5 Signs You Have a Slab Leak in Your Melbourne FL Home

1. Unexplained Spike in Your Water Bill

One of the earliest indicators of a slab leak is a sudden, unexplained increase in your water bill. If your water usage habits haven't changed but your bill has jumped 20-30% or more, water may be continuously leaking beneath your foundation.

In Melbourne's warm climate, many homeowners attribute higher bills to increased irrigation or pool filling. However, if you notice a consistent increase month after month with no clear explanation, it's time to call a professional plumber for slab leak detection.

Pro tip: Check your water meter before bed, then again first thing in the morning without using any water overnight. If the meter has moved, you likely have a leak somewhere in your system.

2. Hot Spots on Your Floors

Have you noticed warm or hot areas on your tile, concrete, or hardwood floors? This is a telltale sign of a hot water line leak beneath your slab. The escaping hot water heats the concrete foundation and radiates through your flooring.

This sign is particularly noticeable in Melbourne homes during our mild winters when you wouldn't expect warm floors. If you feel heat emanating from specific spots -- especially near bathrooms, kitchens, or water heater locations -- you may have a slab leak that requires immediate attention.

3. Sound of Running Water When Fixtures Are Off

If you hear the sound of rushing or running water when all your faucets, toilets, and appliances are turned off, water is flowing somewhere it shouldn't be. This could indicate a slab leak beneath your foundation.

In quieter moments -- late at night or early in the morning -- stand near different areas of your home and listen carefully. The sound may be subtle, like a hissing or whooshing noise. Space Coast homeowners with older homes built on concrete slabs should be especially vigilant, as aging copper pipes are prone to corrosion from Florida's hard water.

4. Cracks in Your Foundation or Walls

Slab leaks don't just waste water -- they can compromise your home's structural integrity. As water saturates the soil beneath your foundation, it causes the ground to shift and expand. This movement creates stress on your concrete slab, leading to:

• Cracks in your foundation
• Cracks in interior or exterior walls
• Uneven or buckling floors
• Doors and windows that stick or won't close properly

Melbourne's sandy soil composition makes homes particularly vulnerable to foundation movement when slab leaks occur.

5. Mold, Mildew, or Musty Odors

Persistent moisture from a slab leak creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth. Look for musty or earthy odors with no clear source, visible mold on baseboards or lower walls, increased humidity inside your home, or carpet that feels damp in certain areas.

In Brevard County's already humid climate, it can be easy to dismiss these signs as normal Florida living. However, mold growth that appears suddenly or in unusual locations should not be ignored. Mold exposure can cause respiratory issues and other health problems.