7 Signs of a Slab Leak in a Florida Home

Why slab leaks are common in Florida

Most Florida homes are built on a concrete slab, and in many of them water lines run under or through it. Corrosion, abrasion against concrete and shifting soil can cause those lines to leak where you can’t see them.

The 7 warning signs

Watch for any of these, especially more than one at the same time:

• 1. A water bill that rises without a change in use
• 2. The sound of running water when nothing is on
• 3. Warm spots on the floor (a hot water line leak)
• 4. Damp or stained carpet, or loose or cracked tile
• 5. Mildew or musty smells near the floor
• 6. Low water pressure
• 7. A water meter that moves when every fixture is off

The meter test

Turn off every faucet, toilet, irrigation system and water-using appliance. Look at your water meter, wait 15–30 minutes without using water, and check again. If the reading changed, water is leaking somewhere.

How slab leaks are repaired

Once the leak is pinpointed, there are two main options. A spot repair opens a small area of the slab to fix the damaged section. Rerouting abandons the leaking line and runs a new one through the walls or attic, which is often the better choice when the pipe is failing in more than one place.