Emergency · Slab Leak Emergency
Slab Leak Detected — Emergency Steps Before Foundation Damage
Slab leaks release water under your foundation silently. Shut off water, document warm spots and high bills, and call leak detection plus restoration before flooring and foundation damage escalate. Call (888) 840-6512 to reach a certified water damage restoration company in your area; the line is answered 24/7.
Quick answer
A slab leak runs under the foundation and shows itself indirectly: a warm patch on the floor, a water bill that jumped with no change in use, or the sound of running water with every tap closed. Shut the main off as soon as you suspect one — it can waste hundreds of gallons a day into the ground under the house. The work is two trades: electronic leak detection to find it, then restoration for what the water reached in the flooring and walls. Typical $2,000–$12,000. To line up detection and drying in one call, (888) 840-6512, answered 24/7.
Press 1 for water damage or 2 for mold, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for about half a minute while it connects — that is normal, stay on. Have ready: the address with ZIP, when the water started, what is wet now, and whether you have opened an insurance claim.
The calls in order, and why: Who to call for water under the flooring
Emergency checklist
Shut off main water supply immediately if leak is confirmed or strongly suspected
⚠ Slab leaks can waste 100+ gallons per day undetected
Document signs: warm floor spots, unexplained water bill spikes, sound of running water, cracks in slab or walls
⚠ Multiple signs together strongly indicate active slab leak
Photograph floor discoloration, baseboard swelling, and any visible moisture at slab edges
⚠ Insurance adjusters need evidence of sudden vs gradual leak
Call a leak detection specialist — electronic amplification and thermal imaging locate pipes under slab
⚠ Jackhammering without precise location destroys unnecessary flooring
Call restoration for moisture mapping of subfloor and walls — slab leaks wick moisture vertically
⚠ Surface dry floors can hide saturated subfloor
Open insurance claim — sudden slab leaks are often covered; gradual leaks may be denied
⚠ Document when you first noticed symptoms
Mold growth timeline
Mold Growth Clock
What happens hour by hour after water damage
0h
elapsed
Water Intrusion
lowHour 0Water enters the structure. Clock starts NOW.
Recommended Action
Shut off water source, move valuables off floor, begin documentation with photos/video.
Next milestone: Absorption Begins at 1 Hour
All Milestones
Slab Leak Emergency FAQ
How much does slab leak repair cost?
Slab leak detection runs $150–$400. Repair via epoxy lining: $1,500–$3,000. Direct access (jackhammer): $2,000–$6,000+. Add $2,000–$8,000 for flooring replacement and drying.
Is a slab leak covered by homeowners insurance?
Sudden and accidental slab leaks are typically covered. Gradual leaks from corrosion or poor installation may be excluded as maintenance. Coverage varies significantly by carrier and state.
What are the warning signs of a slab leak?
Warm spots on floor, unexplained high water bills, sound of running water when taps are off, foundation cracks, mold smell, and low water pressure.
Who do I call right now for water damage?
Call (888) 840-6512. The line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and connects you with an IICRC-certified water damage restoration company that serves your area. Describe what you can see — where the water is coming from, how long it has been there, and whether it smells — the more specific you are, the faster the right company is on the line.
If the source is a pipe or an appliance, shut the main water valve first. Have four things ready and the call goes quickly: the address, when the water started, what is wet now, and whether you have filed an insurance claim.
Still not sure which of these is your situation? (888) 840-6512 · toll-free · answered 24/7
Read the full guide: slab leak detection repair guide
(888) 840-6512