Safety first: if there is fire, gas smell, or electrical risk near water, leave and call 911 or your utility first.
Common signs
- A water meter that moves with every fixture off.
- Warm spots on the floor, from a hot-water line leak.
- Damp or cupping flooring, or loose tiles.
- The sound of running water when nothing is on.
- A water bill that climbs without explanation.
- Cracks in walls or flooring, though these have many causes.
The meter test
- Turn off every faucet, appliance, irrigation, and cooler.
- Find the meter, usually in a box near the street, and note the reading or watch the leak indicator.
- Wait without using water, then check again. Movement suggests a leak somewhere.
Who to call
A leak-detection plumber can locate the leak and suggest repair options, such as a spot repair or rerouting the line. If flooring or walls got wet, a restoration contractor can dry and repair them. Tucson Water customers can also find water-saving and leak information from the utility.
Frequently asked questions
Are slab leaks common in Tucson?
They happen in many slab-built homes. Water chemistry, pipe material, and age all play a role.
Is a slab leak an emergency?
A large one can be. Shut off the main if water is surfacing, and call a plumber.
More guides
- Water damage: what to do in the first 24 hours
- Water heater leaking? Limit the damage
- Swamp cooler leaks and mold
- Monsoon prep checklist for Tucson homes
- Water damage insurance claim tips
- Mold after a leak: what to know
- How to vet a restoration contractor in Arizona
- Roof leak or plumbing leak?
- Preventing burst pipes during a Tucson freeze
- Smoke odor and soot after a small fire
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