Signs You May Have A Leak: Leak Detection In Allen, TX

A hidden leak can quietly soak drywall, warp flooring, feed mold, and waste a surprising amount of water—often before you ever see a puddle. If you’re worried something is “off” in your home, leak detection in Allen, TX, is one of the smartest ways to protect your property and your peace of mind. At Thorough Plumbing, we focus on finding the real issue, explaining what we see, and recommending only what you actually need—no upsells, no pressure.

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What Is Leak Detection, and When Should You Schedule It?

Leak detection is the process of locating the source of a plumbing leak—visible or hidden—using proven diagnostic testing and non-invasive tools whenever possible. You should schedule professional emergency leak detection if you notice unexplained water bills, damp spots, musty odors, water sounds when fixtures are off, reduced water pressure, or signs of moisture under floors, behind walls, or around the foundation.
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Why Fast Leak Detection Matters For Allen Homes

Some leaks are obvious (a dripping faucet), but the ones that cause the biggest damage are often behind walls, under floors, or beneath a slab foundation. Waiting can mean:

• Expanding water damage to drywall, cabinets, and flooring
  
• Mold and mildew growth in damp, hidden spaces
  
• Foundation and structural concerns when leaks occur under or near the slab
  
• Higher utility bills from ongoing water loss
  
• Bigger repairs later because the leak had time to spread
  
  

Our approach is simple: pinpoint the source accurately, minimize disruption, and guide you to the right repair—nothing more.

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Common Signs Of A Hidden Water Leak

Not every leak shows up as a puddle. Here are the warning signals we see most often in Allen homes:

• A sudden spike in your water bill without a change in usage
  
• Musty odors or recurring mildew smells
  
• Stains on ceilings or walls (yellow/brown rings, bubbling paint)
  
• Warped flooring or soft spots in laminate, wood, or baseboards
  
• Unexplained wet areas near tubs, showers, toilets, or sinks
  
• Reduced water pressure or inconsistent flow
  
• Sounds of running water when everything is turned off
  
• Warm spots on the floor that can suggest a hot-water line leak under the slab
  
  

If any of these are happening, it’s worth getting answers sooner rather than later.

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Leak Detection vs. Leak Repair—What's the Difference?

A lot of homeowners search for “leak repair” when what they really need first is leak detection.

Leak Detection (Find the source)

Leak detection is the diagnostic step—confirming where the leak is, what line or fixture is involved, and how it’s affecting the home.

Leak Repair (Fix the problem)

Leak repair is the solution step—repairing or replacing the pipe, connection, fixture, or line that’s leaking.

At Thorough Plumbing, we don’t guess. We diagnose first, then recommend the repair that makes the most sense for your home and the condition of your plumbing.

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Water Leak Detection And Testing

When you suspect a hidden leak, testing helps confirm what’s happening without tearing into walls blindly.

Water meter checks and isolation steps

A simple but effective starting point is determining whether water is moving through the system when it shouldn’t be. From there, we narrow down where the loss is occurring.

Non-invasive leak detection tools

Depending on the symptom and location, professional leak detection may include tools designed to locate moisture or pinpoint leak activity in hard-to-see areas.

Slab Leak Detection In Allen, Tx

Slab leaks can be especially stressful because they’re out of sight and can impact your foundation over time.

Slab leak warning signs

Slab leaks don’t always announce themselves, but common red flags include:

• Warm or damp areas on the flooring
  
• Water sounds when fixtures are off
  
• Persistent low water pressure
  
• Higher water bills without explanation
  
  

Why Accuracy Matters With Slab Leaks

With slab leaks, the goal is to locate the leak as precisely as possible so the repair plan is targeted and disruption is minimized.

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Underground And Yard Line Leak Detection

Not all leaks happen inside your home. Underground water line leaks can show up as changes in your yard or unexplained water use.

Signs of a yard or underground water line leak

Watch for:

• Soggy or unusually green patches of grass
  
• Soft spots in the soil near the waterline path
  
• Standing water with no sprinkler causes
  
• Water sounds when all taps are off
  
• A surprising jump in your water bill
  
  

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High Water Bill With No Visible Leak—What It Can Mean

A higher bill doesn’t always mean a leak, but it’s one of the most common reasons homeowners call us—especially when nothing else seems wrong.

Possible causes include:

• A running toilet (often silent and continuous)
  
• A leak under a slab or behind a wall
  
• An underground line leak
  
• A fixture connection leak that only happens intermittently
  
  

A good next step is having a licensed plumber confirm whether water is being lost—and then track it to the source.

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Our Leak Detection Process At Thorough Plumbing

We keep the process straightforward and homeowner-friendly:

1. Listen to your concerns and symptoms (bill changes, odors, stains, wet spots)
   
2. Inspect visible plumbing first (fastest wins without disruption)
   
3. Test and narrow down the system to isolate likely leak zones
   
4. Pinpoint the source using the most appropriate method for the situation
   
5. Explain what we found in plain language and outline the next steps
   
6. Recommend the right repair—focused on the real problem, not add-ons
   
   

Because we’re a family-owned, community-driven plumbing company, we treat your home the way we’d want ours treated: with care, cleanliness, and clear communication.

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What You Can Do Right Now While Waiting For Service

If you suspect a leak, here are a few safe, practical steps:

• Turn off all fixtures and avoid extra water use until it’s assessed
  
• Check for obvious toilet running (listen closely; look for bowel movement)
  
• Look under sinks and around appliances for moisture or staining
  
• Note where you see symptoms (which room, how long it’s been happening)
  
• If you see active leaking, shut off the nearest fixture valve or the home’s main water shutoff
  
  

We don’t recommend tearing into walls or flooring—leak symptoms can travel, and guessing can create extra damage.