Acme Detection earns its 4.7-star Google rating the old-fashioned way: showing up when other leak-detection companies fail. I've seen plenty of specialists over the years, but the recent reviews here tell a consistent story—Gary and his crew find leaks that competitors miss, often on the same day homeowners call. One client mentioned two other companies striking out on an irrigation leak before Acme pinpointed it in two hours using gas sniffers and methodical testing. Another praised Gary for returning after a repair to verify the plumber's work, which is the kind of follow-through that separates serious diagnostics from guesswork.
The company lists electrical and plumbing services, though the review themes and project photos (repipes, pressure tanks, wiring, AFCI outlets) suggest they've carved out expertise in leak detection—water, gas, and slab leaks under flooring. That specialization matters in Santa Barbara, where aging infrastructure and hard water can turn a small drip into serious damage fast. One outlier one-star review mentions billing confusion and communication trouble, so clarify pricing upfront when you call.
Gary clearly runs a tight operation with skilled crew members (Matt, Juan, David, and Alberto all mentioned by name). If you're chasing an elusive leak and your water bill keeps climbing, this is the local outfit I'd try first.