A method and device for leak detection and localization in at least a portion of a of fluid distribution system. At each of two or more locations, a position locator determines the location of the device and a vibration sensor generates a signal indicative of vibrations detected by the vibration sensor at the location. A processor calculates a parameter of the signal indicative of an average power of the signal at the location over a predetermined time period. For each location, the processor stores in a memory the location of the device and the value of calculated parameter, and then determines a location in the fluid distribution system where the calculated parameter has a maximum value satisfying a predetermined criterion.