It starts with a drip. Then it drains your budgets, delays projects, ruins assets, and quietly eats away at your sustainability goals. Water leaks are among the most overlooked threats in construction, commercial real estate, and enterprise operations. They often go undetected until the damage is done, costing construction companies and building managers tens of thousands in repairs, shutdowns, and insurance claims.
The average cost of water damage in commercial buildings exceeds $55,000 per incident. On top of that, leaks are the leading cause of schedule delays and liability claims in construction. Proactive leak detection services are the best way to prevent that cascade of damage. But with so many technologies on the market, it’s critical to understand which systems align with your operational complexity, regulatory pressures, and financial risk exposure.
Best Overall: Wint Water Intelligence
Easiest to Get Started: Phyn
Best Continuous Reporting: Wint Water Intelligence
Best for Small Teams: Aqualeak
Best for Companies with Larger Budgets: Gutermann
Best for ESG Efforts: HWM Water Ltd
Best for Commercial Real Estate: Sebalog by Sewerin
Best for Residential Properties: Tatsuta
What Are Leak Detection Services?
Leak detection systems help you catch problems early — often before there’s any visible damage. These tools use everything from simple moisture sensors to advanced AI platforms that monitor flow, learn your usage patterns, and automatically flag irregularities or micro-leaks in real time.
Many modern solutions also feature automated shutoff capabilities for instant intervention. Beyond preventing water damage, these solutions help building owners and managers reduce water waste, comply with ESG standards and regulations, and lower their insurance risk. They are a critical asset for construction and long-term facility maintenance management.
They’re commonly used across:
- Commercial buildings – to protect infrastructure and ensure tenant satisfaction
- Construction projects – to avoid costly delays and risk exposures
- Industrial facilities – where system downtime translates to significant losses
- Healthcare & hospitality – where uptime and reputation are tightly linked
Categories of Leak Detection Services
- Smart Water Monitoring Systems: These solutions use AI and IoT to track water usage patterns. They provide real-time alerts, autonomous shutoff, and centralized dashboards to manage water performance. They are increasingly used in complex applications like industrial water treatment.
- Acoustic and Ultrasonic Leak Detection: These systems use sound to detect pressure changes and leak signatures, making them ideal for underground or embedded pipework. Some tools use correlator technology to pinpoint leaks with high accuracy.
- Moisture / Point Sensor Systems: These detect the physical presence of water through localized sensors. They’re often deployed under raised floors, in equipment rooms, or near vulnerable assets.
- Thermal and Infrared Imaging: Infrared cameras visualize temperature variations to reveal hidden leaks or moisture intrusion in walls, ceilings, and floors. They are often used for inspections and diagnostics.
Benefits of Leak Detection Services
1. Prevent Catastrophic Damage and Downtime
In many cases, what begins as a slow drip becomes a full-scale escape of water disaster that requires costly remediation, asset replacement, and operational shutdowns. Modern leak detection tools identify these risks early, flagging flow, pressure, or localized moisture anomalies before they escalate. By turning potential crises into manageable maintenance tasks, these systems help prevent six-plus-figure losses and safeguard critical infrastructure, uptime, and reputational trust.
2. Meet ESG Targets with Verifiable Data
Sustainability is a measurable obligation tied to reporting frameworks and investor expectations. Leak detection systems that provide usage data, event logs, and trend analysis allow teams to track water performance precisely. They enable teams to document waste reductions, validate improvements, and integrate water savings directly into ESG reporting with defensible metrics.
3. Enable Enterprise-Grade Oversight at Scale
Centralized water intelligence transforms portfolio management by giving teams real-time visibility across all properties in one platform. Instead of reacting to issues site by site, teams can spot abnormal usage trends, set location-specific alerts, and benchmark performance to identify inefficiencies across buildings.
4. Reduce Insurance Premiums and Strengthen Risk Posture
Insurers are increasingly factoring water management into risk calculations. Proactive detection signals a lower-risk profile, especially with systems that include automatic shutoff. In many cases, leak detection becomes part of broader risk management models, helping teams quantify and mitigate water-related exposure across properties. Some carriers may even require such systems for coverage on high-value assets.
Top 10 Leak Detection Services by Category
Smart Water Monitoring Systems
When evaluating these systems, consider their ability to integrate with existing infrastructure, the granularity of data they provide, and their responsiveness to potential issues. Key features to look for include AI-driven analytics that can learn and adapt to your facility’s unique water usage patterns, automated shutoff capabilities to prevent damage, and compatibility with building management systems (BMS) for centralized control. Scalability and support for SaaS security are also crucial.
1. Wint Water Intelligence
Wint uses AI to monitor water flow in real time and instantly flag anything unusual, from minor leaks to unexpected surges in usage. If a problem is detected, the system can automatically shut off the water to stop damage before it starts. It also offers an analytics dashboard that gives teams valuable insights they can use to reduce water waste, stay compliant, and hit their ESG targets. Wint is built for complex environments like commercial properties, construction projects, and large-scale facilities with high stakes (and water bills).
Best for: Enterprises and construction firms seeking scalable, automated water leak detection and prevention solutions.
“Water damage at construction sites is one thing that keeps construction executives up at night. The physical damage can be huge, and the project delays are a nightmare. Wint has made this one less thing to worry about. We sleep better knowing that Wint has an eye on water at our sites.”
2. Phyn
Phyn Plus uses high-definition pressure wave analysis to detect leaks and monitor real-time water usage. You can view detailed insights into water consumption patterns and automatically shut off water in case of a detected leak. Phyn’s solutions are designed for residential and commercial applications. They’re easy to install and integrate with smart home systems.
Best for: Small-scale commercial or residential applications requiring straightforward leak detection solutions.
“I have been using Phyn Plus almost from the beginning. Has a quality build and simple installation (it is a DIY job, but it is recommended for professional installation). I like the idea of shutting off the main water supply; tracking water usage is another plus. The Android app is easy to use.”
Acoustic and Ultrasonic Leak Detection
Acoustic and ultrasonic leak detection systems locate leaks within pressurized water networks, especially in areas with limited access. By capturing the distinct sounds produced by water escaping under pressure, these tools enable accurate, noninvasive identification of leak points, minimizing the need for disruptive excavation or guesswork. When evaluating these systems, consider their sensitivity to different pipe materials, ability to function in noisy environments, and integration with data logging for trend analysis.
3. Sebalog (by Sewerin)
Sebalog is a logger-based leak detection system that uses acoustic sensors to detect and localize leaks across complex pipe networks. It supports scalable deployment in commercial, municipal, or multi-building sites, especially where pipes are buried or access is limited. The system collects sound data over time, helping teams identify persistent leak noise without manual inspection. It can operate stand-alone or connect via telemetry for remote monitoring.
Best for: Scalable leak detection in property management and municipal water systems.
4. HWM Permalog+
HWM Water Ltd specializes in leak detection solutions like the Permalog+ system, an acoustic leak noise logger that monitors water distribution networks continuously. It detects and records leak-related noise, enabling utilities to identify and address leaks promptly. The device can store up to 29 days of noise data, which can be analyzed to distinguish between leak and non-leak events. Data retrieval is flexible, supporting both manual collection (“lift and shift”) and wireless transmission to a patrol vehicle (“drive-by”) using the Patroller system.
Best for: ESG-driven leak reduction across infrastructure networks.
“Efficiency is key in our jobs. The new Permalog+ units are already proving their worth with the installation teams, reporting far quicker patrol times, allowing them to conduct more work. Halma Water Management has listened to us, and the new Permalog+ has incorporated many of the additional functions we required.”
5. Gutermann
Gutermann’s ZONESCAN 820 is a precision tool for detecting leaks in water distribution networks. Using correlating radio loggers, it captures both noise levels and frequency spectra to pinpoint leak locations with high accuracy. The system adapts to different operational needs, whether through temporary “Lift & Shift” surveys, mobile “Drive-by” data collection, or fixed installations. In permanent setups, it transmits data daily to the cloud via the ALPHA communication module, ensuring continuous monitoring and fast response to potential issues.
Best for: Municipalities and large infrastructure operators with aging networks.
“The difference between Gutermann’s and the competitor’s was night and day. Gutermann’s was much easier to deploy and get the crucial leakage information. The competitor’s sets are in our storage room and have only been used once.”
Moisture / Point Sensor Detection Systems
These systems rely on contact sensors placed in high-risk zones — under raised floors, near HVAC units, or around equipment rooms- to detect when water touches a surface. They’re great for protecting specific areas and can trigger instant alerts to help teams act fast. When choosing these systems, consider sensor sensitivity, the number of zones that can be monitored, compatibility with alarm systems or BMS platforms, and power source options (battery vs. hardwired).
6. RLE Technologies
RLE’s SeaHawk line provides zone and distance-read sensing cables that detect water along their length and pinpoint the leak’s exact location. These are widely used in mission-critical environments like data centers and labs, where precision and rapid response are essential to protecting infrastructure and maintaining regulated lab procedures. RLE’s controllers (like the LD5200) support SNMP, Modbus, and BACnet protocols for seamless integration. Their systems can monitor multiple inputs simultaneously and trigger alarms locally or through BMS platforms.
Best for: Facilities requiring pinpoint detection in compliance-critical environments.
Review: “RLE’s systems are solid, reliable, and extremely precise.” — Customer on RLE site
7. Aqualeak
Aqualeak’s control panels and modular sensor kits are built for commercial, residential, and hospitality deployment. Their EMS series supports multiple detection zones, and you can install the sensors in hard-to-reach or low-clearance areas. The system can raise alarms locally and, with relay outputs, integrate with shutdown valves or building automation systems. It’s a strong fit for operators needing an easy-to-maintain system with broad configurability.
Best for: Hotels, office buildings, and small teams with lean FM operations.
“Aqualeak was fantastic! They were professional, polite, pinpointed, and fixed our leak. We highly recommend them, and we will use them again.”
8. Tatsuta
Tatsuta’s leak detection technology centers around conductive sensor cable systems with fast-response alarm units. Their compact control panels are DIN-rail mountable and support both leakage and sensor break detection. These are especially well-suited to utility cabinets, cleanrooms, and server closets where dense equipment makes visual inspection impractical. Their products are UL-recognized and CE-certified, with variants tailored for sensitive environments in both commercial and industrial settings.
Best for: Residential developers and contractors who want to protect tight mechanical spaces.
Thermal and Infrared Imaging
When considering Thermal and Infrared Imaging systems, look for high-resolution imaging, sensitivity to slight thermal changes, and compatibility with moisture mapping software. These tools are most valuable during inspections, remediation verification, or preventive maintenance routines in high-value buildings.
9. FLIR
FLIR offers handheld and fixed-mount infrared cameras widely used by inspectors, restoration contractors, and maintenance teams. Their cameras—like the FLIR E8 or FLIR One Pro—capture thermal signatures that reveal moisture buildup, pipe condensation, or roof leaks. FLIR’s software ecosystem allows users to overlay images, annotate findings, and build detailed reports for insurance or facility documentation. These tools are particularly valued in commercial buildings and for water intrusion investigations post-construction or after storm events.
Best for: Inspection teams diagnosing hidden moisture in occupied or sealed environments.
“Compact, lightweight, and pistol-shaped, the FLIR E8 Pro is comfortable to use over long periods. Furthermore, its robust, two m-drop-tested design makes it suitable for rugged work sites.”
10. Tramex
Tramex specializes in nondestructive moisture detection and thermal imaging systems used in the construction, real estate, and restoration industries. Their tools, like the Tramex Moisture Encounter Plus and CMEX5, combine infrared scanning with concrete and drywall-specific measurement modes. Tramex meters are handheld, rugged, and optimized for rapidly surveying floors, ceilings, and insulation. The brand is known for its accuracy, making it a common choice for surveyors and remediation professionals working in large, finished spaces.
Best for: Contractors and inspectors conducting surface-level and in-depth moisture assessments.
“We liked that this moisture meter has a Bluetooth connection that allows you to connect it to your Android Apps and iOS for convenience (Tramex App).”
From Detection to Prevention
Water leaks are among the most costly and disruptive risks in construction and property operations, mainly because they often go unnoticed until the damage is extensive. Thankfully, there are various technologies to detect water leaks and mitigate their costly damage. Each solution can bring meaningful value, but only when matched to your environment, assets, and the level of control you need.
Wint’s platform doesn’t just detect but also prevents leaks. In addition to real-time leak detection and automatic valve shutoff, it offers AI-powered pattern recognition and centralized analytics at the scale and precision enterprises require. This continuous monitoring enables enterprises to improve water management across every building and site they manage, regardless of scale.
Talk to our experts to learn more about improving leak detection in your buildings.
