Many homes have water lines that run through or beneath the concrete slab. When one of those pipes leaks, the water can undermine soil, soak flooring and drive up your bill, all without any obvious sign at first. Because the pipe is buried in or under concrete, repairs take planning and the right approach.

Slab leaks have several causes. Older metal pipes can corrode from the outside or inside. Ground movement can stress lines. High water pressure and abrasion where pipes rub against concrete or gravel can wear through a pipe over time. Whatever the cause, the first job is to find the leak accurately so the repair is as targeted as possible.

Our plumbers inspect, locate and explain the options for slab leaks. We discuss repair in place, rerouting the line or replacing a section so you can choose the best long-term answer for your home.

A slab leak visit starts with a conversation and a few simple tests. We ask what you have noticed and then check your meter to see whether water is leaking at all. If it is, we determine whether the problem is on the hot or cold side by testing the lines.

Locating the leak is the most important step. Pinpointing the spot lets us open as little of the floor as possible, which keeps costs and mess down. We use appropriate detection methods and verify our findings before any cutting.

Once we know where the leak is, we explain the options. A spot repair may be a good answer when the pipe is otherwise healthy. If the pipe is old or leaking in several places, rerouting or repiping may be more sensible. We discuss the trade-offs honestly.

If we need to open the slab, we protect the work area and keep dust and debris under control. After the repair, we test the line, patch the opening and talk with you about flooring and finish work.

We also check water pressure and look for conditions that may have contributed to the leak. High pressure or aggressive water can shorten pipe life, and addressing those issues helps prevent a repeat.

Slab leaks are stressful, but they are manageable. We will keep you informed and help you decide on the approach that fits your home and budget.

Timing matters with slab leaks. Water that escapes under a foundation can wash away fine soil and leave a void, and over time that can contribute to cracking or uneven floors. Acting when you first notice a warm spot or a bill increase is much better than waiting for visible damage.

It also helps to know what you will live with during the repair. Opening a slab creates dust and noise, and the work area may be off limits for a day or more. We plan the work to keep disruption reasonable and tell you in advance what to expect in your home.

If your home has older pipe that has leaked once, there is a good chance it will leak again somewhere else. We look at the age and condition of the lines and give you an honest view on whether a single repair is likely to hold or whether a larger project would serve you better.