How do I know if I have a hidden leak?

Shut off every fixture and watch the water meter. If the leak indicator still turns, water is going somewhere. A climbing bill with no change in habits is the other reliable tell.

What is a slab leak and how do I know if I have one?

A slab leak is a leak in the supply lines running under the concrete slab. They are common here because soil movement and hard water work on copper. The signs are warm spots on the floor, the sound of running water with everything off, a jump in the water bill, or a meter that turns when nothing is on.

How do you find a leak without tearing up walls?

Electronic listening equipment and pressure testing pinpoint most leaks before we cut anything, so the opening is small and deliberate instead of exploratory.

A small leak is not doing much damage yet. Can it wait?

Waiting is what turns a repair into a rebuild. Water tracks through framing and under flooring long before it shows on a ceiling, and a slow slab leak can run for weeks. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so there is no reason to sit on one.

Leak Detection & Repair

Professional leak detection & repair across South Orange County.

About Leak Detection & Repair

A pipe can be leaking somewhere you cannot see it, inside a wall, above a ceiling, or under the concrete slab, and the worst way to find it is opening walls and hoping. We use acoustic listening equipment and pressure testing to pinpoint the source before anything is opened, so the repair is one small access point rather than a remodel you did not plan. The signs are usually indirect, a water bill that jumped, a meter that keeps turning with everything off, a warm spot on the floor, the sound of running water in a quiet house. Slab leaks are common in South Orange County because so many homes sit on slab and still run original 1960s and 70s copper that hard water works on from the inside. Hummel Plumbing is a family owned shop in San Juan Capistrano, in business since 2013, California license 1034213, bonded and insured, open 24 hours a day for residential and commercial work.

Key Benefits

Non-invasive detection before anything is opened up

Slab leak location expertise for South Orange County homes

Targeted repairs instead of exploratory demolition

Clear findings you can also take to your insurer

Frequently Asked Questions

If water is actively running or pooling, shut it off at the main and then open a faucet at the lowest point in the house to bleed the pressure out of the lines. Move what you can off wet flooring and clear a path to the area, including the cabinet under the sink if that is where the water is showing up. Take a few photos of the wet area before anything gets cleaned up, since that is the record you will want if you end up filing a claim. Do not start cutting into drywall or flooring to chase it yourself, because an opening in the wrong spot does not help us locate the leak and it is one more thing to patch.

Need Leak Detection & Repair?

Call or send a request. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call (949) 505-9828

What Customers Say

5.0 stars across 140+ Google reviews.

Joey B.

August 30, 2026

Jon was personable and knew exactly what to do to pull a new waterline for our refrigerator up from our crawl space. He was also very informative about differing water pressure throughout our house. It was obvious he took pride in his work. Communication from Sally was excellent. Stellar family team in the neighborhood. Nice to know we can trust them for our plumbing needs.

Cathy L.

July 24, 2026

Jon Hummel is always a pleasure to work with. He is knowledgeable and very trustworthy. Will always use him for any plumbing needs.

Jodie F.

April 3, 2026

Jon always does an amazing job! We've used his services for years. He's on time, his prices are fair and his work is reliable. We needed a full house repipe after a pipe burst. I knew exactly who I would call for this big job and who I could trust-Hummel plumbing!

Larry A.

April 3, 2025

As a retired plumbing contractor, I'd like to think that I can tell a good plumber, hard worker, and honest man after watching him work. I'm getting a little long in the tooth (and sore in the back) to do much of my own plumbing anymore and I call Jon when I need plumbing help. I have also referred him to my neighbors, who report that they have been very happy with him.

Alexandria G., San Clemente

May 5, 2026

We've used Jon with Hummel Plumbing a few times now here in San Clemente, and he's been great every single time. He previously installed our tankless water heater, and most recently fixed our outdoor shower and handled a few other items for us. Everything has always been done correctly the first time—no shortcuts. He's friendly, thorough, and clearly takes pride in doing things the right way. He was also able to come out quickly, which we really appreciated. It's honestly such a relief to have a plumber we trust. Highly recommend Jon and Hummel Plumbing!

Jamie

July 1, 2026

Super happy with Jon @ Hummel Plumbing, we will be definitely using their services again and recommending them to friends and neighbors, work was completed in a timely, professional clean manner. Truly a hard worker who knows his stuff, thanks again Jon. Talk soon

Joanne P.

March 18, 2026

Showed up earlier than expected, which was clearly communicated and great news. Polite and great work. Pricing up front.

Brad K.

February 20, 2026

Jon and his assistant were prompt, courteous, knowledgeable and fast. I will personally recommend Hummel to my friends and neighbors! Excellent company to deal with in today's world!

Related Services

Work that often comes up alongside leak detection & repair.

Water HeatersDiagnosis, repair, maintenance, and replacement of tank water heaters for homes and businesses.Tankless Water HeatersInstallation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of tankless water heating systems.Drain CleaningClearing clogged or slow drains in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry areas, and floor drains, with diagnosis of recurring problems.Sewer Cleaning & RepairDiagnosis, cleaning, repair, and replacement of damaged or obstructed sewer lines.Sewer Camera InspectionsVideo inspection of sewer and drain lines to identify blockages, damage, root intrusion, and pipe condition.Water Line Repair & ReplacementRepair and replacement of damaged, leaking, or deteriorated water lines, from single lines to full distribution systems.

Guides we have written on leak detection & repair.

Slab Leaks in South Orange County, The Warning Signs Most People MissSlab leaks in South Orange County often show up on the water bill before the floor. Learn the early warning signs, how they are found, and repair options.