Slab Leaks in Florida: Everything Homeowners Need to Know

If you own a home in South Florida, there's a good chance it's built on a concrete slab foundation. And if your home is more than 15-20 years old, the pipes running through or beneath that slab are aging--making slab leaks one of the most common plumbing emergencies we see. Here's everything you need to know.

What Is a Slab Leak?

A slab leak is a water leak in the pipes that run beneath or through your home's concrete slab foundation. These pipes carry both hot and cold water to fixtures throughout your home. When they develop a leak--from corrosion, shifting soil, or material failure--water seeps into the ground beneath your foundation or up through the slab into your home.

What Causes Slab Leaks in Florida?

Several factors make Florida homes particularly susceptible to slab leaks:

• Copper pipe corrosion -- South Florida's water is high in minerals and has an aggressive chemistry that corrodes copper pipes from the inside out
• Soil conditions -- Florida's limestone and sandy soil can shift, putting pressure on pipes
• Water chemistry -- pH levels and chlorine in municipal water accelerate pipe deterioration
• Age -- homes built before 2000 often have copper pipes that are now 25+ years old
• Poor installation -- pipes that weren't properly bedded or that contact concrete directly wear faster
• High water pressure -- excessive pressure stresses pipe joints and fittings

Warning Signs of a Slab Leak

Watch for these common indicators:

• Unexplained spike in your water bill
• Warm or hot spots on tile or concrete floors
• Sound of running water when all fixtures are off
• Cracks appearing in walls, floors, or the foundation
• Damp carpet or flooring that won't dry
• Mildew or mold smell near the floor level
• Low water pressure throughout the house
• Foundation heaving or shifting

How Professional Slab Leak Detection Works

Modern leak detection technology allows us to find slab leaks without jackhammering your floor:

• Acoustic listening devices -- sensitive microphones amplify the sound of water escaping from pipes through concrete
• Electronic line locating -- electromagnetic equipment traces the path of pipes through the slab
• Thermal imaging -- infrared cameras detect temperature differences caused by leaking water
• Pressure testing -- isolating supply lines and testing pressure drop to confirm which line is leaking
• Tracer gas -- for difficult leaks, a safe gas is introduced into the pipe and detected at the surface

Slab Leak Repair Options

Once the leak is located, there are several repair approaches depending on the severity and your home's plumbing condition:

Spot Repair

For a single, isolated leak in otherwise healthy pipes, we can open the slab at the exact leak point, repair or replace the damaged section, pressure test, and restore the concrete. This is the least expensive option when pipes are in good overall condition.

Pipe Rerouting (Repipe)

If pipes are corroded or have had multiple leaks, the best long-term solution is often to abandon the old under-slab pipes entirely and reroute new pipes through the walls and attic. This eliminates all under-slab pipes and prevents future slab leaks.

Epoxy Pipe Lining

A trenchless option where epoxy coating is applied inside existing pipes to seal small leaks and prevent future corrosion. This works for certain pipe conditions and avoids breaking concrete.

Insurance Coverage for Slab Leaks

In Florida, most homeowner's insurance policies cover the damage caused by a sudden slab leak (water damage to floors, walls, etc.) but may not cover the plumbing repair itself. Some policies include plumbing coverage as an add-on. We provide detailed documentation to support your insurance claim.