“How much does leak detection cost?” is one of the most common questions, and the honest answer is: it depends. This guide explains what drives the price so you can compare quotes — and what you get free with drying hire. We don’t quote other businesses’ prices; ask them directly.
What affects the cost of leak detection in Auckland?
Leak detection is often charged by time, so the cost depends on where the leak is, how hard it is to reach, which tools are needed (acoustic, tracer gas, thermal, water testing), the size of the property, and whether it’s after hours. Finding and repairing are usually priced separately. A free water meter test is a good first step.
Cost drivers
| Factor | Why it changes the price |
|---|---|
| Leak location | A visible pipe is quicker than one under a slab or inside a lined wall |
| Access | Ceiling spaces, subfloors and concrete take longer |
| Tools needed | Acoustic, tracer gas and water testing need specialist gear and skills |
| How clear the clues are | A damp patch narrows the search; a high bill alone doesn’t |
| Property size | More pipes and fixtures to check |
| Number of leaks | Older pipework can have more than one |
| Time of day | After-hours call-outs usually cost more |
| Report needs | Written reports for insurers take time |
| Repair | Usually quoted separately once the leak is found |
Thermal imaging costs
Standalone thermal surveys and inspections are priced by the provider depending on property size, scope and whether a written report is included. Ask whether moisture meter confirmation and annotated images are included.
Free first steps
- Water meter test — free, using Watercare’s method. See our water meter test guide.
- Visual checks — taps, toilets, cylinder relief valve, behind appliances.
- Watercare leak allowance — may offset part of a high bill if conditions are met.
What’s free with Dry Me Now
We don’t do acoustic or tracer leak detection, and we’re not plumbers. But if you’ve had a leak and need to dry out, when you hire our Drying Combo our technician delivers the equipment and, where suitable, does a free on-site thermal imaging and moisture check.
See our pricing and packages.
Tips for comparing quotes
- Ask how they charge: call-out, hourly, fixed?
- Ask which tools they’ll use.
- Ask if the repair is included or separate.
- Ask for a written finding.
- Check they’re licensed for any plumbing work.
| Drying Combo | What you get |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Commercial 90 L dehumidifier + two drying fans |
| Testing | Free on-site thermal image assessment and moisture test, included where suitable |
| Delivery | Our technician delivers the equipment and does the testing on site; Auckland delivery and pick-up, subject to booking timing and site access |
| Price | $75 + GST per day (3-day minimum) or $400 + GST for 7 days |
See the full offer: free thermal imaging and moisture testing with the Drying Combo.
What thermal imaging and moisture testing can’t do
We’d rather be upfront:
- Thermal imaging indicates, it doesn’t prove. The camera reads surface temperature. A cool patch can be damp, but it can also be a draught, missing insulation, a cold-water pipe or shade from the morning sun. Our technician checks suspicious areas with a moisture meter on site before treating them as wet.
- Meters read accessible spots. A moisture meter gives a reading where it touches. It can’t see right through a sealed cavity, and we don’t cut open walls.
- It isn’t a plumbing repair. We can help show where water has spread. Finding and fixing a failed pipe, shower tray or fitting is a job for a licensed plumber.
- We’re drying specialists, not plumbers or inspectors. We aren’t a licensed plumber, a pre-purchase building inspector or an acoustic/tracer-gas leak detection specialist, and we’ll tell you when you need one.
- It isn’t a building report. This check supports your drying setup. It isn’t a pre-purchase inspection, a weathertightness report or a code compliance document. For roof, cladding or structural concerns, talk to a qualified building surveyor or inspector.
Frequently asked questions
How is leak detection usually charged?
Often by time on site, with a call-out or minimum charge, and the repair quoted separately. Ask each provider how they charge.
Why are leak detection quotes so different?
Location, access, tools needed, property size, number of leaks and time of day all change how long the job takes.
Is there a free way to check for a leak?
Yes. A water meter test using Watercare’s method is free: no water use for 4+ hours, ideally overnight, then compare readings.
Is thermal imaging free with Dry Me Now?
Where suitable, a thermal imaging and moisture check is included free when you hire the Drying Combo at $75 + GST per day (3-day minimum) or $400 + GST for 7 days.
Does Dry Me Now do leak detection?
We don’t do acoustic or tracer gas leak detection or plumbing. Our free check maps damp to guide drying after the source is fixed.
Book the Drying Combo with a free moisture check
If you’ve had a leak, overflow or flood in Auckland, call Dry Me Now on 021 877 504 or use the enquiry form on our thermal imaging and moisture testing page. Tell us what happened and which rooms are affected, and we’ll confirm availability and delivery. Our technician delivers the machines and does the testing on site.