Professional Leak Detection in Cape Town
A hidden leak wastes water, pushes up your bill, and can cause structural damage long before you see it. We coordinate specialists with thermal imaging cameras, non-invasive moisture meters, and acoustic listening equipment to pinpoint the exact source without guesswork or breaking walls.
Common leak problems we investigate
Here is what is usually going on, and exactly how we fix it.
Hidden pipe leak behind a wall
A slow pipe leak behind plaster or tiling can run for weeks before visible damp appears. By the time paint bubbles or mould forms, the damage is already significant. Thermal imaging detects the temperature difference of hidden moisture before structural damage sets in.
- Unexplained damp patches on walls
- Paint bubbling or peeling
- A musty smell that will not go away
- Mould recurring after cleaning
A certified technician uses a thermal imaging camera to scan the wall surface. The infrared image reveals moisture as a distinct colour pattern. Once located, a moisture meter confirms the reading and the technician marks the exact spot for a targeted, minimal-access repair.
Underground or slab leak
Leaks under concrete slabs or in underground supply pipes are the hardest to find. They can erode foundations, crack tiles, and send your water bill soaring. Our specialists use acoustic ground microphones that listen for the pressure differential at the leak point, pin-pointing the source through concrete.
- Water bill suddenly higher with no change in usage
- Warm or damp spots on the floor
- Cracks appearing in walls or tiling
- Sound of running water when all taps are off
An acoustic listening device is placed on the floor at intervals. The technician traces the loudest signal to the leak position. A tracer gas can also be injected into the pipe; the gas escapes at the leak and is detected at the surface. The result is a precise mark on the slab for a targeted excavation, not a guess-and-dig.
Pool or garden leak
A pool losing more than 5mm per day to evaporation likely has a leak. Garden irrigation pipes, pool returns, and light niches are common culprits. We coordinate specialists who use pressure testing and dye inspection to isolate the leak without draining the pool.
- Pool water level dropping faster than evaporation
- Soggy patches in the garden near pipe runs
- Air bubbles returning through pool jets
- Pool pump losing prime
The technician pressure-tests each section of the pool plumbing to isolate which line is leaking. For shell leaks, a dye test pinpoints the exact crack or gap. Repairs are quoted separately once the source is confirmed.
Mystery high water bill
If your municipal bill has jumped with no change in household usage, a hidden leak is the most likely cause. Even a small drip from a toilet flapper valve or an underground joint can waste hundreds of litres per day. Our assessment covers the full property, from the municipal meter inward.
- Water bill 30 percent or more higher than usual
- Water meter spinning when everything is off
- A running toilet that will not stop
- Dripping taps or showerheads
The technician starts at the municipal water meter and checks whether the dial moves when all fixtures are off. If it does, they isolate sections of the property (house, garden, pool) by closing isolation valves and re-checking the meter. This narrows the leak to a specific zone before thermal or acoustic confirmation.
How it works
Three steps from problem to sorted.
Tell us your suburb
Pick Solar or Plumbing and enter your suburb in 30 seconds.
Matched to a vetted pro
We coordinate a certified, PIRB / DoEL-registered specialist near you.
Get it sorted
Fast response, guaranteed workmanship, and a compliant Certificate of Compliance.
What leak detection costs
A flat assessment fee covers the full investigation, whatever method is needed (thermal, acoustic, moisture mapping), plus a written report. If a repair is needed, you get a separate fixed quote before any work starts.
Weekday assessment. Full investigation using whatever equipment the job requires, plus a written report with the leak location marked.
Evenings, weekends, and public holidays. Same full investigation, priority scheduling.
Detection is non-invasive: no walls, floors, or tiles are broken during the investigation. Any repair is quoted separately on site before cutting begins.
Frequently asked questions
How much does leak detection cost in Cape Town?
A standard weekday assessment is R1,650 and covers the full investigation using whatever equipment the job requires (thermal imaging, acoustic tracing, moisture mapping), plus a written report. After-hours and weekend call-outs are R2,200. If a repair is needed, the technician gives you a separate fixed quote on site before any work starts.
What equipment do you use for leak detection?
Our specialists use a thermal imaging camera (infrared) to detect moisture behind walls and under floors, a non-invasive pinless moisture meter to confirm readings, an acoustic ground microphone to listen for leaks under concrete slabs, and a thermohydrometer for temperature and humidity profiling. No walls are broken during the detection phase.
How long does a leak detection take?
A standard residential assessment takes 60 to 90 minutes. Underground or slab leaks can take 2 to 3 hours depending on the property size and pipe layout. Pool leak detection typically takes 60 to 90 minutes.
Is leak detection non-invasive?
Yes. The detection phase uses infrared, acoustic, and moisture-sensing equipment only. No walls, floors, or tiles are broken during the investigation. If a repair is needed, the technician marks the exact location so the opening is as small as possible, and you approve it before any cutting begins.
Do you handle pool and irrigation leaks?
Yes. We coordinate specialists who pressure-test pool plumbing lines and perform dye inspections of the pool shell to isolate the leak. Garden irrigation leaks are traced using acoustic and pressure methods. Pool and irrigation leaks are covered under the same flat assessment fee.
Will my insurance cover leak detection?
Many homeowners insurance policies cover the cost of leak detection and the subsequent repair if the leak caused sudden, accidental water damage. We provide a detailed written report with photographs and findings that you can submit to your insurer. Check with your broker to confirm your cover.
What should I do if I suspect a hidden leak?
Turn off all taps and water-using appliances, then check your municipal water meter. If the dial is still moving or spinning, you have a leak somewhere on the property. Note which zones have isolation valves and call us. Do not start breaking walls, a professional can find the source without demolition.
Popular areas for leak detection
Popular areas we cover across the Western Cape.
Homeowners trust HomePulse
“It was quite an intricate job in a confined space, yet the workmanship was exceptionally neat, precise, and professional.”
“We had a geyser burst at 11pm on a Friday night, and the response was immediate. Dale quickly arranged for a plumber to stabilise the situation and then handled the entire replacement process through the manufacturer's warranty on my behalf.”
“I want to extend a special thanks to Dale for his exceptional coordination, his willingness to assist over weekends, and for providing reports as well as feedback after hours.”
“A very quick response from the HomePulse team on a Sunday evening for a pipe that was leaking in my roof. Very happy with their work.”
“Had a blocked drain and almost a real serious problem. Guys came out late on a Saturday night, was very professional and helpful. Will use them again and can recommend”
“To the plumbing team of Dale and Colin, many thanks for your prompt and professional service in resolving the hot water cylinder crisis.”
“Great customer service. Constant follow up and feedback received. Good pricing as well. I can highly recommend their services.”
Learn more
Complete guide to water leak detection in Cape Town
Equipment, costs, and how a non-invasive assessment finds the source without demolition.
Plumbing emergency? We respond 24/7
Burst geyser, flooding, or no hot water. Fast response across Cape Town.
Geyser leaking or burst? Geyser repairs and replacement
Kwikot and Franke units fitted to SANS 10254, with a PIRB Certificate of Compliance.
Ready to get it sorted?
Tell us your suburb and we coordinate a vetted, certified specialist near you. Free quotes, no obligation.