What leak investigation typically costs
| Finding a leak | $389–$789Most are found in the first hour or two. |
|---|---|
| Leaks inside walls, ceilings or slabs | $789–$1,289Thermal imaging or opening up to reach it. |
Typical prices in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley in 2026, before tax. They are a guide, not our quote. Too much depends on your home to price these jobs unseen, so your price is set on site, in writing, before any work starts.
When you need it
- A water bill that jumped with no change in use
- A stain on a ceiling or wall that keeps growing
- The sound of running water when everything is off
What changes the price
| How hidden it is | A leak under a sink is found in minutes. One under a slab takes equipment and time. |
|---|---|
| Size of the building | More pipe and more units means more to rule out. |
| Reporting | Strata and insurance claims often need a written report with photos. |
What the job involves
- Ask what you have seen and when, then check the water meter with everything turned off.
- Isolate hot from cold, and one part of the building from another, to narrow it down.
- Use thermal imaging, a moisture meter and acoustic listening to trace the water to its source.
- Open the smallest possible area to confirm it, then tell you what the repair involves.
- Time on site
- Usually 1 to 3 hours
How pricing works for this job
There is no one price for leak investigation, because the factors above change it from one home to the next. It is done on time: $289 for the first hour, then $189 an hour, plus parts. If it turns out to be a bigger job, you get a written estimate before the plumber carries on.
Call 1-800-604-0631.
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Questions people ask
How much does leak investigation cost in Metro Vancouver?
Finding a leak: $389–$789. Leaks inside walls, ceilings or slabs: $789–$1,289. Typical prices in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley in 2026, before tax. They are a guide, not our quote. Too much depends on your home to price these jobs unseen, so your price is set on site, in writing, before any work starts.
How can I tell if I have a hidden leak?
Turn off every tap and appliance, then look at the water meter. If the dial is still moving, water is going somewhere. A bill that jumps for no reason is the other common sign.
Will you have to cut into walls?
As little as possible. The equipment exists so the wall is opened once, in the right place, and not five times while guessing.
Is the investigation separate from the repair?
Yes. Finding it is one job. Once the cause is known, the repair is quoted, and a small one can often be done on the same visit.
How is leak investigation priced?
It is done on time: $289 for the first hour, then $189 an hour, plus parts. If it turns out to be a bigger job, you get a written estimate before the plumber carries on.
What does it cost after hours?
Regular hours are 9 to 5, Monday to Friday. Outside those hours, every rate is double. If it can safely wait until the morning, it costs half as much.
