Non-destructive look
Start with methods that do not wreck the finish.
Boards and owners want a source without a demolition invoice. That is the right instinct. It is not always the whole answer.
What non-destructive work is for.
It reduces the search area. Thermal patterns, acoustic listening, and moisture readings can point to a pipe run, a fitting, or a wet cavity.
What it cannot invent.
A scan cannot see through every assembly. Foil, tile, and some insulations limit tools. A limitation should be written down, not sold as certainty.
A small opening is sometimes the responsible next step.
Once evidence points to one bay, a controlled opening can confirm the source and stop a larger tear-out. That is different from opening walls at random.
Questions people ask
Is thermal imaging enough on its own?
No. Heat patterns are clues. They need context from the plumbing layout and other observations.
Will my insurer accept a non-destructive finding?
Insurers vary. A clear record of methods, access, and limits is more useful than a single screenshot.