Plumbing tips · October 10, 2026
Signs of a slab leak
Most houses around here sit on a concrete slab, and the water lines run through or under it. When one of those leaks, the water has nowhere to show itself at first. These are the signs to watch for.
A warm spot on the floor
A patch of tile or floor that feels warm under bare feet, when nothing else around it does, often means a hot water line is leaking underneath it. Pets sometimes find it first and start lying in the same spot.
The meter moves with everything off
Turn off every tap, the washer, the dishwasher, the ice maker and the sprinklers. Then look at the water meter. If the dial or the small leak indicator is still turning, water is going somewhere it should not be.
Sounds and a higher bill
Water running or hissing in a wall or floor when nothing is on, or a water bill that jumps without any change in how the house is used, are both worth a meter test. A hot water leak can also leave the water heater running more than it used to.
Damp floors, cracks and smells
Carpet or a baseboard that stays damp, flooring that lifts or cups, a crack in the floor that weeps, or a musty smell with no obvious cause can all point to water coming up from below.
What to do
If the meter test says there is a leak, close the main shut-off to stop the water while it is found. If you think it is on the hot side, the cold supply valve on top of the water heater stops the flow into the hot lines. Then call a plumber to locate it. Finding the exact spot first is what keeps the repair from turning into a floor dug up in the wrong place.
Questions we get asked
How do I test for a leak with the water meter?
Turn off everything that uses water, then read the meter or watch its leak indicator. Wait a while without running any water and check it again. If it has moved, water is leaking somewhere in the house or the yard line.Is a slab leak an emergency?
A leak under the slab does not stop on its own, and the water keeps running into the ground under the house. Shut off the main if the meter is moving and have it located as soon as you can.Does a slab leak always mean breaking up the floor?
Not always. Once the leak is located, the line can sometimes be re-routed through the walls or attic instead. Which way makes sense depends on where the leak is and the shape of the house.Plumbing questions we answer
Where we go
Parker, Wise and Tarrant County, out of the shop in Springtown. Springtown, Weatherford, Azle, Boyd, Decatur, Newark, Millsap, Fort Worth and the country in between.
Call 817-487-8866