Why slab leaks are common in North Texas
Much of DFW sits on expansive clay soil that swells when it is wet and shrinks during drought. That movement shifts slab foundations and puts stress on the pipes running under and through them. Older homes with copper or cast iron lines are especially prone.
The signs to watch for
- A water bill that is noticeably higher than usual for the same season
- The sound of running water when no taps, toilets or appliances are on
- Warm spots on tile or floors, which can mean a hot water line is leaking
- Damp carpet, cupped wood floors or mildew smells with no obvious cause
- New cracks in floors, baseboards or walls
- Low water pressure or a water heater that runs constantly
Do the water meter test
Turn off every faucet, toilet and water-using appliance. Find your water meter, usually in a box near the street, and note the reading or watch the small leak indicator. Wait 30 minutes without using water. If the meter moved, water is going somewhere, and a leak is likely.
This test tells you there is a leak, not where it is. A plumber with leak detection equipment can find the exact spot.
How slab leaks get fixed
Depending on where the leak is, a plumber may dig through the slab to repair the pipe, tunnel under the foundation, or reroute the line through walls or the attic. Ask each plumber which method they recommend and why, and hire a plumber licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.