Most Florida homes are built on concrete slabs with water lines running through or under them. When a line leaks under the slab, the water has nowhere to go but up into flooring and walls, or down into the soil.
Common signs
- A water bill that jumps without a change in use.
- The water meter moving when every fixture is off.
- Warm spots on tile or flooring (a hot-water line leak).
- Damp or swelling flooring, loose tiles, or musty odors near the base of walls.
- The sound of running water when nothing is on.
Quick meter test
Turn off every faucet, appliance and the irrigation system, then watch the leak indicator on your water meter for 15 minutes. If it moves, water is going somewhere.
What to do
- If water is coming up through the floor, close the main water valve.
- Photograph wet areas and keep your recent water bills.
- A plumber with leak-detection equipment can locate the leak; the floor and walls around it may then need drying.
When to call for help
Call if flooring is wet or swelling, or you see mold or musty odors near the floor. If you want a professional to take over, call (813) 574-3203 to be connected with a local water damage restoration company. The call is free; any work is agreed directly with the company.
Local flood risks, storm history and county resources: Hialeah, Cape Coral, Lakeland, or find your city.
General information, not legal or insurance advice. Check your policy and official sources.
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover a slab leak?
Many policies cover the water damage and the cost of accessing the pipe (tearing out and replacing flooring), but often not the repair of the pipe itself. Read the water damage and "tear out" wording in your policy.
Can a slab leak cause mold?
Yes. Water under flooring and at the base of walls stays hidden and humid, which is ideal for mold. Drying and moisture readings matter after the leak is fixed.
More guides
- The first 24 hours after water damage
- How a Florida water damage insurance claim works
- What affects the cost of water damage restoration
- How to choose a water damage restoration company
- Does homeowners insurance cover water damage in Florida?
- Flood vs. water damage claims in Florida (NFIP explained)
- Mold after a hurricane: a Florida homeowner's guide
- Water heater burst or leaking: what to do right now
- Ceiling leaking after rain: what to do
- Washing machine flooded the floor: what to do
- AC drain line leaking: stop the water damage
- Burst pipe: what to do in the first hour
- Sewage backup: cleanup safety and what to do
- Roof leak during a hurricane or tropical storm