When water appears around a water heater, it’s easy to assume the heater itself is leaking. That’s exactly what one Pinellas County family thought when they noticed water pooling on their laundry room floor. But thanks to the expert leak detection services provided by I Find Leaks, the true cause of the problem was uncovered — and it wasn’t the water heater at all.
This case highlights why accurate slab and underground leak detection is so crucial for homeowners across Pinellas County, from St. Petersburg to Clearwater, Dunedin, and Largo.
It Started With Water Around the Water Heater
Caption: Water heater closet with standing water — the first sign of a hidden slab leak.
When Tyler from I Find Leaks arrived, the family showed him the water pooling under their water heater. They had already called a plumber, thinking the appliance had failed. However, after a careful inspection, Tyler confirmed that the water heater was dry — and the leak was coming from somewhere else.
In areas like Safety Harbor and Seminole, homes often have older copper pipes running under concrete slabs. Even a tiny leak can make water surface in surprising places. That’s why it’s so important to have real expertise in water leak detection instead of relying on guesswork.
Searching for the Leak Behind the Wall
Caption: Closet behind the water heater — Tyler marked the suspected leak spot with a blue X.
Following the water trail, Tyler checked the adjacent closet behind the water heater. The floor was damp, and clothes hanging inside felt humid. On the white tile floor, he marked a small blue X — pinpointing where he believed the leak was coming from, based on pressure readings and acoustic testing using thermal and electronic leak detection technology.
We recently saw a similar case while working on a high water bill mystery in Gulfport — where precise leak detection prevented unnecessary destruction.
Investigating a Tangle of Pipes
Caption: Close-up of Tyler’s leak location mark — Ethernet cables nearby complicated the search.
Behind the wall, Tyler found several utilities bundled together: a copper water pipe, Ethernet internet cords, and an AC condensate drain. It’s situations like this where using the right tools — and having the right experience — makes all the difference. A wrong guess could mean cutting into walls unnecessarily and destroying the home’s infrastructure.
Residents of Oldsmar, Pinellas Park, and Feather Sound often face similar hidden leak issues, which is why targeted services like copper pipe leak detection are so valuable.
Zeroing in on the Hidden Leak
Caption: Water pooling around a 3¼-inch copper pipe, with drywall saturation clearly visible.
Getting closer, Tyler discovered the real problem — a leaking 3¼-inch copper pipe hidden behind the wall and under the slab. Water had already started saturating the drywall and baseboards.
Without proper leak detection, homeowners can face soaring water bills. If you’ve been surprised by a huge bill, our guide to high water bill help may be useful — even if no obvious leak is visible.
This situation also reminded us of a case in St. Petersburg, where catching a slab leak early saved the homeowner thousands of dollars.
Capturing the Evidence
Caption: Water spraying from a neoprene sleeve — visual confirmation of an active leak.
For documentation and clarity, Tyler increased water pressure slightly so we could photograph the leak in action. Water sprayed forcefully out of a neoprene sleeve covering the pipe, showing just how much pressure a pinhole leak can release behind walls.
In Clearwater, Palm Harbor, and St. Pete Beach, this type of hidden spray is often the cause of unexplained wet floors or persistent moisture — even when no dripping is seen.
We also documented how a tiny slab leak in Pinellas County caused a staggering spike in a homeowner’s water bill.
The Power of a Pinhole
Caption: A close-up of the slab leak aggressively spraying water from the copper pipe.
The final close-up shows the full force of water escaping from the tiny underground hole. It doesn’t take a massive pipe break to cause significant damage — just a small pinhole leak under your slab can undermine your foundation over time.
Homeowners across Belleair, Indian Rocks Beach, and Kenneth City should be aware of the warning signs. If you have no visible leaks but a high water bill, you may still have a slab leak silently costing you money.
We’ve also seen cases in Pinellas Park where identifying a single hidden slab leak prevented extensive and expensive home repairs.
Why Pinellas County Homeowners Trust I Find Leaks
At I Find Leaks, we specialize in accurate, non-invasive leak detection. We proudly serve all of Pinellas County — from bustling downtown St. Petersburg to peaceful neighborhoods in Palm Harbor and Seminole.
Our licensed team uses the latest technology to provide clear answers fast — without guesswork, destruction, or expensive “exploratory” digging. Learn more about our full range of slab and underground leak detection services or browse how we help with water leak detection.
- ✅ We pinpoint the problem.
- ✅ We protect your home.
- ✅ We save you time, money, and stress.
Suspect a Slab Leak? Call the Experts.
If you notice unexplained water, damp flooring, or a sudden spike in your water bill, don’t wait. Hidden leaks only get worse with time.
📞 Call or Text I Find Leaks at (727) 409-2815 today!
Or visit iFindLeaks.com to schedule your professional leak detection service.
