What to Do If You Have a Slab Leak: First Steps That Limit Damage

The first 10 minutes

1. Stay safe around electricity. If water is near outlets, appliances or the electrical panel, do not touch anything wet. Turn off power to the affected area only if you can reach the breaker safely and dry.
2. Shut off the main water valve at the house. If you do not know where it is, find it now; you may need it again.
3. Close fixtures to relieve pressure if water is still dripping.
4. Move belongings off wet floors and lift rugs.
5. Photograph the water, the damage and the meter.

The next hour

1. Soak up standing water with towels or a wet vacuum.
2. Open windows and run fans to move air, if the weather allows.
3. Pull wet furniture away from walls.
4. Run the meter test to confirm the leak: how to test for a slab leak.
5. Call a plumber, and call your insurer or agent.

What not to do

• Do not break the slab yourself. Without a locator you will probably cut in the wrong place.
• Do not ignore a moving meter. Leaks run all day and every day.
• Do not throw out damaged materials before you photograph them and ask your insurer.
• Do not touch wet electrical equipment.
• Do not assume it will stop on its own.

What to tell the plumber

• Your address and whether the main is off
• When you first noticed the leak, and what you saw or heard
• Whether the meter moves with everything off
• Which rooms are wet or warm
• Whether you own, rent or manage the home

The plumber then locates the leak. See slab leak detection.

Tell your insurer early

Report the loss and ask what they need before the floor is opened. Keep your photos, bills and the leak report. See slab leak insurance coverage.

Frequently asked questions

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