Do You Have a Leak Under Your Slab? Here's What To Do.

Warning Signs of a Leak Under Slab

If you believe you have a leak in the freshwater lines under your slab, there are several clear warning signs to look out for.

If you're unsure whether these warning signs indicate a leak under your slab, we have some tips to help you figure it out. Knowing these signs will help you determine the best course of action.

It's important to act early and address the signs before they lead to bigger problems, like structural issues in your home. Here is our list of the Top Ten signs to look out for:

1. Dampness and Wet Spots on the Floor: This is one of the more common signs of a leak under your slab. If you see dampness or wet spots on the floor that aren't from other sources, it could mean a pipe is leaking under the slab. This includes issues like outside drainage or irrigation near the house. Moisture from a slab leak can also cause wood flooring or baseboards to warp or buckle.



2. Unexplained Increase in Water Bills: If your water bill suddenly spikes without any corresponding increase in water usage, it may be a sign that water is leaking somewhere in your home. This warning sign often comes from a bigger leak, as smaller leaks can be hard to notice over time.
3. Musty and Moldy Smells: Moisture from a leak under the slab can create the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth in areas of the home that are located close to the slab. These areas can typically be hidden from view, such as under cabinets or at the base of wall cavities. If you notice a musty or moldy smell in your home, it could be a sign of a leak.
4. Water Stains or Discoloration on Walls: Leaks under the slab can cause water to leak into lower parts of walls and around baseboards, creating stains or discoloration. If you notice stains or discoloration appearing suddenly, acting quickly is key to ensure there is no structural damage caused by a slab leak.



5. Hot Spots on the Floor: Warm or hot spots on the floor beneath the slab can be a sign that a hot water line is leaking under the slab. This warning sign is relatively easy to spot.
6. Cracks in the Foundation or Walls: Over time, the shifting or settling of a foundation due to a leak under the slab can cause cracks in the foundation or walls of your home. The movement of soil can be affected by a leak or caused directly by one. This problem can be attributed to expansive soil, which directly affects the foundation of the home.
7. Sudden Sinkholes or Depressions Around the Foundation: A leak under the slab can cause soil erosion. This can lead to the formation of sinkholes or depressions around the foundation of your home. A leak under the slab can also create abnormal settling or shifting of the foundation due to the moisture content of the soil around the home.
8. Puddles of Water Around the Foundation: Puddles or moisture around your home's foundation may indicate a slab leak. Be sure to distinguish this from water pooling due to leaking irrigation pipes or over-watering, which are easier to fix. If water pools unexpectedly, act quickly to prevent damage to your foundation.
9. Low Water Pressure: A leak under the slab can cause a sudden drop in water pressure or other water pressure problems.
10. Sound of Running Water: The sound of running water, even when all faucets are turned off, could be a sign of a leak under your slab. It's important to check this by turning off your main water supply to see if the sound persists. If it does, there's a high likelihood that there's a leak under your slab.

If you've noticed any of these warning signs, there's a high probability that you have a leak under your slab.

If you suspect a slab leak in your home, give us a call today to get a free quote for a permanent slab leak solution. If the leak is slower or harder to detect, we may be able to recommend a local detection company to help you verify the presence of a leak under your slab.

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Stopping a Leak Under Slab

If you find a leak in the plumbing under your slab, it's important to act quickly to minimize damage to your home. Shutting off your home's main water supply valve is the only way to temporarily stop a slab water leak.

Going without fresh water can be inconvenient. However, if the leak is significant, you must turn off the water and leave it off until the leak is repaired. Any substantial water flow under your slab can erode your home's foundation and cause serious, costly damage.

At Repipe Specialists, we prioritize customers with active leaks and those who may be without fresh water supply. Give us a call to schedule a free quote (be sure to mention you have an active leak). Our full home repipes take only 1 or 2 days, and we'll get your fresh water running again ASAP.

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Fixing Leaks Under or in Concrete Slabs

If you've experienced a leak under or in your concrete slab, the most cost-effective solution is a complete repipe rather than repairing the pipes in your slab.

To replace leaking pipes in a slab, the concrete foundation needs to be cut and jackhammered to access the damaged pipes. Often, multiple holes and significant areas need to be cut open. Not only is this intrusive, but it can also be incredibly expensive.

We've seen situations where homeowners receive quotes for in-slab pipe repairs that far exceed our complete repipe costs. We would describe any in-place slab leak repair as "temporary" because whatever caused the leak in the first place is likely to happen again.

All of our repipes bypass the concrete slab entirely, rerouting pipes through walls, ceilings, and attics. Through our One Stop Repipe™ process, we can complete a full repipe in just 1-2 days and turn your water back on at the end of each day. We also handle everything from permits to wall patching.

Our repipes provide you with the peace of mind that you won't have to deal with future leaks under your slab ever again.

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Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover Leaks Under Slabs?

Your homeowners insurance may cover leaks under your slab, but not necessarily all causes.

Possible exclusions for insurance coverage of under-slab leaks

• The leak is determined to be from normal wear and tear
• Earthquake exclusions
• Faulty installation or poor maintenance
• General foundation settling/ cracking (causing pipes to break)

It's important to know what your homeowners insurance policy will cover in case of a leak under your slab. We have an article covering some of the main causes of leaks in slabs.

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Preventing Future Leaks Under Your Slab

You can easily avoid the problems that arise from leaks under a slab by choosing a complete home repipe.

After the repipe, you won't have any fresh water plumbing running through your slab, making it a permanent solution for avoiding future slab leaks.

We handle everything—from inspection to wall patching—and back our work with a lifetime warranty. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes from never having to worry about slab leaks again.

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Get a Quote for Repiping Your Home

Here at Repipe Specialists, we've fixed slab leaks using across the United States. We continually get positive customer feedback from customers about their overall home repipe experiences. We often exceed their expectations on:

• Speed: Our repipe crews typically complete a repipe in a day, returning on another day for wall patching.
• Convenience: Through our One-Stop Repipe™ process, we handle everything from permits, to wall patching, to inspections.
• Cleanliness: Our crews are trained to protect your home while working (we cover all surfaces with protective sheeting), and to clean up fully at the end of each day.
• Peace of Mind: Repipe Specialists is a fully licensed plumber in every state we operate in, and we back all of our repipes with a lifetime warranty.
• Financing programs: To help take the sting out of unplanned repipe expenses, we offer several financing programs.
• Price: As a specialist that performs hundreds of repipes a week, we can deliver high-quality repipes at a lower cost vs generalist plumbers. We have an article that covers repipe cost factors in detail.

Schedule a free in-home consult, and one of our local repipe consultants will explain all your repipe options and provide you with a written, fixed-price quote. Beat slab leaks, repipe now.

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