89 Leak Detection for Slab Leak Detection and Repair
Hidden water under concrete can turn a calm day into a stressful one. Floors feel warm, a water bill jumps, or a musty smell lingers and we start to worry about what is happening beneath the slab.
Slab leaks are among the most serious hidden plumbing problems for homes and commercial buildings in Largo Florida. They quietly wash away soil, weaken concrete, and feed mold before we ever see a drop of water.
Many companies in our area only locate leaks. At 89 Leak Detection, we handle both precise Leak Detection and complete Slab Leak Repair Largo FL, using state-of-the-art thermal imaging so we can find the problem fast, with less damage and less mess.
What Is a Slab Leak and Why It Matters in Largo, FL
Slab leaks are water leaks in the plumbing lines that run under concrete or inside a concrete slab. The pipes are buried in soil, wrapped in concrete, or both, so we cannot see them.
In Largo and across Pinellas County, many homes, condos, and commercial buildings sit on a concrete slab foundation. Fresh water lines and hot water lines often run under the floors to reach kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
Florida conditions make slab leaks more common. Our soil can shift with heavy rain. Older copper or galvanized pipes corrode over time because of minerals in the water. High year-round water use in homes and busy buildings keeps pressure on those buried lines.
When a slab leak starts, water seeps into the soil, then into concrete, flooring, and walls, causing water damage. Over time it can:
- Undermine the foundation, leading to foundation damage
- Warp wood or laminate floors
- Loosen tile and grout
- Feed mold growth
Ignoring it does not make it go away. It only gives water more time to damage the structure.
How Slab Leaks Start Under Your Home or Building
Most slab leaks start small. A pinhole in a pipe, a weak fitting, or a joint that was not supported well during construction can open up.
Common causes include:
- Copper pipe leaks from corrosion due to Florida’s mineral-rich water
- Poor installation in older builds where lines were kinked or not protected
- Abrasion where a pipe rubs against concrete as the building moves slightly
- Minor ground movement from changing moisture in the soil
In homes, we often see slab leaks along hot water lines to bathrooms or kitchens. In commercial properties, leaks are common near areas with heavy plumbing use such as restrooms, laundry rooms, salons, and commercial kitchens.
We keep the focus on locating the source, not on plumbing jargon, so owners and managers can make clear decisions.
What Can Happen If You Ignore a Slab Leak
A small slab leak rarely stays small. Over weeks and months, water can cause:
- Rising water bills
- Warm or damp spots on floors
- Damage to flooring, baseboards, and cabinets
- Hairline cracks that grow into foundation problems
- Mold growth under flooring and behind walls
- Business downtime while repairs and drying take place
Early slab leak repair protects the structure, limits tear-out, and usually costs less than waiting until the problem becomes an emergency.
Early Warning Signs You May Need Slab Leak Repair
No one wants to rip up floors on a hunch. The good news is that slab leaks often leave signs that alert us before major damage happens.
When homeowners and property managers know these signs, they can call for help early and keep repair costs lower.
Common Slab Leak Symptoms Inside Your Home
Inside the building, look and listen for clues such as:
- Warm Spots under bare feet on tile or concrete
- Damp or darker patches on flooring that return after drying
- Running Water Sound when all taps and appliances are off
- Musty or “wet” smells that never fully go away
- Wall Damage such as new cracks in walls, floors, or grout lines
- Water Pressure Drop at faucets and showers
- High Water Bills without any change in use
These signs do not always mean a slab leak, but they are strong hints of Water Leaks in the Plumbing System. A professional inspection can confirm what is going on without guessing.
Slab Leak Clues Outside and Around the Property
The outside of the building can also tell a story. During walk-throughs, owners and managers can watch for:
- Damp or muddy soil along the foundation when the weather is dry
- Standing water or puddles near the slab that don’t drain
- Pavers that shift, sink, or feel loose
- Soft spots in landscaping next to the building
- Grass that grows faster or greener in one strip along a water line
These visual checks do not require tools. They simply ask us to pay attention to changes on the property and act early.
How Professional Slab Leak Detection Works in Largo, Florida
When someone in Largo, Florida calls us for slab leak detection about a suspected slab leak, our goal is clear: find the source quickly, accurately, and with as little disruption as possible.
We use licensed technicians, advanced technology like state-of-the-art thermal imaging, and other non-invasive methods so we do not have to start by breaking concrete. We locate the problem first, then plan a targeted repair.
The process usually includes:
- A short phone consult and scheduling
- On-site walkthrough and questions about symptoms
- Meter checks and initial tests
- Interior and exterior inspection
- Thermal imaging scans
- A clear diagnosis and repair plan
This approach saves time for families and reduces downtime for businesses.
State-of-the-Art Thermal Imaging for Non-Invasive Leak Detection
Thermal imaging is one of our most powerful tools. A thermal camera sees temperature differences on floors and walls that our eyes cannot see.
When hot or cold water leaks under a slab, it changes the temperature of the concrete and surface above. The camera displays these patterns in color, so we can track where water is moving and where it is hottest or coldest.
Benefits of this non-invasive slab leak detection include:
- No random jackhammering across the floor
- Much smaller areas to open when repair starts
- Faster find times and shorter visits
This state-of-the-art thermal imaging is standard in our slab leak inspections, not an extra charge.
Other Tools We Use to Pinpoint a Slab Leak
Along with thermal imaging, we use:
- Acoustic listening equipment to hear the running water sound escaping from pipes
- Pressure testing to confirm which line is leaking
- Moisture meters to measure how far water has spread
By combining the data from these tools, we get a clear picture of where the leak is and how serious it may be. That lets us target the repair area and keep damage to floors and walls as low as possible.
What to Expect During a Slab Leak Inspection Visit
During a typical visit, we:
- Greet you and review any concerns or history.
- Walk through the property with you to see and hear the symptoms.
- Check the water meter and main shutoff.
- Inspect inside and outside for visible signs.
- Run thermal imaging scans along likely pipe paths.
- Use listening and moisture tools as needed.
- Explain what we found and discuss repair options.
We wear shoe covers, move carefully through your space, and keep you updated as we work. Most slab leak inspections take about one to two hours, depending on the size and layout of the property.
Slab Leak Repair Options in Largo, FL (And How We Keep Costs Fair)
Many leak companies in Largo only find the leak, then send you to a second contractor for repairs. At 89 Leak Detection, our expert plumbers provide Slab Leak Repair Services by handling both detection and slab leak repair, which saves time, stress, and extra trip charges.
We keep pricing straightforward, with an affordable service call and hourly rates, including upfront pricing. Our goal is to locate most leaks quickly so repairs can start without delay.
Direct Spot Repair: Fixing the Leak at the Source
Direct spot repair, a minimally invasive repair, is often the best choice when:
- There is a single leak
- The leak is in a reachable location
- The rest of the plumbing is in good shape
We open a small section of flooring, access the slab, and perform pipe repair by removing the bad piece of pipe. After repair, we backfill and prepare the area so your flooring contractor can restore the surface.
Pros are lower cost and a smaller work area. The tradeoff is some disruption where we open the floor.
Pipe Rerouting: A Better Long-Term Fix for Older Lines
For older homes or buildings with stressed pipes under the slab, rerouting with a whole house repipe can be smarter. With rerouting, we abandon the damaged line in the slab and run new PEX piping through walls or ceilings instead.
Benefits include:
- Fewer breaks in concrete
- Easier access for any future work
- Less risk of more slab leaks from the same old line
Owners and managers often choose whole house repipe when they want a long-term fix and more peace of mind.
How We Help You Choose the Right Slab Leak Repair
We do not push one repair method for every client. We look at:
- Age and material of the plumbing system
- Location and size of the leak
- Access conditions
- Budget and long-term plans for the property
Then we explain the pros and cons in plain language, with clear upfront pricing and no pressure. Our job is to guide you, not sell you more than you need.
Why Largo Homeowners and Property Managers Choose 89 Leak Detection
We are a local, licensed, 24/7 Slab Leak Detection and repair team serving Largo and all of Pinellas County. Our focus is Slab Leak Detection for water leaks in homes and commercial buildings, especially slab, wall, yard, and hot water leaks.
Clients appreciate that we are one of the few companies that can both locate water leaks and perform pipe repair for slab leaks. Many share their experience highlighting our Customer Satisfaction in our Review of slab leak repair by 89 Leak Detection, where they talk about fast response and careful work.
We combine Advanced Technology like state-of-the-art thermal imaging with non-invasive methods and fair pricing, so owners and managers can protect their property without surprise costs.
One Team for Both Leak Detection and Repair
Using one licensed and certified team from start to finish keeps things simple. You do not have to:
- Call multiple contractors
- Repeat the same story to different people
- Wait days between diagnosis and repair
Communication is smoother, repairs are faster, and there is clear accountability when one company handles everything.
24/7 Service, Local Experience, and Fair Pricing
Slab leaks do not follow business hours, so we offer 24/7 emergency service. We know local building styles, from older Largo ranch homes to newer commercial spaces, and we understand how their plumbing is usually laid out.
We keep service calls affordable and work hard to find leaks quickly, often within the first hour on site. That protects both repair budgets and business timelines.
How to Get Fast Help With a Suspected Slab Leak
If you see any of the signs we have covered, or notice high water bills without reason, reach out as soon as you can. Before we arrive, it helps to:
- Note where you see damp spots or warm floors
- Listen for any areas where water sounds louder
- Take pictures of changes over time
Share this with our technician during the visit. It can shave time off the search and speed up your slab leak repair.
Conclusion
Slab Leaks under concrete in Largo Florida start out of sight, but they do not stay harmless. They threaten foundation damage, floors, and indoor air, and they quietly drive up water bills.
With state-of-the-art thermal imaging, non-invasive tools, and clear repair options, we find and fix slab leaks with less disruption and faster results. The biggest advantage of working with 89 Leak Detection is simple: one licensed, affordable team handles both detection and slab leak repair from start to finish.
At the first hint of a warm floor, a musty smell, or an unexplained water bill spike, contact us. Together we can protect your building, avoid major structural damage, and restore real peace of mind.
