For slab leaks, thermal and acoustic are complementary.
| Factor | Leak.ca | Acoustic Detection |
|---|---|---|
| Detects | Temperature differential from hot water | Sound of pressurized water escaping through crack |
| Cold water leaks | Limited — minimal temperature differential | Good — pressurized leak creates sound regardless of temperature |
| Floor covering | Through tile, hardwood, carpet, concrete | Through concrete only — needs pipe access |
| Best result | Thermal + GPR + acoustic = definitive slab leak location | All three methods confirm each other |