Quick answer
Slab leak detection finds a leaking water pipe under your concrete floor without breaking tile to look. In Coral Gables, specialists use pressure testing, acoustic listening and thermal imaging to mark the exact spot, so only a small section of floor is opened for the repair. Calls are answered 24/7 at +13053150618.
Last updated November 2026
Signs of a slab leak
A slab leak is a break in a water line that runs under or inside the concrete foundation. It can run for weeks before water shows up. Read the full guide: 7 signs of a slab leak.
- A warm spot on the floor (often a hot-water line)
- Water bill rising with no change in use
- Sound of running water with every fixture off
- Cracked or lifting tile, or damp carpet and baseboards
- Water meter moving when no water is being used
- Water heater running more than usual
How slab leaks are found
Specialists narrow the search line by line, then mark the exact spot on the floor.
Pressure testing
Isolating each line and watching for pressure loss shows which pipe is leaking before anything is opened.
Acoustic listening
Sensitive microphones pick up the sound of water escaping a pressurized pipe, even through concrete or soil.
Thermal imaging
Infrared cameras show temperature differences, which makes hot-water leaks and wet areas visible behind surfaces.
Tracer gas
A safe gas is pushed into an emptied line and detected where it escapes. Useful for very small or deep leaks.
Slab leaks in Coral Gables homes
Most Coral Gables houses are built slab-on-grade, with supply lines running through or under the concrete. Older copper and galvanized pipe can thin out over time, and shifting soil or rubbing against the slab adds wear.
Finding the exact location first matters. It decides whether a small section of floor is opened for a spot repair, or whether rerouting the line is the better fix.
What to do right now
- 1
Check the meter
Turn off all water and watch the leak indicator for two minutes.
- 2
Hot water leak?
If the warm spot is from hot water, turning off the water heater supply can slow the loss.
- 3
Call for detection
Describe where the floor is warm or wet. It speeds up the search.
Common questions
Can a slab leak be found without breaking the floor?
Yes. Detection uses pressure tests, listening equipment and thermal cameras. The floor is only opened at the exact spot when the repair is made.
How serious is a slab leak?
Left alone, it can damage flooring, raise humidity and mold risk, and waste a lot of water. Finding it early keeps the repair smaller.
Does homeowners insurance cover slab leaks?
It depends on your policy. Some cover the cost of accessing the leak and resulting damage but not the pipe itself. Check with your insurer.