Slab Leak Detection ProsFind the Leak Under Your Slab Before You Break the Floor
A slab leak is a leaking water or drain line under your home's concrete foundation. Licensed local plumbers pinpoint it with acoustic, thermal and pressure testing, so only a small, precise opening is needed, or none at all.
- Acoustic listening
- Thermal imaging
- Tracer gas
- Pressure & hydrostatic tests
- Camera inspection
Signs of a slab leak
- Water bill jumped with no change in use
- Meter keeps moving with everything off
- Warm spot on tile, wood or carpet
- Running-water sound when nothing is on
- Water heater runs constantly
- Damp carpet, cupped wood, musty smell
- Sewer smell or slow drains
- New cracks or sticking doors
Can a slab leak stop on its own?
No. A pressurized supply line leaks all the time and usually gets worse as water erodes the soil around it. The sooner it's found, the more likely the fix is a small spot repair.
Slab leak services
Every service is done by an independent, licensed Texas plumber who specializes in finding hidden leaks, so you pay to fix the leak, not to search for it.
Slab Leak Detection
Pinpoint leaks in water lines under the slab without exploratory digging.
Hot-Water Line Leaks
Thermal imaging traces warm spots and leaking hot-water runs.
Drain & Sewer Leaks
Find broken drains under the slab that never show on your meter.
Hydrostatic Testing
Test whether under-slab drains hold water, for buyers, sellers and owners.
Line Isolation
Isolate hot, cold and branch lines to narrow the search fast.
Spot Repair & Reroute
Small precise openings, or reroutes that avoid the slab altogether.
Foundation-Repair Testing
Plumbing tests before and after foundation leveling.
Insurance & Utility Reports
Photos and written findings for your insurer or water-bill credit.
How we find a slab leak without tearing up your floor
The same six steps on every job, so you know what’s happening and why.
Rule out the easy stuff
Toilets, irrigation, hose bibs, the water heater and the AC drain are checked first.
Confirm the leak
A meter test and pressure test confirm water is escaping. Drains get a hydrostatic test.
Isolate the line
Hot, cold and branch lines are isolated so the search focuses on the one that’s leaking.
Pinpoint the spot
Acoustic listening, thermal imaging, line tracing and tracer gas. Two methods must agree.
Scan before cutting
Post-tension tendons and rebar are located before any concrete is opened.
Repair & document
Spot repair, reroute or lining, then a written report with photos for your records.
Do I have to be home for slab leak detection?
Usually yes for the first visit, so the plumber can access the water heater, fixtures and meter. Some owners arrange access through a family member or property manager instead.
Water coming up through the floor?
Shut off the main water valve and call now. We’ll connect you with a licensed slab leak specialist.
Find the leak first. Then fix only what’s broken.
Most of the cost of a slab leak comes from searching for it and repairing the floor afterward. Pinpointing the leak first keeps the opening small and the bill smaller.
Licensed Texas plumbers
All work is done by independent plumbers licensed in Texas who will show their license number on request.
Typical prices up front
Know the usual range before anyone arrives, and get a written quote before work starts.
Documentation you can use
Photos, readings and a written summary for your insurer or your water utility’s leak credit.
Slab leak specialist vs. general plumbing contractor
Many general plumbers do excellent work. The difference is focus and equipment when the leak is hidden under concrete.
| What matters | Slab leak specialist (our network) | Typical general plumbing contractor |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Finding hidden leaks under slabs, floors and walls | Installs, repairs and remodels across all plumbing |
| Detection tools | Acoustic ground mics, thermal imaging, tracer gas, line tracing | Varies; often a pressure test and visual inspection |
| Locating the leak | Pinpointed before any concrete is opened | May open the floor in more than one place to search |
| Drain leaks under slab | Hydrostatic, isolation test and camera find the broken section | May recommend replacing the whole drain system |
| Repair options | Spot repair, reroute or lining, matched to the findings | Repiping can be the default recommendation |
| Paperwork | Written report with photos for insurance and water credits | Usually an invoice only |
| Typical cost to locate | $150–$600 | Varies; exploratory openings add cost |
Tip: whoever you call, ask which detection methods they use and whether they’ll pinpoint the leak before opening the slab.
What slab leak work usually costs
Published national and Texas ranges. Your licensed plumber gives you a firm quote before work starts.
Leak Detection
- Meter & pressure testing
- Hot/cold line isolation
- Acoustic & thermal pinpointing
- Leak marked on the floor
- Written findings
Spot Repair
- Small opening at the leak
- Section of pipe replaced
- Line pressure-tested again
- Concrete patched
- Photos for insurance
Reroute / Repipe
- New line through walls or attic
- Avoids opening the slab
- Best after repeat leaks
- Old line capped off
- Finished-wall patching
Sources: This Old House, Angi/HomeAdvisor via Bob Vila, Fixr. A hydrostatic sewer test typically runs about $250.
Why do quotes for the same slab leak vary so much?
The biggest cost drivers are where the leak sits, the flooring above it, and whether the line is repaired or rerouted. Pinpointing the leak first gives every plumber the same facts to quote from.
Questions about slab leaks?
Still not sure if you have a slab leak? Call and describe what you’re seeing. A licensed plumber will tell you whether it’s worth a visit.
Call (000) 000-0000How do I know if I have a slab leak?
The most reliable home check is the meter test: turn everything off and watch the meter for one to two hours. Other common signs are a sudden jump in your water bill, a warm spot on the floor, the sound of running water and a water heater that never stops running.
Can a slab leak be found without breaking the floor?
Yes. Detection itself is non-invasive. A plumber pinpoints the leak with pressure tests, acoustic listening, thermal imaging and tracer gas, then opens only a small area right over it, or reroutes the line so the slab isn't opened at all.
Is a slab leak an emergency?
A large leak, water coming up through the floor or a sewer smell needs help the same day. Even a slow leak should be checked within days, because water under a slab can wash out soil, move the foundation and grow mold.
Does homeowners insurance cover a slab leak in Texas?
Often in part. Many Texas policies cover damage from an accidental discharge of water, including tear-out to reach the pipe, but exclude wear and tear and the pipe itself. Check your policy and call your insurer early.
What is a hydrostatic test?
A hydrostatic test checks drain and sewer lines under the slab. A test ball seals the main line, the system is filled with water to slab level, and the level is watched. If it drops, a drain is leaking.