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What causes a slab leak (and how to spot one)?

A slab leak is a leak in the water lines beneath your concrete foundation. It's usually caused by pipe corrosion, abrasion against the slab, or soil movement — and it's detected electronically before any targeted repair.

Quick answer

  • Warm spots on the floor can signal a hot-water slab leak
  • An unexplained jump in your water bill is a classic sign
  • The sound of running water when everything is off
  • Cracks in flooring or a moist/raised area underfoot

When this applies

Act early

A slab leak doesn't fix itself and can undermine your foundation. Early electronic detection means a smaller, targeted repair.

How it works

How detection works

We use acoustic and pressure equipment to pinpoint the leak's location without breaking up the whole slab — so the repair is targeted to the actual failure point.

What to watch out for

Ignoring early signs

A small slab leak left alone wastes water, drives up bills, fosters mold, and can damage the foundation — turning a targeted repair into major work.

Frequently asked questions

Can a slab leak be repaired without digging up my floor?

Often, yes. Depending on location and access, we can reroute or spot-repair the line with minimal disruption. We explain the options after detection.

Reviewed by John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air. Based on slab-leak service calls our licensed plumbers diagnose with electronic detection. Last updated 2026-06-18.

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