Palm Harbor Leak Detection: What Looked Like a Slab Leak Wasn’t
If you’re in Palm Harbor and suddenly notice water on your garage floor or a spike in your water bill, you’re not alone. But before you assume the worst — like a slab leak — call the professionals at I Find Leaks. We’re a dedicated leak detection company that uses advanced tools and decades of experience to solve problems without tearing your home apart.
Unlike companies that offer both detection and repair, we don’t profit from the fix. That means we have one job — and we do it with integrity. If you’re wondering why so many homeowners trust us, take a look at the heartfelt reviews we’ve earned on our homepage. It’s not just the five-star ratings — it’s the gratitude in the comments that sets us apart.
Water Pooling in the Garage — But No Obvious Source
When Tyler first arrived, water was already puddling from underneath the step-up at the door, flooding the garage floor.
When Tyler arrived at this Palm Harbor home, he found standing water on the garage floor. The homeowner had no idea where it was coming from — only that it was getting worse by the day. Based on the visible signs, everyone assumed it was a slab leak. And that’s a scary assumption, because slab leaks are disruptive and expensive.
But at I Find Leaks, we never assume.
Advanced Leak Detection Without Guesswork
Water was pooling near a garage doorway — not the water heater. Tyler investigates the area with an infrared camera to find out why.
We began with a detailed inspection using a FLIR infrared camera — one of the tools featured in our thermal and electronic leak detection service. Tyler scanned the floor and walls for signs of moisture. In this case, the dark blue areas on the camera confirmed that water was present — but it wasn’t near any plumbing fixtures.
Tyler scans the garage wall with a FLIR infrared camera, looking for the real source of the leak behind what appeared to be a faulty water heater.
A second view shows Tyler’s infrared camera picking up a dark blue area of moisture on the wall — confirming that water was present, but not from the water heater.
The homeowner initially thought the water heater was the culprit — and there was good reason to think so. Rust stains had formed on the top panel, and water appeared to have leaked from there at some point.
The rust on the water heater had everyone convinced it was the source of the leak — until a plumber ruled it out and referred the homeowner to I Find Leaks.
A plumber was called out and confirmed that the water heater wasn’t leaking. That plumber, recognizing the limitations of guesswork, referred the homeowner to us — and that referral saved this customer thousands in unnecessary repairs.
Finding the Leak — And Avoiding Unneeded Demolition
Using infrared imaging and years of experience, Tyler carefully traced the moisture to a wall cavity. When he opened it, he found the actual problem — a pinhole leak in a ¾-inch copper pipe, just above a copper manifold.
What everyone thought was a slab leak turned out to be a pinhole leak above a copper manifold inside the wall — found precisely by Tyler after opening it up.
This wasn’t a slab leak after all — and that’s a big deal. Homeowners across Pinellas County are too often told they need to jackhammer floors when the issue is actually inside a wall or above ground. That’s one of the reasons we created our high water bill help guide, and our dedicated page for when you have a high water bill but no visible leak.
We know what can go wrong when a situation like this is misdiagnosed. And we also know that many homeowners feel powerless when it comes to utility costs. Pinellas County offers helpful resources like the leak detector guide, options to adjust water bills, and more through the utilities department website.
We Buy You Time — And Protect Your Budget
After locating the pinhole leak, Tyler installed a temporary rubber patch and clamp to stop the water so the homeowner could keep their plumbing working while waiting on a licensed plumber for repairs.
Tyler applied a quick temporary fix to stop the leak — saving the homeowner thousands in unnecessary slab work while they waited for a plumber.
This kind of extra care is why we’ve become a trusted name in Palm Harbor leak detection. We don’t just find the problem — we give people peace of mind and clarity.
Schedule Your Leak Detection Today
If you’re dealing with unexplained water, musty odors, or a rising water bill, don’t wait. Whether the issue is in the wall, under the slab, or hidden somewhere else entirely, we’ll find it — quickly, honestly, and without unnecessary damage.
Visit our water leak detection page or our homepage to schedule your visit. You can also call or text us at 727-409-2815.
We’re not here to take your money. We’re here to solve the problem — and our customers know it.