Leak detection and slab leak repair in Tampa
A hidden leak shows up as a water bill that jumped, a warm spot on the floor or a sound of running water when nothing's on. Finding it is a matter of testing, not guessing, so only the spot that needs opening gets opened.
Signs of a hidden leak
- A water bill noticeably higher than usual
- The meter's leak indicator spinning with every fixture off
- A warm spot on tile or flooring
- The sound of running water when nothing is on
- Damp baseboards, lifting flooring or a musty smell
- The water heater running more often than it should
Slab leak repair options
Spot repair
Opening the slab at the leak and repairing that section. Best for a single leak in otherwise sound pipe.
Reroute
Abandoning the leaking line under the slab and running a new one through the attic and walls.
Repipe
When there have been several leaks, replacing the supply system stops the cycle. See repiping.
How leaks are found
- Meter test. Confirms there's a leak and how fast it's running.
- Isolation and pressure testing. Separates hot from cold and inside from outside to narrow the search.
- Acoustic listening. Ground microphones pick up the sound of water escaping under a slab or behind a wall.
- Thermal imaging. Shows the heat pattern of a leaking hot line through floors and walls.
- Marking the spot. You see exactly where the leak is before any repair is quoted.
What affects the price
- How many tools it takes to locate the leak.
- Where it is: slab, wall, ceiling or yard.
- Repair method: spot repair, reroute or repipe.
- Flooring and finish work after the repair.
You get the price for your job before any work starts.
Why slab leaks are common in Tampa Bay
Most Tampa Bay homes are built slab-on-grade, and many have copper supply lines running under the concrete. Over the years, pinhole leaks form, often on the hot side first. To check for a leak yourself, turn off every fixture and look at the small leak indicator dial on your water meter. If it moves, water is going somewhere.
Common questions
Can you find a leak without breaking the floor?
Yes. Pressure, acoustic and thermal testing pinpoint the leak first. The floor is only opened if a spot repair is the option you choose.
Does homeowners insurance cover slab leaks?
Many policies cover the cost of accessing the leak and repairing the damage but not the pipe itself. Check your policy and keep the written leak report.
Is rerouting better than a spot repair?
If the pipe under the slab is old and has leaked before, rerouting avoids the next leak. For a single leak in newer pipe, a spot repair is often fine.
How long does leak detection take?
Most homes take one to three hours to test and pinpoint.
Related services
Areas we serve
Leak detection across Tampa and these nearby communities: