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Slab Leak Detection & Repair for Hidden Water Leaks Under Foundations
Slab leaks often go unnoticed in Southern California homes on clay soil, as shifting earth and corrosion create hidden pinholes in copper pipes. Repipe1 uses advanced electronic detection, water line reroutes, and slab leak repairs to protect your home.
How to Spot a Water Leak Under Your Foundation
- Unexplained water bill spikes: A sudden jump in your monthly bill almost always means water is constantly leaking somewhere out of sight.
- Warm spots on the floor: If a patch of your tile, laminate, or wood floor feels unusually hot under your feet, a buried hot water line beneath the concrete has likely split open.
- Moving water meter dial: If the small dial on your water meter keeps spinning when every single faucet and appliance in the house is completely turned off.
- Damp floors and wet carpets: Water pooling under the concrete eventually pushes upward, causing warped wood planks, loose tiles, or musty, wet carpets.
- Running water sound: You hear a quiet, continuous running sound under the floors or behind the baseboards when the house is completely silent.
Slab Leak or Plumbing Leak?
Knowing whether a leak is located in your accessible plumbing or hidden beneath your concrete foundation saves time and money:
Localized Plumbing Leak
- Located under a sink, on a visible pipe, or at a fixture connection.
- Easy to see and access without specialized equipment.
Slab Leak
- Located beneath the concrete foundation slab.
- Causes unexplained water usage and warm floors.
- Traps moisture beneath flooring and creates foundation concerns.
Common Causes of Slab Leaks
Corrosion
Chemical reaction of soil with the metals used to make the pipes gradually destroys their outer walls.
Hard water
Buildup of minerals due to local water can create wear inside the pipes.
Soil shift
Clays shift when wet and dry, resulting in rubbing of pipes buried in the soil with the hard concrete foundation or rock.
Concrete scraping
Pipes that move because of the soil shift will create friction with the concrete, which scrapes holes into the metal pipe.
Improper installation
Pipes may have been improperly laid or have bends that create physical pressure on the pipes.
Old copper
Constant water pressure weakens the walls of the pipes over decades, particularly where there are soldered joints under the slab.
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Homeowners
What Southern California Homeowners Say About Repipe1
We would always hear the sound of running water in our 1964 Los Angeles home despite all taps being shut off. The crew conducted the pressure test to find that there was a pinhole leak in the copper pipe under our foundation. They got everything done above ground within a day and cleaned up our entire home.
Our Advanced Slab Leak Detection Methods
We never make assumptions about the location of the leak nor will we dig into your floors unnecessarily. The team here makes use of cutting-edge technology to precisely pinpoint the location of the leak without causing damage:
- Acoustic detection: This means that we make use of ground microphones that can hear the sound of pressurized water escaping from the pipe underneath the floor.
- Thermal imaging: With our thermal cameras, we can detect temperature change in your floors, which allows us to locate any hidden hot water lines without disturbing any furniture or removing any carpeting.
- Line pressure testing: Using pressure gauges on isolated plumbing systems helps us pinpoint the line pressure and the leak.
How We Determine the Right Slab Leak Repair
- Spot repair: Excavating a small part of the concrete slab to fix the leak at the spot.
- Overhead line bypass: Installing a new flexible line made of PEX in walls and attic, with the old damaged one buried in the concrete slab being sealed.
- Partial repipe: Replace only the vulnerable section to prevent future leaks.
- Complete repipe: Install an entirely new plumbing system if leaks are widespread.
- Remove affected pipes: Remove old underground pipes after installing an overhead bypass.
Every Slab Leak Service Includes
- Leak detection – Electronic and thermal leak detection to locate hidden slab leaks.
- Confirmation testing – Extensive pressure tests to confirm that your pipes do not have holes.
- Repair recommendations – Advice on whether to repair or install an overhead line bypass.
- Pipe repair – Expert repair service using high-quality lead-free products.
- Pressure test – Post-repair pressure test to rule out any secondary leaks.
- Clean up – Sanitizing and removing debris from your work area.
- Homeowner briefing – Explanation of the results of your diagnosis and repairs.
Our Operational Standards
- We check for leaks before suggesting repairs.
- Pressure testing is done once all repairs are completed.
- All installations meet the California Plumbing Code regulations.
- Repairs are thoroughly explained before doing them.
Schedule a Slab Leak Evaluation
An on-site visit provides clarity before starting any work. During your appointment, a licensed technician performs electronic leak detection and pressure testing to pinpoint hidden underground water loss. You receive clear repair options, an evaluation for an overhead line bypass, and a written, upfront estimate with no hidden surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Slab leaks are typically caused by pipe corrosion, hard water wear, shifting clay soils, and constant friction between buried copper pipes and the concrete foundation.
No. Once a pressurized pipe develops a pinhole leak or crack, the constant water pressure will continue to widen the opening and erode the soil beneath your foundation.
An overhead PEX line bypass is usually better than a concrete spot repair because it abandons the old, failing sub-slab pipe entirely, preventing future leaks from popping up nearby.
Most standard policies cover the cost of leak detection and breaking through floors to access the pipe, though they generally exclude the cost of the replacement pipe itself. We provide fully documented test records to help support your claim.
Most overhead line reroutes and targeted repairs can be completed within one to two days, depending on the size of your home and the chosen repair method.
Yes. Escaping pressurized water washes away supporting soil beneath the concrete slab, which can lead to foundation shifting, floor cracking, and structural settling if left unaddressed.
