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Slab Leaks: The Hidden Threat Beneath Your Home

  • Writer: Harrison James
    Harrison James
  • May 15
  • 2 min read

When it comes to plumbing problems, few are more damaging—and more overlooked—than a slab leak. These leaks happen under your home’s concrete foundation, silently undermining your structure, raising your water bills, and feeding mold growth before you ever see a single drop.


If you're a homeowner in Covington, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, or anywhere along the Northshore, here's what you need to know.


🔎 What Is a Slab Leak?

A slab leak happens when a water line beneath the concrete slab of your home cracks, corrodes, or bursts. Since it’s hidden under solid flooring, you won’t see the leak—but the damage can escalate quickly.


Unlike a dripping faucet, slab leaks don’t show up until they’ve already caused thousands of dollars in structural or water damage.


Slab leak repair in progress under a kitchen floor in Covington, Louisiana, showing exposed copper piping and tools next to a cut trench in the concrete.
Slab leak repair in progress — what happens when a hidden leak is left unchecked.

🚨 Why You Shouldn’t Wait

Slab leaks are serious. Delaying action can lead to:


  • Foundation damage: Water erodes the soil supporting your slab, causing cracks, uneven settling, or shifts in the structure.

  • Mold and mildew: Persistent moisture fuels mold growth under your floors or in walls—leading to potential health risks like allergies or respiratory issues.

  • High water bills: You could lose hundreds of gallons a day and not even realize it—until the bill shows up.


🧩 Warning Signs to Watch For

Look for these common signs of a slab leak:


  • 📈 Sudden spike in your water bill without any change in usage

  • 🌡️ Warm or damp spots on flooring, especially in tile or concrete areas

  • 👂 Sound of running water when no taps are on

  • 🧱 New cracks in your walls, ceilings, or flooring

  • 🌫️ Musty smells that suggest hidden moisture or mold


If one or more of these signs show up, it’s time to take action.


🛠️ What to Do If You Suspect a Leak


  1. Turn off the main water supply to minimize further damage.

  2. Call Liberty Leak Detection for a fast, non-invasive inspection.We use:


    • Acoustic sensors to listen for leak noise under concrete

    • Infrared cameras to detect heat from hot water lines

    • Pressure testing to confirm the location and severity


🧱 Prevention Is Possible

While slab leaks can’t always be avoided, you can lower the risk by:


  • Keeping your home’s water pressure in a safe range

  • Installing a water softener if you have hard water (which can corrode pipes)

  • Scheduling routine plumbing inspections, especially in homes over 20 years old


📍 Serving Louisiana’s Gulf Coast Region


At Liberty Leak Detection, we specialize in identifying and locating slab leaks with precision and minimal disruption. Whether you're in Covington, Baton Rouge, or along the Gulf Coast, we’re ready to help protect your home—and your peace of mind.


📞 Suspect a Slab Leak?


Don’t wait for visible damage. Call Liberty Leak Detection today or schedule your inspection online. We’ll find the leak, document it clearly, and help you move toward fast, affordable repairs.

 
 
 

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