Answers
Frequently asked questions
Answers about pricing, what happens during a visit, repairs, service areas and payment. If you don’t see your question here, give us a call.
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Still have a question?
Describe what your pool is doing, and we will explain what it usually means.
How much does leak detection cost?
Leak detection starts at $375. The price depends on your location, your pool and the problem you are seeing. With those details, we can give you an accurate quote, and you will know the price before any work begins.
What areas do you serve?
We work across coastal North Carolina. That includes Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Leland, Hampstead, Castle Hayne, Jacksonville and the beaches from Brunswick County north to Emerald Isle.
What are your hours?
We are open Mon–Sat, 7:30am–6:30pm. Call (919) 633-4975 during those hours, or send us the details through the inspection request form at any time.
How do I know if I have a leak?
Common signs include a spike in your water bill, damp areas on the pool deck, water surfacing on the ground, or a pool or spa water level that keeps dropping. If you notice any of these signs, call Leak Locators East Coast right away. A leak costs you money, and the damage gets worse over time.
Do you have to dig or break concrete to find the leak?
No. Leak detection is non-invasive. We find the leak with pressure testing and acoustic listening equipment and mark its location. Anything that has to be opened is part of the repair, and finding the exact spot first keeps that opening small.
Should I drain my pool before you come?
No. Leave the pool full. Leak detection needs water in the pool, and draining it makes the leak harder to find. Emptying a pool where the water table is high can also cause the shell to lift or crack.
Does my pool need to be clean before you arrive?
Yes. The pool needs to be full and clean, with little to no algae or debris. If the pool has not been properly prepared when we arrive, you may still be charged for the trip, even if we are unable to complete the inspection.
We recommend sending a current photo of the pool when you book, so we can confirm it is ready before we make the trip.
How soon can you come out?
Leak detection visits are typically scheduled within the same week, depending on our schedule. An emergency leak detection visit can be arranged for a $100 emergency fee. Repairs take significantly longer, so call us for an emergency repair quote.
Do I need to be home during the visit?
No, you do not need to be home. Just let us know how to reach the pool when you book.
How long does a leak detection visit take?
Most residential pools take a single visit. Complex plumbing or several problems at once can take longer, and we will tell you if that is the case.
What do I receive after the visit?
You receive written findings on the invoice: what we tested, what we found and where the leak is, so the repair starts in the right spot.
What if you don't find the leak?
If your pool is clearly losing a lot of water and we do not find the leak on the first visit, we come back free of charge. This does not apply when the pool's condition prevents testing, such as a dirty pool or a water level that is too low, and the visit is still charged. If you are not sure your pool is ready, text a photo or video to (919) 633-4975.
Do you repair the leak too?
Yes. We repair the leaks we locate. Whether we take on a repair depends on where the leak is and what covers it. If a repair is outside what we do, we will tell you.
Are repair quotes free?
Yes, once we know what is broken. If we find more breaks during the repair, we will tell you the additional cost before fixing them, and you decide whether we repair those too.
Do you warranty your repairs?
Yes. Plumbing repairs are pressure tested once they are complete to confirm the leak has stopped. Every repair we make is covered by a one-year warranty: if our repair leaks again, we come back and put it right. Vinyl liner patches are the one exception, because a liner can be torn again by things outside our control.
What types of pools do you work on?
Inground concrete, gunite and fiberglass pools, vinyl liner and above-ground pools, spas, and commercial pools for HOAs, apartment communities and hotels.
Can you inspect a pool before I buy a house?
Yes. Our pool inspection covers the pool, its plumbing and its equipment, and you receive written findings. It does not replace a general home inspection, so buyers often arrange both.
Do you resurface and paint pools?
Yes. Painting coats the surface you already have, and resurfacing replaces a surface that has failed. If the pool is leaking, the leak should be found and repaired first.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, Zelle, Venmo and all credit cards. We provide an invoice for every job.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call (919) 633-4975 and describe what your pool is doing, or send us the details through the inspection request form on this site. Either way, we will talk through what you are seeing before a technician comes out.
Is there a travel fee?
A travel fee applies to locations 45 minutes or more from Wilmington, North Carolina. The amount depends on the distance, so call or text for a quote.
Do you have a referral program?
Yes, for past customers. You earn $40 for a leak detection and $125 for a repair for each person you refer, paid as soon as they pay. Businesses can work with us as trade partners instead.