Slab Leak Detection & Repair in Jacksonville & Orange Park, FL

Most homes in Northeast Florida are built on concrete slabs, with water lines running underneath. When one of those lines starts leaking, the water has nowhere to go but into the soil and up through your floors. Lance Maxwell Plumbing locates and repairs slab leaks for homes across Jacksonville, Orange Park, and the rest of Clay, Duval, and St. Johns counties. We’ve been fixing them since 1994, and we’ll recommend the repair that solves the problem with the least disruption to your home.

Request a slab leak inspection and we’ll get you scheduled.

Warning Signs of a Slab Leak

A water bill that’s higher than usual with no change in how you use water
The sound of running water when every fixture is off
Warm or hot spots on the floor, often from a leaking hot water line
Damp carpet, warped wood flooring, or loose or cracked tile
Musty odors, mildew, or mold near baseboards
New cracks in the floor or walls
Lower water pressure or a water heater that runs constantly

Not sure if it’s a slab leak? A quick check: turn off every faucet and water-using appliance, then look at your water meter. If the meter is still moving, water is escaping somewhere. Call us before the damage spreads.

What Causes Slab Leaks in Florida Homes?

Pipe corrosion. Copper and older metal pipes under the slab wear down over decades, especially with mineral-heavy water.
Soil movement. Florida’s sandy soil shifts with heavy rain, drought, and settling, which puts stress on pipes encased under concrete.
Abrasion. Pipes that expand and contract against concrete, gravel, or other pipes can wear through over time. Hot water lines are especially prone to this.
High water pressure. Pressure that’s too high strains every joint and fitting in the system.
Original installation issues. Kinked, dented, or poorly joined pipes can fail years after the house was built.

How We Find a Slab Leak

We don’t break concrete until we know where the leak is. Our plumbers start by confirming there’s a leak and figuring out whether it’s on the hot or cold side. Then we isolate the affected line and use electronic and acoustic leak detection equipment to narrow down the location. Pinpointing the leak first keeps the repair as small as possible. Learn more about our leak detection services for leaks in walls, ceilings, and yard lines.

Slab Leak Repair Options

There’s no one-size-fits-all slab leak fix. The right repair depends on where the leak is, the condition of the rest of your piping, and how likely more leaks are. We’ll explain each option and what it means for your home.

Spot Repair (Direct Access)

We open the slab at the leak location, repair the damaged section of pipe, and close it back up. This works best when the leak is in an accessible spot and the rest of the piping is in good shape.

Line Reroute

Instead of breaking into the slab, we abandon the leaking line and run a new one through the walls or attic. Rerouting avoids jackhammering floors and is often the better long-term choice for a single failed line.

Whole-House Repiping

If your home has had more than one slab leak, or the piping is old and corroded throughout, fixing one leak at a time often means paying for the next one soon after. A whole-house repipe replaces the entire system and ends the cycle.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait on a Slab Leak

A slab leak doesn’t fix itself, and it rarely stays small. Water under the slab can damage flooring, soak drywall, encourage mold, and in serious cases wash out soil beneath the foundation. Meanwhile, you’re paying for every gallon that leaks. Catching it early almost always means a smaller, less expensive repair.

Why Homeowners Choose Lance Maxwell Plumbing

Locally owned since 1994. More than 30 years of slab leak repairs in Orange Park, Jacksonville, and Clay County.
Best of Clay winner four years running, 2021 through 2024.
Every repair option in-house, from spot repairs and reroutes to full repiping, so our recommendation isn’t limited by what we can do.
Honest recommendations based on the condition of your whole system, not just the one leak.
24/7 service for active leaks.

Slab Leak Repair Across Clay, Duval & St. Johns Counties

We locate and repair slab leaks throughout Orange Park, Fleming Island, Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, and Julington Creek, plus Jacksonville neighborhoods including Mandarin, Argyle Forest, Baymeadows, Westside, and Oakleaf Plantation.

Slab Leak FAQs

How do I know if I have a slab leak?

The most common signs are an unexplained jump in your water bill, warm spots on the floor, the sound of running water with everything off, and damp or damaged flooring. Checking your water meter with all fixtures off is a good first test.

How much does slab leak repair cost?

It depends on the location of the leak, the repair method, and the flooring that has to be removed and replaced. A reroute and a spot repair can differ significantly in cost. We’ll explain the options and pricing for your home before any work starts.

Is it better to reroute or repair a slab leak?

A spot repair makes sense when the leak is easy to reach and the rest of the pipe is in good condition. A reroute is often better when the leak is under finished flooring or cabinets, or when the line is likely to leak again. We’ll recommend the option that fits your situation.

Does homeowners insurance cover slab leaks?

Coverage varies by policy. Some policies cover the cost of accessing the leak and the resulting water damage, but not the pipe repair itself. Check with your insurance provider, and let us know if you need details about what we found.

Can a slab leak damage my foundation?

Over time, yes. Water escaping under the slab can erode soil and contribute to settling and cracks. That’s why slab leaks should be repaired as soon as they’re found.

Stop the Leak Before It Spreads

If you think you have a slab leak, the sooner it’s found, the smaller the repair. Contact us to schedule slab leak detection and repair in Jacksonville, Orange Park, or anywhere in Clay, Duval, and St. Johns counties.