A leak you cannot see is usually costing you before you notice it, through a high water bill, a damp spot, or a sound of running water when everything is off. Emergency leak detection uses listening equipment, electronic sensors and a methodical process of elimination to find the exact source so only the damaged section is opened.
We locate leaks in Marlboro homes and businesses at any hour, and when water is actively spreading we start by helping you stop it.
Signs of a hidden leak that deserve a call today
- A water bill that jumps with no change in how you use water.
- A meter that keeps moving when every fixture is off.
- Warm spots on a floor, which can indicate a hot water line under a slab.
- Stained or bubbling drywall, a musty smell or peeling paint.
- The sound of running water in a quiet house.
- A wet patch or unusually green strip in the yard.
How we find a leak without tearing into the house
We begin with the simplest test. With every fixture off, we watch the water meter. If it still moves, water is escaping somewhere between the meter and the fixtures.
Next we isolate sections of the system with shutoffs and pressure tests to narrow the area. Then we use acoustic listening gear on floors, walls and pipes, and electronic sensors, to pinpoint the spot. Only then do we open a wall or floor, and only where the evidence points.
Common leak locations and what they involve
Slab leaks
Pipes under a concrete floor can leak at joints or from corrosion. We locate them before any cutting. In some cases rerouting the line is cleaner than a repair under the slab.
Walls and ceilings
A drip from a supply line, drain or fixture connection can travel along framing before it shows. Moisture readings help trace it back.
Under the house or in a crawl space
Exposed pipes in basements and crawl spaces can often be repaired without demolition.
Buried water line
A break between the meter and the house can soak the yard long before water reaches the foundation. See our water service line repair page.
Irrigation, pool and yard lines
Sprinkler and pool lines can leak quietly and raise the bill. We test and isolate sections.
Fixtures and appliances
A toilet flapper, an icemaker line or a supply hose can waste thousands of gallons over time.
Water meter and high bill leaks
If your bill spikes, start with the meter. Turn off every fixture, appliance and the ice maker, then watch the dial or low flow indicator. If it keeps moving, there is a leak somewhere past the meter.
For questions about the meter itself or how your bill is calculated, contact the Marlboro Township Water Utility Division at (732) 536-0188. If the leak is inside your property, we find it and fix it.
| Leak type | What you notice | Our approach |
|---|---|---|
| Meter running with all fixtures off | High bill, no visible water | Pressure test and acoustic location |
| Slab leak | Warm floor or sound of water | Acoustic detection before any cutting |
| Wall or ceiling leak | Stain, bubble or odor | Moisture mapping then targeted access |
| Buried line | Wet or sunken yard | Locate the break, then repair or replace the line |
Think there is a hidden leak?
Call us and describe what you see, hear or read on the meter.
What local factors affect leaks in Marlboro
Many Marlboro homes are 30 to 50 years old. Copper lines from that era can develop pinhole leaks, and older galvanized or early plastic lines have their own failure patterns. The township's 2025 Water Quality Report states there are no lead service lines in the township's territory, which is useful to know when planning work on a service line.
Large homes with long supply runs, finished basements and slab sections give water many places to hide. That is why a methodical search saves more than a guess.
What affects the price of leak detection
You hear the price before testing begins, and again before any repair work starts.
Related services
If the leak has already burst, see burst pipe repair. For basement water that is not from a pipe, see basement waterproofing. We find leaks in Marlboro, Holmdel and Manalapan.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Call (732) 466-1098 at any hour. If water is spreading, we help you shut off the supply first, then schedule the fastest detection visit available.
Turn off all water and check your meter. If it moves, you likely have a leak. A bill that rises without a change in use is another sign.
It is a leak in a pipe that runs under or inside a concrete slab floor. Signs include warm floor spots, the sound of running water and a high bill.
Only where the evidence points. We use listening and sensing tools first so any opening is small and targeted.
In general the homeowner is responsible for the line on the private side. Ask the Marlboro Township Water Utility Division at (732) 536-0188 where the utility's responsibility ends.
Yes. We pressure test and isolate sections to locate the break.