How Serious Is a Slab Leak?
A slab leak is more than just an inconvenience. Because they occur in or beneath your home's concrete foundation, they are often hidden from view, causing widespread damage before you ever see a single wet patch.
Slab leaks can lead to:
- Costly water damage to flooring and walls
- The growth of mold and mildew
- Cracks in the foundation from shifting soil
- Increased water bills from constant leakage

In certain regions with expansive clay soils (like Texas, Oklahoma, and parts of California) ground movement can make slab leaks even more severe. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that 25% of homes in the U.S. experience damage due to shifting soil. If your home is built on a concrete slab, especially if it's older or located in a high-risk region, any leak under that slab should be treated as urgent.
Left untreated, a slab leak can threaten not just your plumbing but your home's stability. The longer it sits, the more extensive and expensive the damage becomes.
Slab Leak Warning Signs Every Homeowner Should Know
Because the pipes are hidden, slab leaks often show subtle signs before major symptoms appear. Knowing what to watch for can help you catch a problem early.
Here are common slab leak warning signs:
- Unexplained Spike in Water Bills: If your water usage hasn't changed but your bill has jumped, a hidden leak could be the culprit.
- Warm or Damp Spots on the Floor: Hot water lines running under the slab can leak, warming specific areas of flooring.
- Cracks in Flooring or Walls: As water seeps out, it can weaken your home's foundation, leading to visible cracks.
- Sound of Running Water: If you hear water running when taps and appliances are off, it may be leaking underground.
- Mold or Mildew Smell: Persistent dampness under the floor can create mold growth, even if you can't see it yet.
- Low Water Pressure: A slab leak can affect water pressure across the house, especially if it's in a main supply line.
Some signs, like increased utility bills, can be easy to overlook. But when paired with other symptoms (like warm flooring or foundation cracks), they can be a strong indicator of a slab leak.
Are Slab Leaks Expensive to Fix?
Slab leak repair costs can vary depending on the approach taken. Typical slab leak cost factors include the size and layout of your home, the location of the leak under the slab, the extent of damage to surrounding areas, and whether the repair is a small, localized fix or involves full repiping.
Here at Repipe Specialists, we focus on full home repiping — a long-term solution that avoids slab foundations altogether. Most of our repipes range from $4,500 to $15,000, depending on home size and complexity.
For many homeowners, our repipe services have cost less than the cumulative expense of multiple in-slab repairs. We also offer financing options to help manage unexpected repair costs. Contact us to have one of our local repipe consultants explain your repipe options and provide a consultation and quote, either in-home or remotely.
For a more detailed break down on cost factors, we have an article dedicated to the best method for repairing a slab leak.
Get your free estimate today
With over 75,000 repipes completed, we've perfected our One-Stop Repipe™ for your home.
Can You Fix a Slab Leak Without Digging?
Yes, and in most cases, it's the better option. Traditional in-slab repairs can be invasive and expensive. Digging through the concrete slab to access a leaking pipe may cost thousands, especially if multiple attempts or areas are involved.
That doesn't even begin to cover how disruptive and messy the short-term fix can be. Even if the pipe is repaired, the conditions that caused the leak (like shifting soil, high water pressure, or poor installation) can still exist.

That's why we recommend rerouting your plumbing as a long-term solution. Our One-Stop Repipe™ process avoids digging entirely by capping off old slab lines in place and installing new, durable PEX or copper pipes through walls, ceilings, and attics.
The entire job is typically completed in just 1-2 days with minimal disruption and includes wall patching and inspection. To give homeowners added peace of mind, all our work is backed by a lifetime warranty. This approach not only eliminates the need to dig through your foundation, but also helps prevent slab leaks from happening again.
Get a Free Slab Leak Repipe Quote
Here at Repipe Specialists, we've helped thousands of homeowners resolve slab leaks by replacing their damaged under-slab plumbing since 1991. A full repipe is a long-term solution that can help you avoid recurring leaks, water damage, and costly foundation repairs. We consistently receive positive feedback from homeowners about their slab leak repipe experience. We often exceed expectations when it comes to:
- 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 walk you through your repipe options and provide a written, fixed-price quote. Don't let a slab leak become a foundation problem, repipe now and protect your home for good.
