ATTENTION: MCKINNEY Homeowners
Slab Leaks are a BIG
Problem in McKinney
Don't Let a Hidden Slab Leak Destroy Your Home
Slab Leak Detection & Repair in McKinney, Texas
Slab leaks are one of the most expensive and dangerous plumbing problems for homeowners in McKinney and the surrounding areas—and many people don’t even know they have one.
At Smith and Son Plumbing, we specialize in non-invasive slab leak detection and expert repair, backed by decades of experience and the trust of families across North Texas.
What Is a Slab Leak?
A slab leak occurs when a water line beneath the concrete foundation of your home breaks or leaks. Left untreated, it can cause:
Mold growth and musty odors
Cracks in flooring or walls
High water bills
Foundation shifting or damage
Hot spots on your floors
Why Slab Leaks Are So Common in McKinney, Texas
If you live in McKinney or the greater DFW area, slab leaks are not just a possibility—they're a common issue. North Texas has unique geological and environmental conditions that make homes especially vulnerable to underground pipe damage. Here’s why slab leaks are more frequent here than in other parts of the country:
Expansive Clay Soil
McKinney is built on expansive clay soil, also known as “Houston Black” or “shrink-swell soil.” This type of soil expands significantly when it gets wet and shrinks during dry periods. That constant movement beneath your home’s foundation puts pressure on the water pipes under the concrete slab, causing them to shift, bend, and eventually crack or rupture.
This soil behavior is one of the leading causes of foundation movement and slab leaks in North Texas. According to geological surveys, clay soils in Collin County can shrink and swell several inches with seasonal changes, leading to costly plumbing issues if not monitored and maintained.
Shifting Foundations
Because of the soil’s movement, the concrete slab foundation of your home is constantly under stress. As the ground moves, your foundation can settle unevenly or crack, and the plumbing lines embedded in or below the slab are pulled and strained.
Over time, this movement weakens your pipes—especially copper or cast iron lines—leading to tiny pinhole leaks or full breaks. McKinney homeowners with older foundations are particularly at risk, making slab leak detection and monitoring critical for long-term home health.
Aging Pipes in Older Homes
If your home in McKinney was built before the 1990s, chances are your plumbing system includes copper, galvanized steel, or cast iron piping. These materials, while durable in their time, are now prone to corrosion, mineral buildup, and pressure damage—especially when embedded in concrete.
Even small leaks in these older pipes can go undetected for months, slowly eroding the soil beneath your slab and leading to serious foundation issues. Replacing or rerouting aging pipes is often the best long-term solution to avoid repeat leaks.
Weather Extremes in North Texas
McKinney’s weather patterns are another major contributor to slab leaks. The area experiences intense droughts, sudden downpours, freezing temperatures in winter, and extreme heat in summer—sometimes all within the same month.
These climate fluctuations cause the soil to expand and contract at an accelerated rate, adding extra stress to both your foundation and the plumbing system buried below it. In winter, uninsulated or shallow water lines may even freeze and burst under the slab, leading to emergency repairs.
Signs You Might Have a Slab Leak
Not sure if you’re dealing with a slab leak? Look out for:
Unexplained increases in your water bill
The sound of running water when pipes aren’t in use
Warm or damp spots on floors
Low water pressure
Cracks in walls, baseboards, or tile
Mold, mildew, or musty smells
We use advanced equipment to locate leaks with minimal disruption to your home.
Our Services Include:
Electronic Leak Detection
Thermal Imaging for Hot Water Leaks
Pressure Testing
In-Slab Repair or Rerouting
Camera Inspections
Foundation Coordination (when needed)
Why McKinney Homeowners Trust Smith and Son Plumbing
Local, family-owned company with over 55 years of experience
Licensed, insured, and background-checked technicians
Clean, respectful, and professional service
Transparent, upfront pricing
5-star rated by families throughout Collin, Denton and Dallas Counties
📞 Schedule Your Slab Leak Inspection Today
Worried you might have a slab leak? Don’t wait until it causes thousands in damage.
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Call our Office 24/7 to get scheduled — (214) 214-7522
Financing Options Offered with extended payment terms or zero interest
Same-day and next day availability in most cases
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See our FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a slab leak?
A slab leak occurs when a water line beneath your home’s concrete foundation develops a crack or hole, allowing water to escape into the slab. If left untreated, this can lead to structural issues such as mold growth, foundation damage, and high water bills.
How do I know if I have a slab leak?
Common signs include unusually high water bills, warm or damp spots on your floor, and persistent mold or musty odors inside your home. You might also notice declining water pressure or visible cracks in your tile, walls, or baseboards.
Why are slab leaks so common in McKinney, TX?
McKinney is built on highly expansive clay soil that swells when wet and shrinks when dry, exerting intense pressure on pipes beneath your slab. This constant movement causes rigid plumbing lines to shift, bend, or fracture—making slab leaks a frequent issue in homes built on this soil type.
Are slab leaks covered by homeowners insurance?
Coverage varies by policy—some insurance providers cover damage caused by slab leaks, while others may exclude it or only cover the repair of drywall and flooring. We recommend reading your policy carefully or contacting your insurance agent to confirm.
How do you detect a slab leak without tearing up my floors?
We use non-invasive techniques like electronic leak detection, thermal imaging, and pressure testing to pinpoint leaks with accuracy—all without disrupting your flooring or landscaping . Our approach lets us locate the exact leak before drilling or trenching, minimizing damage and repair time.
How long does it take to repair a slab leak?
Most slab leaks can be repaired within 1–2 days, depending on factors like slab type and pipe accessibility. If rerouting is possible, we often avoid demolition and complete the repair even faster.
Do you have to break my foundation to fix the leak?
Not necessarily. In many cases, we can reroute the plumbing through walls or crawlspaces, avoiding foundation demolition altogether. When foundation access is absolutely required, we only excavate the smallest hole possible and restore it neatly.
Can a slab leak cause foundation damage?
Absolutely—if left unchecked, water leaks under the slab can erode the supporting soil, leading to cracks, uneven settling, and even structural failure of your foundation. That’s why early detection and repair are essential to avoid costly foundation repairs later.
What types of pipes are most prone to slab leaks?
Older homes often used copper or cast iron pipes under the slab, which are more susceptible to corrosion, pitting, and breakage under shifting soil conditions. Homes with polybutylene or outdated plastic piping may also experience slab leaks as these materials become brittle over time.
Do you offer slab leak inspections in McKinney?
Yes—we offer fast, professional slab leak inspections and repairs throughout McKinney and the DFW area. Using advanced tools and local soil knowledge, our technicians quickly assess your situation and provide clear pricing and repair options.
How can I prevent slab leaks in the future?
Maintaining stable soil moisture around your foundation with soaker hoses, proper drainage, and landscaping can reduce soil movement and stress on pipes. Regular inspections every couple of years, especially in older homes, can also help catch early signs before they turn into major issues.
How do I contact your office to talk to someone?
Click Here to contact us through our website.
You can call or text our office at (214) 214-7522 anytime.
Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 8am - 5pm.
License #: M41185
Regulated by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
929 East 4 l Street
Austin, TX 78765
512-458-2145 Ricky Smith RMP-41185
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