High water bill with no visible leak
We use tracer gas to find hidden slab leaks that other methods miss. We pinpoint the leak so your plumber can fix it fast, often saving you thousands in water and repair costs.
Pinpoint slab and underground leaks without tearing up your floors
Tracer Gas Leak Detection in Houston That Finds Hidden Leaks Fast
Tracer Gas Leak Detection in Houston is the fastest way to find a leak you cannot see, hear, or trace with a moisture meter alone. We inject a safe, non-toxic gas mixture into your plumbing system, then use a tracer gas detector to pinpoint the exact break in copper pipe, PEX tubing, or PVC under your slab. If your water bill jumped and your floors feel warm, call us.
Fast online booking
Request service today
Tell us what is happening. Our local team will confirm your visit shortly.
Call Now 8328394984 → No spam. No obligation. Just practical help.
Careful work. Honest options.
About this service
Tracer Gas Leak Detection in Houston: How It Works
Tracer Gas Leak Detection in Houston is a precision diagnostic method that pressurizes a plumbing line with a hydrogen-nitrogen gas blend, then tracks where that gas escapes through slab, soil, or wall cavities. Unlike acoustic listening devices that struggle under thick concrete, tracer gas reaches the surface through the smallest pinhole leak. We use a Sewerin tracer gas detector to read gas concentration at the surface, narrowing the leak location to within a few inches. That means we open one small section of floor instead of jackhammering half your living room.
Houston homes sit on expansive clay soil that shifts with every wet and dry cycle, and that movement cracks copper pipe and pulls apart pipe fittings. Slab leaks are one of the most common calls we run. If you need tracer gas Leak Detection in Houston, Texas, our team can be on-site the same day in most cases. We also handle 24/7 tracer gas leak detection in Houston Texas for burst pipes and after-hours emergencies. The gas we use is 95% nitrogen and 5% hydrogen, non-flammable and safe indoors.
- ✓ Pinpoint Accuracy
- ✓ No Unnecessary Demolition
- ✓ Safe for Your Family
- ✓ Works on Any Pipe Material
What's included
What Our Tracer Gas Leak Detection Includes
Every tracer gas leak detection job includes a full system check, precise leak location, and a written report. We do not charge extra for thermal imaging or moisture meter confirmation. Here is what you get.
✓
System Isolation and Pressure Test
We isolate the suspect line and pressure test it with a hydrostatic test pump. This confirms there is a leak and tells us how bad it is. We tag the shutoff valve so you know which line we tested.
✓
Tracer Gas Injection
We inject a safe 95% nitrogen and 5% hydrogen mixture into the isolated line. The gas is non-toxic and non-flammable. It escapes only at the leak point. You do not need to leave your home.
✓
Surface Detection and Marking
We sweep the floor above the suspect line with a Sewerin tracer gas detector. We mark the highest reading with tape. This is the leak location. We confirm with a second pass using a thermal imaging camera or moisture meter.
✓
Written Report with Photos
You receive a written report that includes the leak location, pipe material, detector readings, and photos. You can give this to your plumber or insurance company. We also explain the findings in person before we leave.
✓
Referral to Licensed Plumber
If you need a repair, we can refer you to a licensed plumber we trust. We do not do the repair ourselves, so there is no conflict of interest. Our job is to find the leak accurately, and we do it well.
How it works
Our Tracer Gas Leak Detection Process
01
System Isolation
We shut off the main water supply and isolate the suspect line using a hydrostatic test pump and pressure testing gauge. This takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will see us tag the shutoff valve so you know exactly which line we are testing.
02
Gas Injection
We introduce the tracer gas mixture into the isolated line at low pressure, usually 5 to 15 PSI. The gas fills the pipe and escapes only at the leak point. This step takes about 15 minutes. You will not smell anything.
03
Surface Detection
Using a Sewerin tracer gas detector, we sweep the floor, walls, and baseboards above the suspect line. The detector reads gas concentration in parts per million. We mark the highest reading with tape. This is where the leak is. Most sweeps take 30 to 60 minutes.
04
Confirmation
We confirm the leak location with a second pass using a thermal imaging camera or moisture meter. This cross-check eliminates false positives. You see the reading on the screen. We show you the exact spot before we leave.
05
Reporting and Next Steps
You get a written report with the leak location, pipe material, and recommended repair. We can refer a licensed plumber or work with yours. The report includes photos and detector readings. Same-day service is available for most calls.
Tools & methods
Tools and Methods We Use
Purpose-built equipment, used by trained technicians — so the job is done accurately the first time.
Sewerin Tracer Gas Detector
The industry standard for reading hydrogen tracer gas concentration at the surface. It pinpoints leaks to within a few inches.
FLIR Thermal Imaging Camera
Detects temperature differences caused by leaking water. We use it to confirm leak areas and check for hidden moisture.
RIDGID Pipe Inspection Camera
We use it to look inside pipes for corrosion, root intrusion, or breaks. It helps us confirm the pipe material and condition.
Hydrostatic Test Pump
Pressurizes the plumbing system to confirm a leak and measure pressure loss. It is the first step in our process.
General Tools Moisture Meter
Measures moisture content in walls, floors, and ceilings. We use it to map the extent of water damage.
Acoustic Listening Device
Amplifies the sound of water escaping under pressure. We use it to narrow down the leak location before tracer gas.
Milwaukee and DeWalt Cordless Tools
We use these for any necessary access, like cutting a small inspection hole. We keep the work area clean.
Real results
Before and after.
Slab Leak Under Living Room
Before
A homeowner in The Heights noticed a warm spot on the floor and a water bill that jumped by $150. Two plumbers could not find the leak with listening devices. The floor was at risk of major demolition.
After
We used tracer gas and found the leak in a hot water line within 2 hours. We marked the exact spot. The plumber repaired it with a single 12-inch cut. The water bill returned to normal the next month.
Commercial Building Mystery Leak
Before
A property manager in Greenway Plaza had a leak that was damaging a tenant's ceiling. The source was unknown. The building had a concrete slab and many concealed lines.
After
We isolated the lines and used tracer gas to find a pinhole leak in a copper pipe behind a wall. We marked the location. The repair was done in one day with minimal disruption to the tenant.
High Water Bill in River Oaks
Before
A homeowner in River Oaks had a water bill that doubled. There were no visible leaks. The house had a large slab and a pool. The owner feared a major slab leak.
After
We used tracer gas and found a leak in the pool return line, not the slab. We marked the location. The pool company repaired it without draining the pool. The water bill dropped by 40%.
Problems we solve
Hidden Leak Problems We Solve in Houston
Tracer gas leak detection solves the toughest leak problems. If you have a high water bill, warm floors, or unexplained moisture, we can find the source.
Ask a pro →↗
Warm spots on the floor
Tracer gas detection locates the exact break in the hot water line. We mark the spot so your plumber can make a targeted repair without breaking up the whole floor.
Sound of running water when everything is off
We use acoustic listening devices and tracer gas to find the leak. Even tiny pinhole leaks are detected. We confirm the location before we leave.
Unexplained moisture or mold on floors or walls
We use thermal imaging and moisture meters to map the moisture, then tracer gas to find the source. We give you a clear report so you can fix the leak and address the mold.
Transparent pricing
Tracer Gas Leak Detection Pricing
$350 - $650 for most residential jobs
We believe in honest, upfront pricing. Our tracer gas leak detection service in Houston starts at $350 and goes up to $650 for most residential jobs. The price depends on the size of your home, the complexity of the plumbing system, and accessibility. We provide a flat quote before we start. There are no hidden fees. If we cannot find the leak, you do not pay. We accept all major credit cards and can bill your insurance directly.
Finding the leak accurately saves you thousands in unnecessary demolition and water damage. Our precise detection means a targeted repair, not a major excavation. That is value you can measure.
01System Size
Larger homes with more plumbing lines take longer to test. We may need to isolate multiple zones. This increases the time and cost.
02Accessibility
If the suspect line is under a thick floor or behind a wall, it may take longer to access. We always try to minimize disruption.
03Number of Lines
If we need to test both hot and cold lines, or multiple zones, the job takes longer. We charge a flat rate per line.
04Commercial vs Residential
Commercial properties often have larger, more complex systems. We charge higher rates for commercial jobs due to the increased complexity.
Proof you can check
Licensed, Insured, and Trusted
✓
Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners LicenseTexas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
✓
Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester CertificationTexas Commission on Environmental Quality
✓
ICC Certified Plumbing InspectorInternational Code Council
✓
OSHA Safety ComplianceOccupational Safety and Health Administration
Customer reviews
What Houston Customers Say
★★★★★
“Our water bill doubled and we could not find the leak. Leak Detection The Heights came out the same day and used tracer gas. They found a slab leak under our living room in about two hours. They marked the exact spot and our plumber fixed it with one small cut. Saved us thousands in demolition.”
MG
Maria G.Homeowner, The Heights
✓ Verified“
★★★★★
“We had a mystery leak in a commercial building. The tracer gas detection was incredibly precise. They found a pinhole leak in a copper line behind a wall. No guesswork, no unnecessary damage. I highly recommend them for any Houston property.”
DL
David L.Property Manager, Greenway Plaza
✓ Verified★★★★★
“After two other companies failed to find our leak, Leak Detection The Heights used tracer gas and found it in under an hour. It was a cracked pipe fitting under the slab. They were professional, clean, and explained everything. Worth every penny.”
KW
Karen W.Homeowner, River Oaks
✓ VerifiedMost residential tracer gas leak detection jobs in Houston cost between $350 and $650 as of 2026. The price depends on system size, accessibility, and whether we need to isolate multiple lines. Commercial properties and large slab homes can run higher. We give you a flat quote before we start. There is no charge if we cannot find the leak.
We isolate the suspect pipe, inject a 95% nitrogen and 5% hydrogen mixture, and then sweep the floor above with a Sewerin detector. The gas escapes only at the leak and rises through the slab. The detector reads the concentration and we mark the highest point. The whole process usually takes 2 to 4 hours.
Leak Detection The Heights offers tracer gas leak detection across Houston and Harris County. We have been in business since 2013 and carry Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners credentials. We serve Downtown, The Heights, Montrose, River Oaks, Greenway Plaza, and all surrounding areas. Call 832-839-4984 to schedule.
Yes. The tracer gas is 95% nitrogen and 5% hydrogen, both non-toxic and non-flammable. It leaves no residue and dissipates within minutes. You and your pets can stay home during the test. We follow OSHA handling rules and EPA WaterSense guidelines. We have used this method in thousands of Houston homes without a safety issue.
More services
Related Services
Slab Leak DetectionTracer gas is our go-to method for confirming slab leaks under Houston homes. We pinpoint the break in copper or PEX lines beneath the concrete, so your plumber can make a targeted repair instead of breaking up the whole floor.Explore →
Foundation Leak DetectionFoundation movement from Houston clay soil often causes pipe breaks. We use tracer gas to find leaks that are stressing your foundation. Early detection can save you from expensive foundation repair later.Explore →
Pool Leak DetectionPool plumbing leaks waste water and chemicals. Tracer gas can be injected into pool return lines to find underground breaks. We locate the leak without draining your pool or digging up the deck.Explore →
Sewer Line Leak DetectionSewer leaks cause backups and soil contamination. While tracer gas is not used for sewer lines, we use pipe inspection cameras and acoustic listening devices to find breaks. We can also pressure test sewer lines for leaks.Explore →
Gas Leak DetectionNatural gas leaks are dangerous. We use electronic leak detectors and pressure testing to find gas leaks in your home. If you smell gas, call us immediately. We are available 24/7 for emergency gas leak detection in Houston.Explore →
Plumbing Leak DetectionFrom pinhole leaks to burst pipes, we find all types of plumbing leaks. Tracer gas is one of many tools we use. We also use acoustic listening devices, thermal imaging cameras, and moisture meters to confirm the location.Explore →
Roof Leak DetectionRoof leaks can mimic plumbing leaks. We use moisture meters and thermal imaging to trace roof leaks to their source. If the leak is in your plumbing, we can rule that out with tracer gas testing.Explore →
Irrigation System Leak DetectionUnderground irrigation leaks waste water and drive up bills. We can isolate zones and use tracer gas or acoustic methods to find broken sprinkler lines. We locate the leak without digging up your whole yard.Explore → Ready when you are
Need Tracer Gas Leak Detection in Houston Today?
Call Leak Detection The Heights at 832-839-4984. We are licensed, insured, and have been serving Houston since 2013. Same-day and 24/7 emergency service available. We find the leak or you do not pay.
Call Now 8328394984 →
Request an appointment
Get a Houston Leak Detection Quote
Call us at 832-839-4984 or send an email and we will get back to you fast. We answer the phone 24/7 for emergencies and schedule standard detections same day or next day across Houston and Harris County. Tell us what you are seeing and we will give you a flat detection price over the phone.