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Leak Detection & Repair

  • Find hidden leaks behind walls and under slabs.
  • Accurate detection — no messy tearing up floors.
  • Trusted by Twin Cities homeowners for fast, lasting repairs.

Leak Detection & Repair for Minneapolis–St. Paul Homes

Northern Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® provides professional leak detection and repair throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul, helping homeowners get answers quickly without unnecessary damage or guesswork.

Why Professional Leak Detection Matters

A hidden leak is rarely where you think it is. A damp spot on the ceiling or a puddle in the basement might come from a pipe far away. Our local, licensed plumbers use advanced tools — acoustic listening devices, thermal imaging, and moisture sensors — to pinpoint the exact spot without tearing up walls and floors just to “look.”

Common Places We Find Leaks

Leaks can happen anywhere, but some trouble spots are more common in Twin Cities homes:

  • Pipes hidden inside walls and ceilings
  • Underground water lines and slab foundations
  • Bathroom and kitchen plumbing joints
  • Leaking water heaters or old pipe connections
  • Outdoor spigots and irrigation lines

No matter where it’s hiding, we find it and fix it properly.

What to Watch For

Some signs you might have a hidden leak:

  • Unexpectedly high water bills
  • Moldy smells or damp spots on walls or ceilings
  • Warm floors (can indicate a slab leak)
  • Constant running sound of water
  • Foundation cracks or unexplained puddles

If you notice any of these, call Northern Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® right away. Fast detection and repair can save you thousands in damage and prevent health risks from mold.

How We Fix It Right

We don’t just find leaks — we fix them thoroughly:

Pinpoint and Verify:
First, we use advanced leak detection tools — including acoustic listening, thermal imaging, and moisture meters — to pinpoint the exact source of the leak. We double-check it before making any cuts or drilling, so there’s no unnecessary damage to your walls or floors.

Explain Your Options:
Once we locate the leak, we walk you through what we found and explain your repair choices in plain English. You’ll know exactly what we recommend, why, and how much it will cost — upfront.

Use the Best Method:
Depending on the location and severity, we choose the safest, most effective repair approach. For minor cracks, we may replace just a section but for larger problems, we can reroute or repipe. We use quality materials that meet local codes and stand up to Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycles.

Test for Peace of Mind:
After the repair, we thoroughly test the line to confirm the leak is completely fixed and that your plumbing is sound. We never rush this step — your peace of mind depends on it.

Respect and Clean Up:
We protect your floors, clean up any debris, and restore access panels neatly. You won’t be left with a mess or extra repairs to handle after we’re gone.

This thorough process is why Twin Cities homeowners trust Northern Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® for leak detection and repair that’s done right the first time — and built to last.

Where Leaks Commonly Occur in Twin Cities Homes

Pipes hidden behind walls and ceilings.
In many Minneapolis and St. Paul homes, supply lines run through finished walls and ceilings where leaks can go unnoticed for long periods. Slow leaks in these areas often show up later as water stains, bubbling paint, or musty odors rather than visible dripping.

Plumbing under concrete slabs and basement floors.
Slab leaks and underground line issues are common in Twin Cities homes with basements or slab foundations. Freeze–thaw cycles, soil movement, and aging materials can cause small failures beneath the surface that only become obvious once water starts pooling or floors feel unusually warm.

Older joints and mixed piping materials.
Homes that have been remodeled over time often contain a mix of older and newer plumbing. Connections between different pipe materials can become stress points, increasing the likelihood of leaks at joints hidden inside walls or floors.

Outdoor connections exposed to seasonal temperature changes.
Exterior spigots, irrigation lines, and pipes near foundation walls are exposed to Minnesota’s temperature swings. Even small freeze-related cracks can lead to leaks that worsen once warmer weather returns and water usage increases.

Because many Twin Cities homes were built decades ago and updated in stages, leaks often develop in concealed areas rather than out in the open. Knowing where these issues commonly occur helps explain why professional detection is often necessary instead of guesswork.

What to Expect From Leak Detection & Repair Service

Step 1: Confirming the issue and gathering information.
We begin by reviewing the symptoms you’ve noticed — such as high water bills, damp areas, or sounds of running water — to understand how the leak is presenting itself in your home.

Step 2: Accurate leak detection using specialized equipment.
Our technicians use advanced tools like acoustic listening devices, thermal imaging, and moisture sensors to pinpoint the leak location without unnecessary cutting or demolition.

Step 3: Clear explanation and upfront pricing.
Once the leak is located, we explain exactly where it is, why it’s happening, and what repair options make sense. Pricing is provided before work begins, so there are no surprises.

Step 4: Professional repair, testing, and cleanup.
After completing the repair, we thoroughly test the line to confirm the leak is resolved. We protect surrounding areas during the work and clean up before leaving, so you’re not left managing additional repairs.

FAQs About Leak Detection & Repair in Minneapolis & St. Paul

How do I know if I have a hidden leak?
Common signs include unexplained increases in your water bill, damp spots on walls or ceilings, moldy odors, warm floors, or the sound of running water when fixtures aren’t in use. In Twin Cities homes, leaks are often hidden behind walls or under slabs, so they’re not always immediately visible.

Can you find leaks without cutting into walls or floors?
In most cases, yes. We use advanced leak detection tools such as acoustic listening devices, thermal imaging, and moisture sensors to pinpoint the source accurately before making any openings. This helps minimize disruption and unnecessary damage.

Where do leaks most often occur in Minneapolis and St. Paul homes?
We commonly find leaks in pipes behind walls and ceilings, under concrete slabs, at older plumbing joints, near water heaters, and at outdoor connections affected by seasonal temperature changes. Homes that have been remodeled in stages often have mixed piping materials, which can increase risk over time.

Is leak detection worth it compared to opening walls to look for the problem?
Professional leak detection is often far less disruptive and more cost-effective than exploratory demolition. Accurately locating the leak first helps limit repairs to only what’s necessary and reduces the chance of repeated damage.

How long does leak detection and repair usually take?
Many leak detection and repair jobs are completed in a single visit. Detection typically takes one to two hours, depending on complexity. Repair time varies based on location and severity, and we explain expectations up front.

Will you explain my repair options before starting work?
Yes. Once the leak is located, we walk you through what we found, why it’s happening, and your repair options. Pricing is provided before work begins so you can make an informed decision without pressure.

Can leaks cause long-term damage if left unaddressed?
Yes. Undetected leaks can lead to structural damage, mold growth, flooring and drywall damage, and higher utility costs. In Minnesota homes, freeze–thaw cycles can worsen small leaks over time, making early detection especially important.

Do you service leak detection throughout the Twin Cities?
Yes. We provide leak detection and repair throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding Twin Cities communities, working in homes of all ages and layouts.

Other Drains & Sewer Services

Drain Clearing

Don’t let slow drains or stubborn clogs disrupt your day. We provide professional drain cleaning using proven tools and safe techniques to clear buildup, remove blockages, and keep wastewater flowing properly—saving you from backups and costly pipe damage.

Learn more

Hydrojetting

Got a stubborn clog that just won’t quit? Hydrojetting blasts away years of buildup, grease, and roots with high-pressure water — clearing your pipes safely and restoring full flow. It’s the ultimate deep clean for your drains and sewers, done by our local pros who know exactly how to keep your pipes in top shape.

Learn more

Sewer Line Services

A damaged or clogged sewer line is more than an inconvenience—it’s a serious health hazard. From video inspections and hydro jetting to trenchless repairs and full replacements, our team handles every sewer line issue with expertise and minimal disruption to your yard.

Learn more

Repiping

Old pipes giving you constant leaks or low water pressure? Our Northern plumbers handle complete or partial repiping to upgrade your system for good. We’ll inspect your current pipes, explain your options clearly, and replace outdated lines with modern, durable materials — all with minimal disruption to your home and routine.

Learn more