A hidden leak is one you can't see with the naked eye: it's inside a wall, in the screed or behind furniture. Main clues — damp patches, mould or a water bill that's grown for no reason.
Signs of a hidden leak
- Your water bill has grown 1.5–3× despite the same usage
- A damp patch or bubbling plaster has appeared on a wall
- The bathroom floor stays wet for a long time after cleaning
- You hear dripping with all taps closed
- Neighbours below complain about stains on their ceiling
- Wallpaper or baseboard is peeling away in a single spot
10-minute self-diagnosis
Turn off all taps in the apartment and make sure the washing machine and dishwasher aren't running. Look at the מד־מים (water meter): if the small "star" or digit keeps rotating, water is leaving the system. That's the most reliable way to confirm a leak even when everything looks dry.
How pros find leaks
- Thermal imaging. Water cools a spot — you can see a "cold patch" through tile and plaster.
- Pressure test. Air is pushed into the system under pressure and you listen for where it drops.
- Gas detector. A safe gas is pushed into the pipe, then an indicator finds where it escapes.
- Acoustic test. An electronic stethoscope picks up the sound of water leaking through a micro-crack.
Prices in Israel
- Hidden leak diagnosis (thermal imaging + pressure test) — 500–1,200 ₪
- Opening the wall/screed for access — 400–1,500 ₪ depending on finish
- Repairing the identified section — 400–900 ₪
- Restoring tile or plaster — a separate job, from 300 ₪ for local repair
The full "find + fix + patch" cycle runs 500–3,000 ₪. Skimping on diagnostics doesn't pay off: opening the wall "by eye" usually costs more than targeted access in the right spot.
Insurance and hidden leaks
Most ביטוח דירה policies cover hidden leaks, including detection and finish restoration. But the condition is almost always to notify the insurer before work starts and use their emergency crew or an accredited plumber. Read the policy carefully before starting any repair.
Frequently asked
How do I know the leak is really hidden and not from a faucet?
Close all taps in the apartment and check the water meter. If the indicator keeps moving, water is leaving the system past the fixtures — that's a hidden leak.
How much does it cost to find a hidden leak?
Thermal imaging plus pressure testing in Israel runs 500–1,200 ₪. The pro arrives with the kit and pinpoints the problem accurately, without tearing up the finish on a guess.
Does insurance cover hidden leak detection?
Usually yes, if you have <em>ביטוח דירה</em> with a water damage rider. Important: the call must go through the insurer or an accredited specialist — a plumber you hire independently often isn't covered.
Can you find the leak without opening the wall?
Locate it — yes: thermal imaging and acoustic testing work through the finish. But to actually fix it you'll still have to open up — just in a precise spot, not the whole wall.