Riverside Leak Detection & Repair

What We Handle in Riverside

Our team locates and repairs leaks in a variety of situations, including:

For many Riverside homeowners, slab leaks are some of the most stressful problems because the pipes are buried under concrete and leaks often show up as warm spots on the floor, higher water bills, or unexplained dampness. In these situations, we explain which areas of the slab may need to be accessed, whether a spot repair or reroute makes more sense, and how we will protect nearby finishes during the work. By reviewing these options together, you can weigh long-term reliability against cost and choose the approach that fits your home and budget.

Outdoor and irrigation leaks are also common across the Inland Empire due to shifting soils and heavy watering needs in our dry climate. When we investigate these issues, we look at the condition of exposed piping, valves, and connections, and we help you understand how much water may be wasted if the leak is not addressed. If we find outdated or brittle materials, we can discuss upgrading sections of pipe during the same visit to reduce the chance of repeat problems in your yard, landscaping, or along the main line that serves your property.

Our Leak Detection Approach

1. Listen & Observe

We start with questions and a visual inspection to narrow down the source of the leak before opening walls or floors.

During this step, we ask about recent changes in your water bill, any sounds of running water when fixtures are off, and where you have noticed damp spots or staining. Your answers help us focus on likely problem areas so we can avoid unnecessary damage to walls, ceilings, or concrete. We also look at the age and layout of your plumbing system, since older Riverside homes may have different pipe materials and routing than newer construction, which can influence both the cause of the leak and the most efficient repair plan.

2. Advanced Diagnostics

Depending on the situation, we may use tools like:

• Acoustic listening equipment
• Thermal imaging
• Pressure testing
• Camera inspections for underground or in-wall lines

These methods help us identify problems accurately while limiting disruption to your property.

We choose the diagnostic tools based on what we see during the initial inspection so that we are only performing tests that add real value. For example, if water pressure drops suddenly in part of the home, a targeted pressure test can confirm whether a specific branch line is affected, while thermal imaging can help us trace warm water lines in a concrete slab. By combining these results, we can often isolate the leak to a small section of pipe, which reduces the size of any access openings and helps keep your repair scope and costs under control.

3. Clear Findings & Guidance

Once we identify the leak, we clearly explain:

• Where it is
• What likely caused it
• Your repair options
• Timeline and costs up front

Our goal is clarity, so you understand your options and feel comfortable with the next steps.

If we discover that multiple sections of pipe are deteriorating or that the plumbing layout creates ongoing risk, we let you know and talk through short-term fixes versus more comprehensive solutions. In some Riverside properties, a focused plumbing leak repair in one area may be the right choice, while other times a reroute or partial repipe can save money and headaches over the long term. We also discuss access and restoration, such as patching drywall or concrete, so you have a full picture of what the project will involve from start to finish.

4. Repair on the Spot

Most issues can be resolved during the initial visit with the tools and materials in our service vehicles. For larger projects, like partial or whole-home repipes, we set clear expectations and maintain communication throughout the process.

When same-day repair is possible, we review the work order with you before getting started so there are no surprises once the water is turned back on. Our crews are trained to protect surrounding finishes, move furniture carefully if needed, and keep work areas tidy so your home remains livable during the project. For multi-day repairs, we coordinate start and stop times that fit your schedule and provide updates at each milestone, giving you confidence that your plumbing system is being restored in a careful, organized way.

Signs You May Have a Hidden Leak

Many plumbing leaks start small and stay out of sight, so recognizing early warning signs can help you act before there is major damage. You might notice unexplained increases in your water bill, the sound of water running when all fixtures are off, or damp spots that keep coming back on walls, ceilings, or flooring. In some Riverside homes, musty odors in certain rooms or hot spots on tile floors can also point to leaks under the slab or behind finished surfaces. Paying attention to these changes gives you a chance to schedule an inspection before the problem spreads to other parts of the property.

You should also watch for low water pressure in one part of the home, bubbling or peeling paint, or small cracks appearing in drywall or concrete near plumbing lines. Outside, constantly wet areas in the yard, unusually green patches of grass, or pooling water along walkways can indicate an underground line is leaking. Because our local climate is generally dry, standing water that does not dry out in a day or two deserves a closer look. When you call Sheldon's Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing about these symptoms, we can help you decide whether a simple meter test, a full leak detection visit, or another plumbing service is the best next step.

What To Expect During Leak Repair

Knowing what will happen during leak repair can make the process less stressful and help you plan around the work. After we complete diagnostics and review your options, we discuss how we will access the leaking pipe, how long the water will need to be shut off, and what areas of your home we will need to protect. For many Riverside properties, we can work in a focused area such as a bathroom, kitchen, or utility room, which keeps the rest of the home usable. We also explain which materials we will use for the repair so you understand how it will perform over time.

Before we begin, we lay down floor protection and move or cover nearby belongings to keep dust and debris contained. During the repair, we keep you updated on our progress and let you know right away if we uncover anything unexpected inside the walls, ceilings, or slab. Once the new pipe or fittings are installed, we test the system under normal operating pressure and check surrounding areas for any signs of moisture before closing up. At the end of the job, we review what was done, answer your questions, and provide information about any warranties or recommended follow-up, so you leave the visit with a clear understanding of the work and next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Professional Leak Detection Usually Take?

Most residential leak detection visits take between one and three hours, depending on how complex the plumbing layout is and how many potential problem areas we need to inspect. Homes with multiple stories, additions, or mixed pipe materials may require more time because there are more places where leaks can develop. We let you know our best estimate when we arrive and keep you updated if we need additional time to trace a difficult leak. The goal is always to balance accuracy with efficiency so your day is disrupted as little as possible.

Will Leak Repair Damage My Floors or Walls?

Accessing a leaking pipe often requires opening a small section of wall, ceiling, or concrete, but we focus on keeping these openings as limited and tidy as possible. We plan access points based on our diagnostic results so we only open areas that truly need to be reached. Protective coverings are used to shield nearby surfaces from dust and debris while we work. After the plumbing repair is complete and tested, we can advise you on patching and finishing options so those areas can be restored to match the rest of your home.

Do I Need To Be Home During Leak Detection and Repair?

It is helpful for someone to be home during leak detection and repair so we can ask questions, confirm access to different rooms, and review findings together. Many homeowners in Riverside choose to work from home or adjust their schedule for a few hours while we complete the visit. If you cannot be there the entire time, we can coordinate key access and call you with updates and decisions as needed. The important thing is that you are available to approve the repair plan once we have located the leak.