What a slab leak is
Many homes in the Southeast sit on a concrete slab, with water lines running beneath or through it. When one of those lines starts leaking, the water has nowhere obvious to go. It soaks the soil under the house, rises into the slab or flows along the pipe trench. Because nothing shows up on the surface at first, a slab leak can run for weeks before anyone notices. Not every home near Greer is on a slab. Some Upstate houses have crawl spaces or basements, so check how yours is built. If you are unsure, the provider can tell you on the call. For the wider picture, see leak detection in Greer, SC.
Signs you may have a slab leak
- A warm or hot spot on the floor, especially with a hot water line leak
- The sound of running water when all taps are off
- A water bill that jumps with no change in use
- Damp carpet or a musty smell near the floor
- Cracks in tile or grout that were not there before
- Low hot water pressure
- The meter running with everything off
- Baseboards that lift, stain or swell
Common causes
Copper lines can corrode from the inside or from the soil around them. Pipes can rub against the concrete or gravel as the house and the ground move. High water pressure adds stress to joints. Poor installation, such as a kink or a weak fitting, can also fail years later. Hot water lines wear faster because heat expands and contracts the metal. Each cause leaves a slightly different pattern, which helps the technician decide where to listen first.
Safe checks you can do first
Turn off every tap, toilet and appliance that uses water. Read your meter, wait two minutes and read it again. If it moved, water is escaping. Then shut off the main valve at the house. If the meter stops moving while the house is shut off from the street line but moves when the valve is open, the leak is inside the house. If it keeps moving with the main valve closed, the leak is likely on the buried line, which is covered in the guide to underground water line leak detection. Do not cut into a floor or wall to look for it.
What the provider does
- Confirms the leak with a meter or pressure test.
- Isolates the hot and cold lines to see which one is losing pressure.
- Uses acoustic equipment to listen along the floor for the hiss of the leak.
- Uses thermal imaging if a hot line is suspected.
- Marks the spot on the floor and explains the repair options.
The point of detection is to turn "somewhere under the house" into a marked location of a few inches.
Repair options after detection
The provider may recommend spot repair by opening a small section of slab, re-routing the line through the walls or attic to avoid the slab, or replacing the whole line if it is badly worn. Re-routing costs more up front in many cases but avoids breaking more concrete. Ask the provider to compare the options and to give a price before work starts. You are not obligated to book repair with the same company that located the leak.
Does it cost a lot to check?
Prices vary, and independent providers set their own. The table below shows the main factors.
| Factor | How it affects the price |
|---|---|
| Method used | Acoustic listening is quicker than tracer gas |
| Size of the house | More square footage means more pipe to test |
| Hot or cold line | Hot line leaks often need thermal imaging |
| Time of day | After-hours calls may cost more |
When it is an emergency
Water is pooling on the floor, the floor is hot to the touch, you smell gas, or the water bill has doubled. Shut off the main valve first. If you smell gas, leave the house and call the gas company from outside.
Frequently asked questions
Can a slab leak fix itself?
No. A leak in a pressurized pipe does not seal on its own. Mineral buildup can briefly slow a tiny leak, but the pipe is still damaged.
Is a slab leak covered by insurance?
It depends on the policy. Many policies cover resulting damage but not the pipe repair. Ask your insurer before the work starts.
How long does detection take?
Often a couple of hours, but it depends on the house and the method. Ask the provider for an estimate when you call.
Will they break my floor to find it?
Detection tools are meant to locate the leak without breaking anything. The floor is only opened at the located spot when a repair is needed.
What if I rent?
Tell your landlord right away and keep the water bill. The landlord usually decides who is called.
Do all homes in Greer have slabs?
No. Some have crawl spaces or basements. The type of foundation changes how a leak shows up.