A slab leak is a leak in a water pipe that runs under or inside a concrete floor. Because the pipe is hidden in or below the concrete, the leak can go unnoticed for a long time while water soaks the ground and the floor above.
Where Slab Leaks Happen
Some homes, additions, and basements have water lines that run beneath a concrete slab. These lines may feed a kitchen, bathroom, or laundry area. Pipes under concrete can rub against rough edges, shift as the ground settles, or wear thin with age. Hot water lines are often the first to fail because heat makes the pipe expand and contract.
Clues Under the Floor
- A warm spot on a tile or concrete floor
- Damp carpet or flooring with no visible source
- Cracks in the floor or walls that seem new
- The sound of running water when everything is off
- A water meter that keeps moving
- A sudden rise in your water bill
- Low water pressure at nearby fixtures
Why They Are Hard to Find
Water from a slab leak can travel along the pipe or through the soil before it shows up. The wet spot you see may be several feet away from the actual leak. That is why guessing and breaking up concrete is not a good plan. It can lead to a large repair in the wrong place.
What Happens Next
A plumber can confirm a slab leak with a meter test and pressure test, then narrow down the spot with listening equipment or a thermal camera. Depending on the pipe and its location, the fix may involve opening a small section of floor or running a new line around the slab.
If you notice a warm floor or a meter that will not stop, pinpointing the leak under the floor is the first step. It also helps to reach out to a plumber who knows the area by phone at (833) 603-1840.