Certified Building Contractor CBC1265305 · Plumbing
How can I tell if I have a slab leak?
A straight answer from a Florida state-certified contractor — then what you can check yourself and when to call. Free estimate: (954) 620-7812.
The most reliable signs are a water meter that keeps moving when every fixture is off, the sound of running water in a quiet house, and a warm or damp spot on a floor. An unexplained jump in the water bill, lower water pressure, or a musty smell from flooring or baseboards can also point to one.
No single sign proves it. A running toilet, an irrigation leak or a dripping fixture can look similar, so the usual approach is to rule out the easy causes first, then have the line tested if the signs remain.
Why slab leaks happen
A slab leak is a leak in a pipe that runs in or under a concrete slab floor. Over time, pipes can corrode, rub against gravel or concrete, or fail at a joint. Hard water, aging supply lines and soil movement can all contribute. In older homes, cast-iron drain lines can deteriorate and leak too. Because so many Florida homes are built on slabs, these pipes are often out of sight.
Because the pipe is buried, water may not show up at the surface for a long time. It can travel under the slab or soak into the base of walls first. That is why the early signs are often indirect: a bill, a sound, a warm patch of tile.
What you can check yourself
Do a water meter test
Turn off every faucet and appliance that uses water, including the ice maker. Then look at your water meter's leak indicator or dial. If it keeps moving, water is going somewhere.
Listen in a quiet house
Stand near the water heater, the main shutoff and the walls in each room. A steady hiss or trickle with nothing running can mean a pressurized line is leaking.
Feel the floors
A hot line leak can leave a spot on tile or concrete that is noticeably warm to bare feet. Also look for damp carpet, lifting laminate or wood, cracked or hollow-sounding tile, and moisture along baseboards.
Compare your water bills
Look at recent bills against the same months last year. A rise with no change in household habits is worth investigating.
Rule out the simple causes
Check toilets for silent running (a drop of food coloring in the tank will show up in the bowl) and look at hose bibs and irrigation. If the meter still moves after those, shut off the main valve and avoid running water until the line is checked.
When to call a pro
If the meter moves with everything off, a floor spot stays warm, or you see moisture or mold where it should not be, the next step is leak detection by a licensed plumber. Pinpointing the leak before opening the floor limits how much has to be opened up. Plumbing is a licensed trade in Florida under Chapter 489, Florida Statutes, and you can check any contractor's license on the Florida DBPR website.
If you are in Miami-Dade, Broward or Palm Beach county, call us at (954) 620-7812. We manage the project under our Florida Certified Building Contractor license, CBC1265305. The plumbing is done by our Florida-licensed plumbing subcontractors, as s. 489.113(3), Florida Statutes provides. A simple leak repair usually does not need a permit, but rules vary. Re-piping, for example, typically does, and the plumbing subcontractor pulls it. Inspections follow, and the permit is then closed out. An open or unpermitted job can come up at sale, refinance or insurance renewal. Confirm what applies with your city or county building department.
Verify our building certification, or any Florida plumbing contractor's license, at Florida DBPR.
What a pro will do
- Confirm and locate the leakThe plumber tests the lines and uses leak detection equipment to find where the water is escaping, rather than guessing and breaking floors.
- Discuss repair optionsDepending on the pipe's condition and access, options usually include repairing the pipe at the leak, rerouting the line through walls or the attic, or re-piping.
- Handle permits and inspectionsIf the work is permitted, the plumbing subcontractor pulls the plumbing permit, inspections are scheduled and passed, and the permit is closed out.
- Restore the floor and finishesAs a general contractor, we can also manage the patching and repair of flooring, drywall and trim affected by the leak or the repair, under one scope.
Related questions
- Does a slab leak always damage the foundation?
- Not always. A small, caught-early leak may do little harm, but water that runs under a slab for a long time can wear away the soil beneath it and soak flooring and walls. That is a reason to have suspected leaks checked rather than watched.
- Can I just ignore a small slab leak?
- It usually will not stay small. A leaking pipe tends to get worse, and continuing moisture can lead to mold, damaged flooring and higher water bills. Getting it located lets you decide on a repair with full information.
- What does fixing a slab leak cost?
- It depends on how deep and accessible the pipe is, which line is leaking, how much flooring has to be opened up, whether a permit is needed, and what is found once the area is exposed. We give a free estimate and a written scope before work starts.
- Will my insurance cover a slab leak?
- Policies differ on what they cover, including the leak itself and the resulting damage. Read your policy and ask your insurer directly. A written report from the plumber can help document what was found.
Keep reading
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