You want a number before you call. That is fair. Leak detection cost in Greeley, CO depends on the leak, the home, and how hard the leak is to hear. This page gives market ranges from named sources. It also explains what moves the price and what a leak costs you each day you wait.
We do not list a flat price here, because the work varies too much. Call and describe what you see. We will tell you what to expect before we book a visit.
What the national sources say
Two widely cited sources give ranges for slab leak detection. Use them as a guide, not a quote.
- This Old House lists slab leak detection at about $150 to $600.
- Angi reports an average near $280. It says most homeowners pay $150 to $400. It also notes that emergency work pushes the cost to the high end.
- Angi puts plumber labor at about $75 to $150 per hour.
Those ranges cover detection only. They do not include the repair. Colorado prices can run a bit higher than national figures, so treat the high end as realistic.
What detection does not include
Detection and repair are different jobs with different costs. Detection finds the leak. Repair fixes it.
Angi puts the total for a slab leak repair, with detection, at roughly $630 to $4,400. The average sits near $2,280. Its repair ranges include:
| Repair type | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Pinhole leak repair | $150 to $800 |
| Single burst pipe | $200 to $3,000 |
| Slab leak reroute | $600 to $4,000 |
| Water main leak fix | $150 to $5,000 |
| Concrete slab patch | $300 to $6,750 |
Those numbers show why detection pays off. If detection finds a leak in an easy spot, you land at the low end. If crews guess, you land at the high end.
What changes the price of detection
Several factors move the cost. Ask any company how each one applies.
Type of leak
A leak in a visible fixture costs less to find than a leak under a slab. Irrigation systems with many zones take longer to test. A deep service line takes more time to trace.
Size and layout of the property
A small house with simple plumbing takes less time than a large house with several levels. A big yard with long irrigation runs also adds time.
Access to pipes and shutoffs
Easy access to meters, valves, and boxes speeds the work. Locked gates, buried boxes, and blocked crawlspaces slow it down.
How faint the leak is
A loud break is easy to hear. A pinhole leak under a thick slab is harder. Plastic pipe carries sound poorly, so it often needs extra testing.
Pipe material
Copper, PEX, galvanized steel, CPVC, and older gray plastic pipe each behave differently. We choose methods based on the pipe.
Time of day
Emergency calls cost more than a regular visit in most trades. We take emergency calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Regular visits run Monday through Friday, 7 am to 5 pm. Tell us if water is flooding the home so we can prioritize.
Report needs
A report for an insurer or a buyer takes extra time to write. Ask us what your visit includes. See our leak detection report page for what a report covers.
The price of waiting
A leak does not hold still. It costs you water every hour. Water you lose also moves you toward higher billing tiers in Greeley.
Run the numbers. A leak that loses one gallon per minute wastes 1,440 gallons a day. In 30 days, that is about 43,200 gallons. Greeley's 2024 rate manual lists water at about $5.61 per 1,000 gallons in tier 1. Tier 4 costs about $11.81. Those rates cover water only and may have changed.
- At first-tier rates, 43,200 gallons costs about $242.
- At fourth-tier rates, it costs about $510.
That is one month for one gallon per minute. Many leaks lose more. Add damage to drywall, floors, and slabs, and delay gets expensive. Our guide to Greeley water budgets explains the tiers.
The EPA says household leaks can waste nearly 10,000 gallons a year. They can add up to 10 percent to your bill. Serious leaks waste much more.
How to get the best value
You can keep the cost down. Follow these tips:
- Run the meter test first. If the meter does not move, you may not have a plumbing leak. Follow our meter test guide.
- Gather your bills. Bring the last year of water bills. They help us see when the leak started.
- Clear access. Move cars, furniture, and pets from areas we need. Open gates.
- Know your shutoffs. Find the main valve and the irrigation shutoff before we arrive.
- List your symptoms. Tell us where it feels warm, where it sounds wet, and what changed.
- Ask what the price includes. Confirm whether a report, photos, and marking come with the visit.
- Skip the guess work. Do not hire anyone to cut a wall before you know where the leak sits.
Questions to ask any leak detection company
Use this list when you compare companies:
- What does the visit price include?
- Is there a separate fee for a written report?
- What tools will you use?
- Do you charge more for emergency calls?
- Will you mark the leak on my floor or yard?
- Do you also sell repairs? Why does that matter? A company that earns money from repairs may have a reason to find more work.
- What happens if you cannot find the leak?
- Who does the repair?
We do detection only. Once we mark the leak, a licensed plumber handles the repair. You can also read how our slab leak detection and water line leak detection visits work.
Detection versus guessing
Some homeowners skip detection and hire a crew to dig or cut. That can work, but it is a gamble. If the crew guesses wrong, you pay for extra holes, extra patching, and extra time.
Detection reduces that risk. You pay for a precise location, then pay for a repair at one spot. When the leak sits in a slab, a wall, or under a driveway, that difference matters. See how the options compare in our comparison table.
Common questions
How much does it cost to find a leak under a slab?
National sources list slab leak detection from about $150 to $600. Your price depends on the home and the leak. Call us for a quote.
Do you charge if you cannot find the leak?
Ask us when you book. We explain what the visit covers and what happens if the leak stays hidden.
Is emergency detection more expensive?
In most trades, yes. Emergency work costs more because it happens outside regular hours. Tell us if water is actively flooding.
Does insurance pay for leak detection?
Some policies cover the cost of finding a covered leak. Many do not. Ask your agent before you book.
Is it cheaper to find the leak myself?
You can save money by running the meter test and checking toilets and fixtures. A hidden leak under concrete or inside a wall needs special tools.
Get a clear quote
If you want a real number, call Leak Detector Greeley and describe your problem. Leak detection cost in Greeley, CO should not be a mystery. We explain what the visit includes before we come out.