San Antonio · Under-slab leaks

Slab leak water damage in San Antonio

A leak in a water line under the concrete slab can soak flooring for weeks before anyone sees it. We can refer you to an independent local company for drying and repairs. Provider availability varies.

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Split copper water pipe spraying water, similar to the lines that run under a slab

Why slab leaks are common here

Most San Antonio-area homes are built slab-on-grade, with copper or PEX water lines running in or under the concrete. Expansive clay soil swells after heavy rain and shrinks in drought, so slabs move a little every year, and that movement stresses the pipes below. San Antonio's hard, mineral-heavy water adds wear on older copper lines. Homes in established areas like Northeast San Antonio, Converse and Leon Valley see these calls often.

Signs to check today

Meter test: turn off every faucet, appliance and the irrigation system, then watch the water meter. If the dial or low-flow indicator keeps moving, water is going somewhere.
A warm or hot spot on a tile or wood floor (often a hot-water line)
The sound of running water when nothing is on
Damp carpet, cupping wood or lifting vinyl planks away from any bathroom or kitchen
A water bill that jumps without a reason
The water heater running more than usual
A musty smell near interior walls or baseboards

How a slab leak usually gets handled

Find it. A licensed plumber locates the leak with pressure tests, acoustic listening equipment or thermal imaging. In Texas, plumbers are licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
Fix the pipe. Common options are a spot repair through the slab, tunneling under the foundation, or rerouting the line through the attic or walls.
Dry the house. A water damage company removes wet pad, baseboards or flooring that can't dry in place, sets up air movers and dehumidifiers, and logs moisture readings until materials reach a dry standard.
Repair. Flooring, drywall and trim are replaced once everything is dry.

Insurance notes

Many Texas homeowners policies help with the cost of tearing out and replacing the floor to reach the leak and with the resulting water damage, while the pipe repair itself may not be covered. Leaks that went on for a long time can be treated differently. Read your policy, photograph everything, and see our insurance tips and claim checklist.

Does a slab leak hurt the foundation?

It can. Water leaking under a slab can soften or swell the clay in one spot and lead to uneven movement. After the leak is fixed and the house is dry, watch for new cracks or sticking doors and get a foundation evaluation if they show up.

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Questions homeowners ask

Can I keep using water if I think I have a slab leak?

If water is reaching the floor, shut off the main valve and call a plumber. If the only sign is a moving meter, many people turn the water on only when needed until the leak is found. Ask the plumber what makes sense for your home.

How long does drying take after a slab leak?

It depends on how long the leak ran and what the floors are made of. Structural drying often takes several days, and moisture readings tell the company when materials are dry.

Who do I call first, a plumber or a water damage company?

If water is spreading, stop it first and call a plumber to find and fix the leak. A water damage company handles extraction, drying and documentation. Calling our line connects you with an independent water damage company.

Can I call at night or on a weekend?

You can call the referral line any time and we will try to connect you. Same-day and 24/7 emergency services are subject to provider participation, location, technician availability, and demand. Availability is not guaranteed.

Honest disclosure: SATX Water Damage Help is a referral service and is not a contractor. We connect San Antonio-area callers with independent local water damage restoration and mold remediation companies. We do not perform the work and do not guarantee pricing or availability. Calls are routed to independent, licensed service providers who may record calls. Same-day and 24/7 emergency services are subject to provider participation, location, technician availability, and demand. Availability is not guaranteed. Always verify a company's licensing (Texas requires a state license for mold remediation), insurance, and references before hiring.