Slab leaks in East Texas homes: warning signs and what to do
Many homes around Tyler are built on concrete slab foundations, with water lines running under or through the slab. When one of those lines leaks, you often can't see it. Here's how to spot the signs, confirm a leak yourself, and limit the damage until a plumber can find it.
Warning signs
- Your water bill goes up and your water use hasn't changed.
- You hear water running when every faucet, toilet, and appliance is off.
- A warm or hot spot on the floor. That often points to a leak in a hot water line.
- Damp carpet, warped wood or laminate, loose tile, or stained baseboards with no obvious source.
- A musty smell, or mildew where there shouldn't be any.
- Lower water pressure, or a water heater that seems to run all the time.
- Water seeping up around the edge of the slab, or a patch of yard near the foundation that stays wet.
Confirm it with the water meter test
- Turn off every fixture and water-using appliance, including the irrigation system and ice maker.
- Find your water meter, usually in a box near the street, and note the reading. Many meters also have a small leak indicator (a triangle or dial) that spins when water is flowing.
- Wait 15 to 30 minutes without using any water, then check again.
- If the reading changed or the leak indicator is moving, water is leaking somewhere after the meter.
- To narrow it down, close the main shutoff at the house. If the meter stops, the leak is inside the house (possibly under the slab). If it keeps moving, the leak may be in the service line between the meter and the house.
Rule out the easy causes first. A running toilet is one of the most common reasons a meter keeps moving. Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank and wait; if color shows up in the bowl without flushing, the flapper is leaking.
What to do if you suspect a slab leak
- If water is coming up through the floor or the meter is spinning fast, close the main shutoff valve.
- If you think the leak is on a hot water line (a warm floor), turn off the water heater too: set a gas unit to "pilot" or "vacation," or switch off the breaker for an electric unit.
- Take photos of any damage and keep your water bills. Call your homeowner's insurance company to ask what your policy covers.
- Call a plumber who does leak detection: (555) 010-0199. Before booking, ask how they locate leaks, what repair options they offer, and what's covered by warranty.
Who's responsible for which pipes in Tyler
If you're a City of Tyler water customer, the city says the line from the meter box to your house is the property owner's responsibility, and the city takes care of the lines from the meter box to the water main under the street. Tyler Water Utilities doesn't locate or repair leaks on the customer side of the meter. If you had a hidden leak, such as one under the slab, you may be able to apply for a leakage credit on your bill (see the FAQ below). If you live outside the city limits, your water may come from a different city or a water supply corporation, so check with that provider.
Soil, foundations, and slab leaks
USDA soil surveys of Smith County describe many local soils as sandy or loamy on top with clay-rich subsoil, and some of those soils have moderate shrink-swell potential, meaning they expand when wet and shrink when dry. Soil varies a lot from one lot to the next. Uneven soil moisture can move a foundation, and foundation movement can put stress on pipes. A leak can also wet the soil under part of a slab. If you see new cracks in brick or drywall, or doors that start to stick, mention it to both your plumber and a foundation professional. Keeping gutters and downspouts draining away from the house helps keep moisture around the foundation more even.
See also: Leak detection and repair · Emergency plumbing · Water heater repair
Frequently asked questions
What is a slab leak?
A slab leak is a leak in a water line that runs under or through a home's concrete slab foundation. Because the pipe is hidden under concrete, the leak can run for a long time before anyone notices it.
How can I tell if I have a slab leak?
Common signs are a water bill that jumps for no clear reason, the sound of running water when everything is off, warm spots on the floor (from a hot water line), damp or stained flooring or baseboards, a musty smell, and lower water pressure. The surest home check is the water meter test: shut off every fixture and see whether the meter keeps moving.
Who pays to fix a leak between the meter and my house in Tyler?
For City of Tyler water customers, the line from the meter box to the house is the property owner's responsibility, and Tyler Water Utilities does not locate or repair leaks on the customer side of the meter. The city is responsible for the lines from the meter box to the water main. Outside the city, ask your own water provider.
Can I get a credit on my Tyler water bill for a hidden leak?
City of Tyler customers can apply for a leakage credit for a concealed or hidden leak, such as one underground or inside a wall. Credits are a courtesy and aren't guaranteed. The form has to be filed with Tyler Water Utilities within 12 months of the repair, the account needs at least three billing cycles of usage history, and only one credit is allowed per account in any 12-month period. Keep your plumber's invoice.
Do slab leaks always mean breaking up the floor?
No. A plumber will usually locate the leak first with electronic or acoustic leak detection. Repair options can include opening the slab at the leak, tunneling under it, or rerouting the line through the walls or attic and abandoning the leaking section. Ask the plumber to explain the options and their costs before choosing.
Need a plumber? Call (555) 010-0199 or request a quote.