Sniffing Out Trouble, One Pool at a Time

How a Las Vegas couple turned a knack for problem-solving into a thriving family business built on trust and determination.

The phone rings late on a Sunday night, and while most people might ignore the call, Starla Slaughter does not hesitate. She answers, knowing that on the other end is someone likely overwhelmed by a high water bill or the sinking suspicion that their backyard oasis is leaking away. “I can’t not answer,” she says with a laugh, though her tone carries a sense of responsibility. For Starla and her partner, Todd Stancliff, Hound Dog Leak Detection is more than a business. It is a lifeline for families across Southern Nevada who suddenly find themselves in a frustrating and costly situation.

A Natural Fit

When the couple first began looking for a business opportunity, they were less interested in chasing trends than in finding something that matched their strengths. For Todd, with decades of hands-on experience in construction, remodeling, and even pool building, the technical side was second nature. “He can build anything,” Starla says proudly. His deep knowledge of pool systems gave him an intuitive understanding of where and how leaks might develop.

Starla, meanwhile, brought her own wealth of experience. She had once helped grow her father’s company from its early stages into a successful business that thrived for two decades. After her father’s passing and the eventual sale of that company, she carried forward the lessons of hard work, organization, and customer care. “I have the admin side of things, and he’s got the outside stuff, so it just worked for us,” she explains. Together, their skill sets complemented each other perfectly.

The result was Hound Dog Leak Detection, a company born not out of chance but out of alignment.

Answering a Call for Help

The work they do is deceptively simple to describe but profoundly important. Hound Dog Leak Detection specializes exclusively in finding leaks in pools and spas. They do not handle household plumbing or irrigation. Instead, they focus with laser precision on diagnosing problems in the very places where families relax, gather, and make memories.

What makes the work meaningful, Starla says, is that customers usually reach out in a state of distress. “People call us and they’re in a very vulnerable state,” she explains. “They’ve either gotten a notice from the water district or they’re seeing the water level drop. When somebody calls saying they have a huge high water bill, we take that seriously. We feel bad because they’ve got nowhere else to turn.”

That sense of empathy fuels the business. Every call is treated as urgent, every pool as important as the next. For many families, a pool is not just a luxury but a central part of their home life. Saving it from disrepair or waste can feel like rescuing a piece of their routine and joy.

Growing Pains and Grit

Like many small businesses, Hound Dog Leak Detection faced its share of challenges, particularly when growth came faster than expected. With multiple crews, vans, and a flood of appointments, the logistics could feel overwhelming. “Just the rapid growth we’ve had has been a challenge,” Starla admits. “Learning to schedule efficiently, getting the crews out there, and keeping everything organized’s been a lot.”

Yet those growing pains are a sign of success. What began as a small operation has blossomed into a company recognized across Southern Nevada. Their reputation has spread not only through search engines but also through word of mouth and a carefully built network of pool maintenance and repair professionals who trust them to handle complex cases.

Built on Trust, Not Shortcuts

If there is one quality that defines Hound Dog Leak Detection, it is reliability. The couple has made a deliberate choice to remain hands-on, answering calls themselves and ensuring no customer feels abandoned. “We’re not going to ghost people or leave them in the lurch,” Starla says. “If we can’t complete the project, we make sure it’s in the hands of people who can. We really make sure that they’re taken care of.”

That commitment extends to the smallest details. From being available around the clock to ensuring jobs are completed thoroughly, their service has become synonymous with peace of mind. Customers know that when they call, they will not be shuffled through layers of voicemail or left waiting for days. They will reach Starla or Todd, who understand both the urgency and the stress of the situation.

A Network of Support

While online visibility has been important—thanks to an investment in search engine optimization and consistent presence on platforms like Google—Hound Dog Leak Detection also thrives through community connections. Pool service companies, repair technicians, and maintenance providers across the Las Vegas Valley often turn to Todd and Starla when they encounter signs of leaks. That trust has created a symbiotic network where everyone benefits, but most importantly, the customer wins.

Starla has also found value in engaging through Facebook, particularly on pool industry pages where professionals share advice and referrals. Although the business maintains an Instagram account, its most active social presence is through its Facebook page, Hound Dog Leak Detection. Combined with word-of-mouth recommendations, these efforts ensure a steady flow of calls each week.

Looking Ahead

The future, as Starla describes it, is about scaling with intention. Currently, the business operates with two vans in addition to Todd’s truck. Within the next year, the goal is for both vans to be running independently with dedicated crews, while Todd focuses on estimates, troubleshooting, and oversight. “I’d like to see us with two vans doing two to three jobs each a day,” she says. “And I’d like Todd to be out of the van, focusing on the bigger picture.”

More reviews on Google, more recognition in the community, and more streamlined operations are also part of the plan. Yet even with growth, the foundation of the business will remain the same: treating every customer with care and refusing to give up until the problem is solved.

A Name with Meaning

The company’s name is more than catchy branding. It reflects Todd’s determination. “If the pool or spa is leaking, we’re going to find it,” Starla says. “Todd’s kind of like a dog with a bone. He doesn’t give up. Thus, the name Hound Dog. If it’s leaking, we’re going to sniff it out.”

That relentless dedication is what customers remember and why they continue to recommend Hound Dog Leak Detection. For many, the relief of finally solving a costly and stressful problem is priceless.

Why It Matters to Las Vegas

In a region where pools are not just a luxury but a way of life, the importance of reliable leak detection cannot be overstated. Hound Dog Leak Detection saves families from skyrocketing water bills, protects the environment by preventing waste, and preserves one of the most cherished aspects of desert living. Their business is woven into the fabric of Southern Nevada’s daily life, quietly ensuring that backyards remain havens rather than headaches.

A Call to the Community

For Starla and Todd, the work is about more than just repairing leaks. It is about being there when families need help most and offering the reassurance that someone cares. Their combination of technical skill, administrative savvy, and heartfelt service makes them stand out in an industry often defined by quick fixes.

As they continue to grow, one thing is certain: they will keep answering the phone, no matter the day or hour, and they will keep tracking down leaks with the persistence of the hound that inspired their name.

For more information or to schedule service, visit HoundDogLeakDetectionLV.com or connect with them on Facebook at Hound Dog Leak Detection and YouTube at Hound Dog Leak Detection.

This feature is part of The Business View Journal’s Local Spotlight Series — your trusted source for discovering the best small businesses in your community.