A slab leak — a water leak in the pipes running beneath your home’s concrete foundation — is one of the most serious plumbing problems a Fort Myers homeowner can face. Because the leak is hidden under inches of concrete, slab leaks often go undetected for weeks or months, quietly causing foundation damage, mold growth, and skyrocketing water bills.
What Causes Slab Leaks in Fort Myers Homes?
Most Fort Myers homes are built on concrete slab foundations, which means the water supply and drain lines run through or under the concrete. Several factors contribute to slab leaks in our area:
- Corrosion: Copper pipes react with minerals and chemicals in Fort Myers’ water supply over time, developing pinhole leaks.
- Soil shifting: Florida’s sandy, limestone-rich soil can shift and settle, putting pressure on buried pipes.
- Abrasion: Pipes that were laid directly against concrete or gravel slowly wear through from vibration and water flow friction.
- Poor installation: Pipes that were kinked, dented, or improperly joined during construction are more prone to failure.
- Water chemistry: Our high-mineral, chlorinated water accelerates copper pipe corrosion from the inside.
8 Warning Signs of a Slab Leak
1. Unexplained Spike in Your Water Bill
If your water bill suddenly increases by 25% or more with no change in usage, a hidden leak is the most likely cause. A slab leak can waste hundreds or thousands of gallons per day depending on the severity.
2. Sound of Running Water When Nothing Is On
If you hear the faint sound of water running or hissing when every faucet and fixture in the house is turned off, water is escaping somewhere in the system. Put your ear to the floor in different rooms to try to localize the sound.
3. Warm or Hot Spots on the Floor
A hot water line leak under the slab heats the concrete above it. If you notice an area of your tile or flooring that feels noticeably warmer than the surrounding floor, a hot water slab leak is likely the cause.
4. Damp or Wet Carpet or Flooring
Persistent moisture on floors with no obvious source — especially in areas away from bathrooms and kitchens — is a strong indicator of a slab leak. The water migrates upward through the concrete and saturates flooring materials.
5. Cracks in Walls or Foundation
Water from a slab leak erodes the soil beneath the foundation, causing uneven settling. This manifests as cracks in interior walls, exterior stucco, or the foundation slab itself. New cracks that appear suddenly should be investigated immediately.
6. Mold or Mildew Smell
In Fort Myers’ humid climate, any hidden moisture source becomes a mold factory within days. If you detect a persistent musty smell, especially near the floor level, a slab leak may be feeding mold growth under your flooring or behind baseboards.
7. Low Water Pressure
A significant slab leak diverts water away from your fixtures, reducing pressure throughout the house. If your water pressure has gradually decreased and your neighbors are not experiencing the same issue, a leak in your supply line is a probable cause.
8. Water Meter Keeps Running
Turn off every water fixture and appliance in your home, then check your water meter. If the dial is still moving, you have an active leak somewhere. This simple test can confirm a slab leak before you call a plumber.
How Slab Leaks Are Detected
Professional slab leak detection uses specialized equipment to pinpoint the leak without tearing up your floor:
- Electronic listening devices amplify the sound of water escaping from pressurized pipes under the slab.
- Infrared thermal cameras detect temperature differences on the floor surface caused by leaking hot or cold water.
- Pressure testing isolates the hot and cold supply lines to determine which system has the leak.
- Video camera inspection examines drain lines for cracks or breaks.
Slab Leak Repair Options
Once the leak is located, your Fort Myers plumber will recommend one of several repair methods:
- Spot repair: Breaking through the slab to access and repair the specific leak point. Best for single, isolated leaks in accessible locations.
- Pipe reroute (repipe): Abandoning the leaking pipe and running a new line through the walls and ceiling. Recommended when multiple leaks exist or the pipe system is deteriorating.
- Epoxy pipe lining: Coating the inside of the existing pipe with epoxy to seal small leaks. A less invasive option for certain situations.
Waterway Plumbing & Drain Cleaning uses advanced electronic leak detection to locate slab leaks accurately in Fort Myers homes. Call (239) 471-5068 if you suspect a slab leak.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does slab leak repair cost in Fort Myers?
Slab leak repair in Fort Myers typically costs $500 to $4,000 depending on the repair method. A simple spot repair is the least expensive. A pipe reroute through walls costs more but is a permanent solution. Detection alone usually costs $150 to $400.
Does homeowners insurance cover slab leaks in Florida?
Most Florida homeowners insurance covers the resulting water damage from a sudden slab leak (drywall, flooring, mold remediation) but does not cover the cost of accessing and repairing the pipe itself. Check your specific policy for coverage details. Document all damage with photos.
How long can a slab leak go undetected?
Slab leaks can go undetected for weeks to months, especially if the leak is small. During this time, the leak can waste thousands of gallons of water, erode the soil under your foundation, and create conditions for mold growth. Regular monitoring of your water bill and meter is the best early detection method.
See how much a leak costs with our Dripping Faucet Cost Calculator.
