The honest answer to "how much does leak detection cost" is that it depends heavily on what you're actually testing for. A straightforward residential visit costs far less than a commercial building test or a sewer line camera inspection. Here's what to expect by category.
Typical Price Ranges by Service
- Residential leak detection: $150 to $400 for most homes, depending on how much tracing the leak requires.
- Slab leak detection: $200 to $550, since thermal imaging and acoustic tracing take longer than a standard fixture check.
- Pipe inspection with a camera: $180 to $450 based on line length and access.
- Sewer line detection: $200 to $500, with smoke testing quoted separately when needed.
- Pool leak detection: $200 to $500 depending on whether dye testing or equipment pad inspection is involved.
- Commercial leak detection: $250 to $900, scaled to building size and the number of zones tested.
What Actually Changes the Price
Three things move the number more than anything else: how long the search takes, which equipment is needed, and how accessible the suspected area is. A leak that's confirmed quickly with a pressure test costs less than one that needs acoustic tracing across an entire yard. A slab leak under a finished floor costs more to confirm than one in an unfinished crawlspace.
What's Included in a Standard Visit
A typical detection visit includes a pressure test to confirm a leak exists, followed by whichever locating method fits the situation, acoustic, thermal, or camera-based. You should get a written report of what was found, including photos or footage, before anyone talks about repair.
Detection Cost vs. Repair Cost
Detection and repair are usually priced separately, and that's a good thing: it means you're not paying a markup on the diagnosis just because a company also wants to sell you the fix. A legitimate detection company gives you a firm repair price after they've found the leak, not before.
Getting a Number Before Anyone Starts
The one thing that should never change: you should know the cost before repair work begins. If a company can't give you a number until after cutting into a wall or slab, that's worth asking more questions about before you agree to anything.