Preparing for a Leak Inspection — What to Do Before the Technician Arrives

A leak inspection is most effective when the technician has clear access to all areas of the property and relevant information about the building's history and symptoms. Taking a few minutes to prepare before the technician arrives can significantly improve the accuracy and speed of the inspection. This guide covers what you can do to ensure a thorough and efficient leak detection visit for your BC property.

First, document the symptoms. When did you first notice the problem? Is it constant or does it come and go? Is it related to weather — worse after rain, or only during certain seasons? Is it related to water usage — does it happen when you run the washing machine, flush a toilet, or take a shower? Take photographs of any visible stains, dampness, mould, or other evidence. Note any recent changes to the property: renovations, new appliances, landscaping changes, or extreme weather events. This history helps the technician narrow down the possible causes before they even unpack their equipment.

Clear access to key areas. The technician needs to access your basement or crawlspace, attic if accessible, mechanical room, water meter, main shut-off valve, electrical panel, and all plumbing fixtures. Move stored items, boxes, and furniture away from walls in the affected areas so thermal imaging can capture the wall surfaces. Ensure attic hatches are accessible and crawlspace doors are unlocked. If you have pets, secure them in a separate area — our technicians love animals, but thermal imaging equipment and acoustic sensors need quiet conditions to work accurately.

Water system information. Know where your main water shut-off valve is located and ensure it is accessible. If you have multiple shut-off valves (e.g., for different zones or units), know which controls what. Have your water meter location accessible — the technician may need to check meter readings during the inspection. If your property is on a well, know the well pump location and pressure tank settings. If you have a irrigation system, know where the controller and zone valves are located.

Building information. For strata buildings or multi-unit properties, have available: building plans showing plumbing riser locations if available, records of any previous leak investigations or repairs, warranty information for recent renovations or new plumbing installations, the name and contact information for the property manager or strata council contact, and insurance policy information if a claim may be filed. For homes, have any home inspection reports, renovation records, and appliance purchase dates available.

For optimal thermal imaging conditions, adjust your thermostat: thermal imaging relies on temperature differences between indoor and outdoor environments. For interior wall scans, set your thermostat to normal operating temperature 24 hours before the inspection — do not turn the heat off or let the building go cold. For radiant floor leak detection, ensure the heating system has been operating normally so the thermal contrast between the warm heated floor and any cooler areas (or vice versa for hot water leaks) is maximized.

What to expect during the inspection: the technician will begin with a walk-through to assess the property and discuss your symptoms. They will then deploy their diagnostic equipment systematically, working from general screening (thermal imaging of large areas) to specific pinpoint testing (moisture meter readings, acoustic listening, or tracer gas). The process is non-invasive — they will not cut into walls, ceilings, or floors unless absolutely necessary and with your permission. Expect the inspection to take 1-4 hours depending on the complexity. The technician will explain their findings as they work and provide a written report within 24 hours.