak?
If our on-site detection doesn't identify a leak, we tell you so — and you receive a written report stating no leak was detected. The report is itself valuable documentation for insurance, real-estate disclosure, or peace of mind. A small minority of cases warrant follow-up with tracer gas or borescope inspection.
Does the report go to my insurance company?
We send the report to you. You forward it to your insurance adjuster (or your strata's adjuster). Reports are formatted to match what major BC insurers — BFL, Wawanesa, Aviva, Intact, Co-operators, Northbridge — expect for first review.
How quickly can you arrive?
Same-day on-site service is often available within our operating hours (Mon–Sat, 8am–6pm PT). Lead time for non-emergency appointments is typically 24–72 hours. Call 604-239-9934 to confirm same-day availability.
Who pays — the property owner or the insurer?
The property owner typically pays the detection fee up front. Most BC home and commercial insurance policies reimburse detection costs when active water damage is present. Our reports are written specifically to support that reimbursement.
Ready for Step 1?
The free phone consult takes 5 minutes. A Leak.ca technician — not a sales rep — will listen, ask a few targeted questions, and tell you whether a site visit is warranted. No pressure.