Houston's Slab Leak Specialists

Slab Leak Detection
Pinpointed, Not Guessed.

A leak under your foundation is stressful. We use acoustic listening, thermal imaging, and pressure testing to find the exact location — so repairs are targeted, minimal, and affordable. No jackhammering your entire floor to find it.

✓ Licensed ✓ Insured ✓ Same-Day Available

What Is a Slab Leak?

A slab leak is a water leak in the pipes that run beneath your home's concrete foundation. In Houston, most homes are built on concrete slabs with copper or PEX supply lines and cast iron or PVC drain lines running underneath. When these pipes leak — whether from corrosion, soil movement, or age — the water has nowhere to go but into your foundation and up through your floors.

Slab leaks are one of the most common — and most damaging — plumbing issues Houston homeowners face. The longer a slab leak goes undetected, the more damage it does: warped flooring, mold growth, foundation shifting, and water bills that climb every month.

The good news? Modern leak detection technology can pinpoint the exact location of a slab leak without tearing up your floors. That's what we do.

Signs You Might Have a Slab Leak

If you're noticing any of these, it's time to get an inspection.

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Unexplained High Water Bill

Your water usage hasn't changed, but your bill keeps climbing. A slab leak can waste thousands of gallons per month — water you're paying for that never reaches a faucet.

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Warm Spots on the Floor

Hot water line leaks under the slab heat the concrete above them. If you feel an unexplained warm area on your tile or hardwood — especially on a slab foundation — that's a red flag.

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Sound of Running Water

You hear water flowing when every faucet, toilet, and appliance is off. That constant hiss or rush usually means water is escaping somewhere under pressure — often under the slab.

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Cracks in Walls or Flooring

Water under a foundation can cause soil expansion and shifting, which leads to cracks in drywall, tile, or the foundation itself. New cracks that keep growing are a warning sign.

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Mold, Mildew, or Musty Smell

Persistent dampness under your slab creates the perfect environment for mold. If you smell something musty and can't find the source, moisture may be coming from below.

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Low Water Pressure

A leak in your supply line means less water is making it to your fixtures. If pressure has dropped throughout the house — not just one faucet — a slab leak could be the cause.

How We Find Slab Leaks

Professional equipment. Systematic approach. No guesswork.

01

Visual & Moisture Assessment

We start by inspecting your home for visible signs — moisture, staining, warped flooring. Our moisture meters map out exactly where water is present and how far it's spread.

02

Pressure Testing

We isolate and pressurize your supply lines and drain lines individually. This confirms whether the leak is on the hot side, cold side, or drain system — narrowing the search before we even listen.

03

Acoustic Listening

Using electronic ground microphones and acoustic amplifiers, we listen through the slab for the sound of pressurized water escaping the pipe. This is the primary tool for pinpointing supply-side slab leaks.

04

Thermal Imaging

Our FLIR thermal cameras detect temperature differences in the slab caused by leaking water — especially hot water line leaks. Thermal imaging also reveals moisture patterns invisible to the naked eye.

Why Slab Leaks Are So Common in Houston

Houston sits on expansive clay soil — the kind that swells when wet and shrinks when dry. Every rain cycle, every drought, every seasonal shift causes this soil to move. And when the ground moves, it puts stress on the pipes buried in and under your foundation.

Add to that the age of Houston's housing stock. Homes built in the 1970s through 1990s — which make up a massive portion of the Houston metro — typically have copper supply lines under the slab. After 30-50 years, those copper pipes corrode, develop pinhole leaks, and eventually fail. It's not a matter of if, but when.

Houston's water chemistry accelerates this. The mineral content and pH levels in municipal water supply contribute to copper pipe degradation over time. Combine shifting soil, aging pipes, and aggressive water — and you have a city where slab leaks are practically inevitable for older homes.

That's exactly why we built Exact Leak Detection HTX. Houston homeowners need a specialist who understands this specific environment — not a general plumber who checks slab leaks off a list.

Slab Leak Detection Pricing

Transparent pricing. Your detailed report is always included.

After-hours & emergency service available: +$150

Price varies based on home size, plumbing complexity, and number of leaks.

No leak found? You still get the full report and peace of mind.

Slab Leak Detection FAQ

What are the signs of a slab leak?

Common signs include unexplained spikes in your water bill, warm or damp spots on floors, the sound of running water when no fixtures are on, cracks in walls or flooring, mold or mildew odors, and low water pressure. If you notice any of these, a professional slab leak inspection can confirm whether there's a leak under your foundation.

How much does slab leak detection cost in Houston?

At Exact Leak Detection HTX, slab leak detection costs $450–$550. This includes a full diagnostic using acoustic, thermal, and pressure testing equipment, plus a detailed report with photos and thermal images. No hidden fees.

Will you have to tear up my floors to find the leak?

No. We use non-invasive methods — acoustic listening devices, thermal imaging cameras, and pressure testing — to pinpoint the leak location through the slab. Our goal is to identify the exact spot so that any necessary repairs are targeted and minimal.

How long does a slab leak inspection take?

Most slab leak inspections take 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the size of the home and complexity of the plumbing system. We take the time to do it right — rushing a slab leak inspection leads to missed leaks or inaccurate locations.

Does homeowners insurance cover slab leaks in Texas?

Most Texas homeowners insurance policies cover the resulting water damage from a slab leak, but not the plumbing repair itself. Our detailed inspection reports with photos, thermal images, and moisture readings are built to support your insurance claim process.

What causes slab leaks in Houston homes?

Houston's expansive clay soil shifts with moisture changes, putting stress on pipes under foundations. Other causes include copper pipe corrosion, high water pressure, poor original construction, and the natural aging of plumbing. Houston's soil conditions make slab leaks more common here than in many other cities.

Can a slab leak damage my foundation?

Yes. Water from a slab leak saturates the soil under and around your foundation, causing it to swell unevenly. Over time, this can lead to foundation movement, cracking, and structural damage. Early detection is critical — the sooner you find it, the less damage it does.

Do you repair slab leaks?

We specialize in detection — finding and pinpointing the exact leak location is our expertise. For repairs, you choose your own plumber or contractor. We can recommend trusted local pros if you'd like. By pinpointing the exact location, we ensure repairs are targeted and cost-effective.

Think You Have a Slab Leak?

Don't wait for it to get worse. Call us today for a same-day or next-day inspection.

Call (346) 222-3951 Book Online

Other Services

We detect all types of leaks — not just slab leaks.

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Residential Leak Detection

Standard leak detection for homes — water stains, high water bills, hidden moisture. Starting at $325.

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Pool Leak Detection

Hydrophone testing, dye testing, and pressure testing to find leaks in your pool shell, plumbing, or equipment.

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Commercial Leak Detection

Multi-family, office, and retail leak investigations with comprehensive documentation for property managers. Starting at $650.

Houston Slab Leak Detection — Areas We Serve

Houston · Kingwood · Humble · Spring · The Woodlands · Katy · Sugar Land · Pearland · Cypress · Tomball · Conroe · League City · Pasadena · Baytown · Missouri City · Richmond · Rosenberg · Friendswood · Webster · Clear Lake · Bellaire · Deer Park

Don't see your area? Call us — we probably cover it.

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