El Paso at a glance
| County | El Paso County, Texas |
|---|---|
| Population | 678,815 (2020 U.S. Census) |
| Water utility | El Paso Water |
| Services | Slab leak detection, water line leak detection, hidden leak detection, pool & spa leak detection, thermal imaging, sprinkler leaks, leak repair |
El Paso is a desert city with hard water, alkaline soils and occasional hard freezes. Slab leaks, buried line leaks and pool leaks are the most common hidden water problems, and El Paso Water encourages customers to check their meters for leaks.
Why leaks happen in El Paso
- Hard water (roughly 170–200+ mg/L) that builds scale and stresses fittings.
- Desert soils that shift with rare heavy rains and heat.
- Hard freezes that crack exposed and shallow lines.
- Slab foundations in most homes.
- Pools and evaporative coolers with their own water lines.
Most El Paso homes are slab-built, with copper or PEX lines under the floor. Hot-side slab leaks show up as warm tile and a water heater that runs constantly; cold-side leaks show up on the meter and the bill.
Meter moving with everything off? That’s a leak. Call now and get it found before it spreads.
(877) 729-0265Slab leak detection and repair in El Paso
A slab leak is a broken water line under the concrete foundation. Common signs in El Paso homes are warm spots on tile, the sound of running water with everything off, a meter that never stops and a water bill that jumps. The line is isolated and pressure-tested, then the leak is pinpointed with acoustic ground microphones and thermal imaging and marked on the floor. The repair is a spot repair through one small opening, or a reroute of the line through the walls or attic. See slab leak repair cost.
Water line leak detection in El Paso
The buried service line from the meter to the house is the homeowner’s responsibility in most of El Paso; the utility, El Paso Water, usually owns the meter and the line up to it. A soggy strip of lawn, low pressure or a meter that moves with the house shutoff closed points to this line. The line is traced, then listened to with a ground microphone, or tested with tracer gas if it’s plastic, and the leak is marked so only one small hole is dug.
Hidden leak detection inside El Paso walls, ceilings and floors
Stains, bubbling paint, soft drywall, a musty smell or a ceiling leak under a bathroom usually mean a supply line, drain, shower pan or valve is leaking out of sight. Moisture mapping and thermal imaging show where the water is, acoustic listening finds pressurized leaks, and the opening for the repair is small and in the right place.
Pool leak detection in El Paso
If your pool drops more than a bucket of water set on the step over 24 hours, it’s leaking. Pool leak detection checks the shell, skimmer, returns, main drain, lights and the buried plumbing lines, using pressure testing, dye testing and underwater acoustic equipment. See how to find a pool leak.
How to check for a leak in your El Paso home
- Turn off every faucet, the washer, dishwasher, ice maker and irrigation.
- Watch the leak indicator on your water meter for 15–30 minutes.
- If it moves, close the main shutoff in the house. If the meter still moves, the leak is in the buried line outside; if it stops, it’s inside or under the slab.
- Put a few drops of food coloring in each toilet tank. Color in the bowl after 15 minutes means a toilet leak.
- Still moving? Call (877) 729-0265 to get the leak found.
Leak detection cost in El Paso
The price depends on the type of leak, how many lines need testing and what’s above the pipe: tile, concrete, landscaping or a pool deck. Detection and repair are quoted separately. Finding the leak first keeps the repair small. See what affects leak detection cost.
Leak guides for El Paso homeowners
Leak detection in El Paso: frequently asked questions
How do I check for a leak with my El Paso Water meter?
Turn off all water and watch the meter’s leak indicator. If it moves, water is leaking somewhere on your side of the meter.
Do freezes cause leaks in El Paso?
Yes. Hard freezes can crack exposed pipes, hose bibs and shallow lines. The leak often starts when the pipe thaws.
How much does leak detection cost in El Paso?
It depends on the type of leak, how many lines need testing and what is above the pipe. Detection and repair are quoted separately. Call (877) 729-0265 with what you’re noticing for an idea of cost before anyone comes out.
Can the leak be repaired too?
Yes. Once the leak is pinpointed and marked, the repair is made through one small opening, or the line is rerouted when that makes more sense.
How do I check for a leak before I call?
Turn off every faucet and water-using appliance and watch your water meter’s leak indicator for 15–30 minutes. If it moves, water is escaping somewhere on your side of the meter.
Service in El Paso is provided through our network of independent, local leak detection and plumbing professionals. Sources: El Paso Water: finding leaks. Population: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census.
