Water leaks can be a sneaky problem for Florida homeowners. A small drip or hidden pipe leak might not seem like a big deal at first. But over time, these leaks can waste a lot of water and cause damage to your home. In this guide, we will use simple steps to help you with DIY water leak detection. We’ll also explain when to call a professional and what the professional leak detection cost in Florida might be. Throughout the guide, we’ll mention some reputable Florida leak detection companies in case you need expert help.
Quick Signs You Might Have a Leak
- Watch the water meter. If the dial moves when every tap is off, water is escaping.
- Check toilets. Food-coloring in the tank shows up in the bowl within 15 minutes if the flapper leaks.
- Look for wet spots outside. Greener grass, puddles, or sinkholes can mean an underground break.
- Feel for cool or damp patches on walls or floors. Moist drywall or tiles signal hidden lines are dripping.
- Smell musty odors. Mold thrives in Florida’s moist air. Keep indoor humidity below 50 percent.
DIY Leak-Detection Step-by-Step
Step 1. Meter Test
Turn off every faucet and appliance. Read the meter. Wait 30 minutes with no water running. If numbers climb, you have a leak.
Step 2. Toilet Tank Dye Check
Drop 4–5 food-coloring drops in the tank. Don’t flush. Color in the bowl = replace the flapper seal.
Step 3. Faucet & Hose Bib Sweep
Run hands around pipes under sinks, behind the fridge, and on outdoor spigots. Fix drips with new washers or O-rings.
Step 4. Yard & Slab Walk
Look for soggy grass, soft concrete, or bubbling sounds in the slab. Flag spots with tape for a plumber.
Step 5. AC & Roof Check
Clear the condensate line and inspect the attic for wet insulation after storms. Early fixes stop ceiling stains.
Handy Home Tools
- Flashlight
- Food coloring
- Moisture meter (about $25)
- Pipe wrench or slip-joint pliers
- Plumber’s tape and spare washers
When a Pro Saves Money
Call a licensed leak-detection specialist when:
- The meter moves fast but no surface leak is visible (likely slab).
- You hear hissing behind walls.
- Mold keeps returning after DIY cleaning.
- Water pressure suddenly drops in one fixture only.
Pros use acoustic sensors, infrared cameras, and tracer gas to find pin-sized holes without ripping up floors.
2025 Cost Guide: What Floridians Pay
| Service | Typical Price Range | Notes |
| Basic meter & visual check | $150–$200 | Quick visit, no invasive tools. |
| Electronic leak detection (slab/walls) | $150–$400 | Statewide average. |
| Spot slab repair | $500–$1,500 | Break and patch one area. |
| Whole-house re-pipe | $4,000–$20,000 | For corroded lines in older homes. |
| Emergency call-out | Add $200–$350 to base fee. | nights/weekends |
| Pool leak detection | $100–$1,000 (avg $300) | Depends on pool size. |
Money-saving tip: Some homeowner policies pay “tear-out” and repair costs when the leak is sudden and accidental. Check replacement-cost clauses under Florida Statute 627.7011.
Region-by-Region Leak-Detection Pros to Bookmark
Below are 13 firms known for water-leak hunts across the Sunshine State. Click their names on our site map to dive deeper:
Central Florida
- Spegal Plumbing, Apopka – master plumbers with fair pricing for slab leaks.
- Choice Plumbing Orlando, Orlando – rapid 24/7 metro response.
- Modern Plumbing Industries, Winter Springs – trenchless repairs keep lawns neat.
- Mike Scott Plumbing, Inverness – lake-area specialists for well-line leaks.
Tampa Bay & Gulf Coast
- Tampa Bay Plumbers, Tampa – acoustic and infrared tools for condo slabs.
- Sunshine Plumbing of Tampa, Tampa – free moisture-meter check with service.
- Sleuth Leak Detection, Bradenton – 40 years of pinpoint accuracy.
South Florida
- GATOR Plumbing of South Florida, Coconut Creek – leak-detection tech plus full repairs.
- Miami 24/7 Plumbing, Miami – bilingual crews for midnight emergencies.
- Falcon Plumbing, Miami – trusted by historic-home owners in Coral Gables.
Southwest & Treasure Coast
- A to Z State Wide Plumbing, Fort Myers – trenchless pipe lining reduces dig-ups.
- Pure Green Plumbing, Palm Bay – eco-friendly options and smart-home sensors.
North Florida & Panhandle
- JM Gibson Mechanical, Pensacola – commercial and residential leak audits.
- Davis Brothers Alachua Plumbing, Gainesville – university-area experts in slab shifts.
Prevention Plan & Annual Inspection Timeline
- Every Month: Do the simple meter test on the first weekend. It costs nothing and takes 15 minutes.
- Every Spring: Book a whole-home plumbing check (about $80–$120 in most Florida cities). Ask the tech to scan slab lines with an infrared camera.
- Install Smart Sensors: Flood-alert pucks start near $40 each; full shut-off valves like Flo by Moen cost $400–$600 installed but can earn 5–20 % insurance discounts.
- After Any Major Storm: Inspect exterior walls and foundation edges for new cracks—pressure shifts can stress buried pipes.
Stick to this schedule and you’re far less likely to face a four-figure repair later.
Insurance & Warranty Quick Guide for Floridians
Most policies do pay to locate a sudden, accidental slab leak and to fix any resulting water damage—but they usually do not cover replacing the worn pipe itself. Expect to pay the $150-$400 detection fee out of pocket if the adjuster rules the leak “gradual wear.” Repairs average $630–$4,400 statewide, depending on reroute length and concrete work. Always call your carrier first, snap photos, and save every receipt; solid records speed up claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does slab-leak detection cost in Miami right now?
Most Miami homeowners pay $180 – $350 to find a concrete-slab leak. Expect the low end for easy-to-reach pipes and the high end for leaks under thick flooring.
Who offers 24/7 leak-detection in Tampa Bay?
Red Cap Plumbing & Air and Tampa Bay Plumbers LLC both run round-the-clock teams. They use acoustic listening gear, so night calls don’t require tearing up floors.
Is leak detection in Orlando more expensive?
Prices are similar—about $150 – $400 for detection. Orlando’s flat terrain actually helps plumbers trace leaks quickly, keeping costs on par with the state average.
Do plumbers charge extra for weekend or after-hours service?
Yes. Most Florida providers add a $50 – $100 emergency fee for nights, weekends, or holidays. Ask when booking so the surcharge isn’t a surprise.
Can I get a free leak inspection in South Florida?
Some companies—like GATOR Plumbing of South Florida, Inc.—waive the detection fee if you hire them for the repair. Always confirm in writing before the visit.
Will homeowners insurance cover slab-leak detection in Jacksonville?
Policies vary, but many pay for detection if the leak is sudden. They rarely cover the repair to old pipes. Call your insurer first; a 10-minute chat can save hundreds.
How long does it take to find and fix a slab leak in St. Petersburg?
Detection usually takes 1–2 hours. A simple spot repair can finish the same day; full pipe reroutes may need 2–3 days plus curing time for new concrete.
What’s a smart way to lower overall leak-repair costs across Florida?
Catch leaks early. Watching your water bill and running a monthly meter test can save you from paying $2,000+ in foundation repairs later.
