Top 7 Signs You Have a Slab Leak in Your Orlando Home

Top 7 Signs You Have a Slab Leak in Your Orlando Home

If your water bill suddenly spikes or you hear water running with no taps on, you might be dealing with a slab leak. In Orlando, slab leaks are a common but serious plumbing issue, especially in older homes or properties built on concrete slabs. This blog explains what slab leaks are, how to spot the signs early, and what to do if you suspect one under your home.

What Is a Slab Leak?

A slab leak occurs when a water pipe running underneath your home’s concrete foundation breaks or leaks. Over time, this can erode the soil under your slab, causing damage to the foundation, flooring, and overall structure.

These leaks often go unnoticed for weeks or months because they're hidden under the foundation — until damage becomes severe or costly.

Why Are Slab Leaks Common in Central Florida?

Orlando-area homes are particularly vulnerable to slab leaks due to:

• Shifting sandy soils
• High water table and moisture
• Older copper or galvanized plumbing
• Florida humidity and temperature swings

Homes built in the 1960s to 1990s are especially prone to slab leaks, especially in neighborhoods like Conway, Azalea Park, Winter Park, and Pine Hills.

7 Signs You Might Have a Slab Leak

1. Unexplained Spike in Water Bills

A slab leak can waste thousands of gallons a month. If your water bill jumps and your usage hasn't changed, that’s a red flag.

2. Warm Spots on Your Floor

If part of your tile or wood flooring feels unusually warm, it could indicate a hot water pipe leaking beneath the slab.

3. Hearing Running Water When Nothing's On

Can you hear the sound of rushing or trickling water even when all faucets and appliances are off? This is often a telltale sign.

4. Cracks in Walls or Flooring

As water erodes the foundation, it can cause structural shifts. Cracks in drywall, tiles, or baseboards may appear.

5. Mold, Mildew, or Musty Odors

Trapped moisture under your home can cause mold to form beneath floors and carpets. A musty smell often appears before you see visible damage.

6. Pooling Water or Damp Carpet

In severe cases, water from the slab leak may rise into your living space, causing damp floors or pooling water.

7. Low Water Pressure

A hidden leak reduces pressure in your plumbing system. If your showers feel weaker or your taps trickle, check for other signs.

What Causes a Slab Leak?

Slab leaks are often caused by:

• Pipe corrosion – Common in older copper lines exposed to Florida’s water chemistry
• Improper installation – Pipes rubbing against concrete or rebar can eventually wear through
• Shifting soil – Changes in moisture can move the foundation and stress the pipes
• High water pressure – Over time, this can damage pipe joints and connections
• Chemical reactions – Water acidity or chlorine can degrade pipes over time

How Slab Leaks Are Diagnosed

At Orlando Plumbing and Drains, we use advanced leak detection tools to pinpoint the location without tearing up your floors.

Our slab leak detection methods include:

• Electronic leak detection
• Infrared thermal imaging
• Pressure testing
• Listening devices to detect underground leaks

Early detection can save thousands in repairs and prevent major water damage.

What Happens If You Ignore a Slab Leak?

Slab leaks can be incredibly destructive over time. If left untreated, they can:

• Undermine your foundation
• Cause wood rot, mold, and mildew
• Destroy flooring and drywall
• Decrease property value
• Lead to hazardous mold exposure
• Increase water bills significantly

This is why early action is critical, especially in humid regions like Central Florida where mold grows fast.

Slab Leak Repair Options in Orlando

Once diagnosed, we offer several repair options based on the severity:

Spot Repair

Best for new or isolated leaks. We access and fix the pipe at the leak point.

Rerouting

We bypass the leaking section by rerouting new pipe through walls or ceilings — minimizing slab damage.

Repiping

For widespread or frequent leaks, full repiping is often the most permanent solution, especially for older homes.

FAQs About Slab Leaks in Orlando Homes

How much does slab leak repair cost in Orlando?

Prices range from $1,200 to $5,000, depending on the location and method of repair. We always provide upfront, transparent pricing.

Will homeowners insurance cover slab leaks?

Insurance may cover resulting water damage but not always the plumbing repair itself. We help document everything for claims.

How long does a slab leak repair take?

Minor spot repairs can be completed in a day. More complex reroutes may take 2–3 days.

Are slab leaks more common in older homes?

Yes. Homes built before 1990 are more likely to have outdated piping and fewer safeguards against shifting soil or corrosion.

Can I still live in my home during repairs?

In most cases, yes. We work efficiently to minimize disruption and mess.

Call for Expert Slab Leak Repair in Orlando, FL

If you suspect a slab leak in your Orlando-area home, don’t wait. Call Orlando Plumbing and Drains for fast, accurate detection and professional repair.