Signs You May Have a Slab Leak

Most homeowners don’t know they have a slab leak until damage is already happening. Here are the most common warning signs to watch for:

• Unexplained high water bill — A 1/8-inch hole in a pressurized pipe can leak up to 2,500 gallons in 24 hours without a single visible drip.
• Sound of running water — If you hear water moving in your walls or floors with all fixtures off, that’s a red flag.
• Hot spots on your floor — A warm area on your slab or tile floor often points to a hot water line leak directly underneath.
• Wet or damp flooring — Water surfacing through the slab can warp hardwood, lift tile, or soak carpet.
• Flooring discoloration — Staining or discoloration on floors near walls can indicate long-term moisture from below.
• Rotten egg smell — This can indicate a drain line leak under the slab where bacteria are present.
• Foundation cracks or shifting — Long-term slab leaks erode soil and can cause serious structural movement.
• Low water pressure — A leak in your supply line will reduce pressure throughout the house.

The sooner a slab leak is detected, the less damage it causes. Don’t wait if you notice more than one of these signs.

How We Detect Slab Leaks — Our Process

We don’t guess. Our process uses professional-grade electronic detection equipment to locate the exact source of the leak before any concrete is touched.

Step 1 — Pressure Testing

We isolate your hot and cold water lines and perform static pressure tests to confirm there is an active leak and identify which line is affected.

Step 2 — Electronic Leak Locating

Using electronic amplification equipment, we listen through the slab to pinpoint the precise location of the leak. This minimizes the amount of concrete that needs to be opened.

Step 3 — Written Report and Repair Estimate

Once the leak is located, we walk you through exactly what was found and where it is. We provide a written leak location report and give you a clear repair estimate before any work begins. The written report documents the leak location and detection method — something many insurance companies require before processing a claim.

We serve homeowners and other plumbing companies throughout Burleson, Crowley, Mansfield, Arlington, Fort Worth, Joshua, Alvarado, Everman, Keene, and surrounding south DFW communities.

About the Detection Fee

Locating a slab leak requires professional electronic equipment and typically takes one to two hours on site. There is a charge for the detection visit — we want to be upfront about that so there are no surprises. Once the leak is located, the written report and complete repair estimate are included as part of that visit at no additional cost.

Call us before booking — we’re happy to discuss your situation, explain exactly what the detection process involves, and give you the detection fee over the phone. (817) 447-2654

DIY Slab Leak Test — Check Before You Call

Not sure if you have a slab leak? Try this homeowner water meter test before calling:

1. Turn off every water fixture in your home — faucets, toilets, appliances.
2. Go to your water meter and check if the dial or flow indicator is still moving.
3. If it is moving with everything off, you have an active leak somewhere in your system.
4. Flush all toilets and confirm they are not running. Check toilet flappers — these are a common false positive.
5. If the meter is still moving after toilets are confirmed off, call us. This is a strong indicator of a slab or underground leak.

Other quick DIY checks:

• Feel your floor for warm spots (hot water line leak)
• Check under sinks and around the water heater for any visible drips first
• Look outside along the foundation edge for unexplained wet soil or green patches of grass

If your meter test points to a leak and you can’t find a visible source, electronic detection is the next step.

Why Burleson Homeowners Choose Dependable Plumbing

• In business since 1985 — Over 40 years of slab leak experience in Johnson County and Tarrant County
• Hired by other plumbing companies — When other plumbers can’t find it, they call us
• Licensed plumbers — All work is performed by licensed professionals
• Upfront pricing — No surprise charges. You know the detection fee before we come out
• Same-day and next-day service available
• Written leak location report provided — Documents the exact leak location and detection method for your records and for any insurance documentation you may need

Frequently Asked Questions — Slab Leak Detection

How much does slab leak detection cost in Burleson TX?

Detection cost varies based on the size of your home and the complexity of the plumbing layout. Call us at (817) 447-2654 and we’ll give you the fee over the phone before you commit to anything.

How long does slab leak detection take?

Most electronic leak detection visits take 1 to 2 hours. If the leak is in a complex location it may take longer. We’ll give you a time estimate when you call.

Will my homeowner’s insurance cover slab leak repair?

Whether your insurance covers a slab leak repair is ultimately a decision your insurance company makes based on your specific policy. What we can tell you is that in our experience, many homeowner’s policies in Texas include “sudden and accidental discharge” coverage that has covered slab leak repairs for our customers in the past. Coverage varies by policy and insurer — the best first step is to call your agent and ask specifically about that clause. We provide a written leak location report that most insurers require as part of the claims process.

Can a slab leak cause foundation damage?

Yes. Water continuously escaping under your slab erodes soil, which can lead to foundation settling, cracking, and costly structural repairs. Early detection is critical.

What areas do you serve for slab leak detection?

We serve Burleson, Crowley, Mansfield, Arlington, Fort Worth, Joshua, Alvarado, Everman, Keene, and surrounding south DFW communities. If you’re within about 20 miles of Burleson, give us a call.

Do you also repair the slab leak after you find it?

Yes. We offer both detection and full repair services — you won’t need to call a second company. See our Slab Leak Repair page for details on repair options including spot repair, pipe rerouting, and full repiping.

Schedule Your Slab Leak Detection

Don’t let a hidden leak damage your foundation, floors, or walls. The earlier it’s caught, the less it costs to fix.

📞 Call (817) 447-2654 — Call us first to discuss your situation, get the detection fee, and schedule your visit. Same-day service available in Burleson and surrounding south DFW.