If you’ve ever been surprised by a high water bill without any clear explanation, you might have a hidden plumbing issue lurking beneath the surface. For homeowners in St. Petersburg, a hidden leak under a terrazzo slab floor can be particularly tricky to detect. At I Find Leaks, we specialize in pinpointing these leaks to help you identify the source of your water troubles without any invasive guesswork. Here’s an example of how we helped a recent client uncover a copper pipe leak beneath a beautiful terrazzo floor.
High Water Bills and Hidden Leaks
A sudden increase in your water bill can be one of the earliest signs of an underground leak. When pipes start to age—especially copper pipes—they can corrode and develop leaks that allow water to escape slowly but steadily. If the leak is hidden beneath a terrazzo slab, spotting it can be difficult without specialized detection equipment and expert knowledge.
The Challenge of Terrazzo Flooring
Terrazzo flooring is not only durable but also adds a unique, elegant touch to your home. However, when leaks develop under a terrazzo slab, the process of locating them without causing damage requires careful planning and precision. At I Find Leaks, we use advanced leak detection technology to identify the exact location of the leak, helping to avoid unnecessary damage to your flooring. Our tools allow us to detect leaks in various types of pipes, including copper, without disrupting your home more than necessary.
Finding the Leak
In this case, we were contacted by a homeowner in St. Petersburg who had noticed an unusually high water bill. After a thorough inspection of their plumbing system, we traced the source of the problem to a section of copper piping hidden beneath the terrazzo slab. Using our state-of-the-art equipment, we pinpointed the leak’s exact location and were able to minimize any potential damage to the flooring.
To visually confirm the location, we carefully made a small access hole directly over the leak. This approach allows us to verify the issue with minimal impact on the surrounding area. With this method, the homeowner was able to view the source of the problem firsthand—a significant benefit that gives peace of mind without the hassle of an extensive and costly investigation.
What We Found: The Copper Pipe Leak
Upon close examination, the leak was found to be a small yet steady drip from a corroded section of copper pipe. This kind of leak can continue unnoticed for months, especially under thick terrazzo, leading to thousands of gallons of water wasted and, of course, those costly high water bills. The image below captures the leak itself, illustrating how even a small rupture in copper piping can result in extensive water loss over time.
Why Early Detection Matters
Undetected leaks can lead to a variety of issues beyond just an increased water bill. Over time, constant moisture under the slab can create more severe structural issues, and in some cases, it can affect the integrity of the terrazzo flooring itself. Early detection allows you to address the issue before it leads to more costly damage. At I Find Leaks, our goal is to give you the information you need to make an informed decision without the headache of a long, drawn-out search for the problem.
What You Can Do Next
If you’re noticing an unexplained spike in your water bill or suspect a hidden leak, it’s essential to act quickly. By catching leaks early, you can avoid the potential for significant water damage and unnecessary expenses. At I Find Leaks, we’re here to help you find the problem, so you can take the necessary steps to resolve it.
For more information on our leak detection services, visit ifindleaks.com or reach out to schedule a consultation. We’re proud to serve the St. Petersburg area, helping homeowners identify hidden leaks and save on water costs—all without the need for invasive repairs or extensive floor damage.
