In Pinellas County, high water bills and hidden leaks are a growing concern — and we recently documented a perfect example of why homeowners should never wait to investigate unexplained moisture or spikes in utility usage.
This was a typical residential property. No visible puddles, no burst pipes — just a faint sewer smell, slightly damp carpet, and a growing water bill. But what we uncovered told a very different story.
Using our FLIR thermal imaging equipment, we started by scanning the hallway where the homeowner had noticed a faint musty odor. The wall looked dry, but the thermal camera revealed moisture building near an electrical outlet — and dark blue saturation spots deep in the carpet. The human eye couldn’t see it, but the damage was already spreading.
As we followed the hallway toward the bathroom, the FLIR scan showed extensive saturation beneath the flooring. A faint thermal outline of the tub in the distance helped us narrow down the likely source: a slow, hidden plumbing leak under or behind the wall.
This is where professional water leak detection service makes the difference. Tools like FLIR cameras and ultrasonic listening devices allow us to pinpoint leaks quickly, avoiding unnecessary demolition.
In one section of the wallboard, we captured a close-up image of significant saturation. Again, to the naked eye the drywall looked completely fine — but our thermal scan exposed how widespread the internal damage really was.
With this evidence, we made a precision cut directly at the point of greatest moisture concentration.
There it was. A clean cut into the wall revealed damp insulation, moisture damage, and small signs of mold beginning to grow. This is why early detection is critical. Left unresolved, a small leak like this can cause structural rot, mold remediation bills, and even electrical hazards — all avoidable with the right tools and timing.
The real culprit? A pinhole leak in a copper pipe, about the size of a strand of hair. Once located with infrared and ultrasonic equipment, we made one precise cut and found it spraying water onto Jeremy’s finger. This was the tiny hidden flaw that caused all the damage. This is exactly what people are paying for when they call a trained specialist — accuracy, not guesswork.
The Real Cost of Waiting
We see this all the time across Pinellas County — in homes from Clearwater and Palm Harbor to Largo and Gulfport. By the time you notice a musty smell, water damage is already at work behind the scenes.
Often, we’re called in when a homeowner receives a sky-high water bill but sees no visible leaks. If that’s happened to you, check out our guide on what to do when you have a high water bill but no visible leak, or view our dedicated water leak detection service page for a breakdown of what we do.
Why Copper Pipes Are Often the Problem
This job is a textbook case of a copper pipe pinhole leak, one of the most common culprits in Florida homes. Whether from water quality, age, or movement behind walls, copper can fail in tiny, almost invisible ways — but the effects are anything but small.
If left undetected, these pinhole leaks can lead to major slab or underground water damage, and in many cases we’ve been able to locate the issue before any visible signs appear.
Pinellas County Resources for Water Bills and Leaks
If you’re a Pinellas County resident and your water usage seems unusually high, you may be eligible for support. The county offers both leak-related resources and a form to report high water bills, which may help you recover costs if you act quickly.
To better understand why so many Pinellas homes are impacted by hidden leaks, read our breakdown of why your water bill might be sky high.
When in Doubt — Detect It Early
A professional water leak detection service isn’t just about finding the leak — it’s about doing it with minimal damage, total accuracy, and complete documentation to help you make the best next move.
Whether it’s slab leaks, copper pinholes, or undetected spray behind a wall, early diagnosis saves time, money, and health.
