Every year, nearly 1 trillion gallons of water are wasted in U.S. homes due to leaks, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A slab leak repair might be needed if you’ve seen cracks in your floors, noticed warm spots, or had an unexplained spike in your water bill. The longer you wait, the worse the damage can get, leading to expensive foundation repairs, mold growth, and wasted water.
The good news is that catching a slab leak early can save you time, money, and stress. In this guide, we’ll go over what causes slab leaks, how to find them, and the best ways to fix them.
What Causes Slab Leaks?
Slab leaks don’t just happen overnight. They develop over time due to various factors, many of which stem from natural wear and tear or environmental conditions. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Corrosion of Pipes: Older homes with copper or galvanized steel pipes are at higher risk of corrosion. Over time, minerals in the water react with the metal, leading to pinhole leaks.
- High Water Pressure: Excessive water pressure can weaken pipes, causing small fractures that develop into full-blown leaks.
- Soil Shifting and Foundation Movement: In areas with expansive clay soils, the ground expands and contracts with changes in moisture levels, putting stress on buried pipes.
- Poor Construction or Pipe Installation: If pipes were bent or kinked during installation, they might develop weak points that eventually lead to leaks.
- Abrasion from Concrete or Rocks: Over time, pipes rub against rough surfaces, wearing down and creating leaks.
More: Why Delaying Burst Pipe Repair Can Lead to Major Home Damage
How to Detect a Slab Leak Early
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Checking Your Water Meter for Hidden Leaks
One of the simplest ways to check for a hidden slab leak is by monitoring your water meter:
- Turn off all water sources in your home, including faucets, washing machines, and dishwashers.
- Locate your water meter and check the flow indicator (a small spinning dial).
- If the indicator moves while no water is being used, there is likely a leak in your plumbing system.
- To confirm it’s a slab leak, shut off the main valve leading to your house and recheck the meter. The leak is inside your home’s plumbing system if the dial stops moving.
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Using Thermal Imaging and Leak Detection Technology
Advanced thermal imaging cameras and acoustic leak detection devices can help pinpoint a slab leak without tearing up your floors. These technologies detect temperature variations or sound frequencies caused by escaping water beneath the foundation.
Plumbers use electronic leak detection tools to listen for escaping water or measure temperature fluctuations, identifying potential leaks without causing unnecessary damage.
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Call a Professional for Leak Detection
A slab leak is not something you want to ignore. The longer it goes undetected, the worse the damage can get. If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s time to call a slab leak repair expert:
- A higher-than-normal water bill – If your water usage has remained the same, but your bill keeps going up, a hidden leak could be the cause.
- Warm or damp spots on the floor – A leak in your hot water line under the concrete slab can create warm patches on your flooring.
- Cracks in walls or flooring – Water from a slab leak can weaken your home’s foundation, leading to visible cracks over time.
- Hearing running water when no taps are on – If you hear water flowing but everything is turned off, there might be a leak under your home.
- Mold, mildew, or musty smells – Excess moisture from a hidden water leak can create the perfect conditions for mold and mildew, leading to health problems.
Slab Leak Repair Options
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Trenchless Pipe Repair (Epoxy Coating or Pipe Lining):
This is a minimally invasive solution in which a special epoxy coating is applied inside the pipes to seal leaks. Instead of digging up your foundation, plumbers insert the epoxy into the pipe, which hardens and creates a new, leak-proof lining. This method is ideal for small leaks or multiple tiny leaks. It’s a great option to avoid major disruption to your home while effectively fixing the problem.
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Pipe Rerouting (Repiping):
If a pipe under the slab is badly damaged or has multiple leaks, pipe rerouting may be the best solution. Instead of breaking through the concrete to fix the old pipes, plumbers install new ones along a different path—such as through walls, ceilings, or attics. This method is effective when the existing plumbing system is in poor condition and requires a long-term fix. While it might involve some work inside the home, it prevents further slab-related damage and can improve the overall durability of your plumbing.
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Jackhammering and Direct Pipe Repair:
For isolated leaks where rerouting isn’t an option, plumbers may need to cut through the concrete slab to directly access and repair the damaged pipe. This is a more traditional and invasive approach, requiring jackhammering to expose the leak. Once the repair is completed, the concrete is patched and restored. While this method can be disruptive, it is sometimes the only solution if the leak is in a difficult location.
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Tunneling Under the Foundation:
When multiple leaks are present or if the damage is extensive, tunneling under the foundation can be a better alternative to cutting through the slab. Instead of breaking up floors inside your home, plumbers dig tunnels beneath the house to access and repair the damaged pipes. Although this method is more expensive, it prevents damage to your interior flooring and living spaces, making it a preferred option for homeowners who want to avoid major disruptions inside their homes.
Each slab leak repair method has different costs, timelines, and levels of disruption. A professional plumber can evaluate your situation and recommend the most efficient and cost-effective solution. If you suspect a hidden water leak, don’t wait—call Custom Plumbing of Arizona at 602-866-2665 today for an inspection. Acting early can help you avoid costly foundation damage and water waste.
Contact Custom Plumbing of Arizona for Expert Slab Leak Repair
At Custom Plumbing of Arizona, we specialize in slab leak repair and detection. We use state-of-the-art technology to locate and fix leaks with minimal disruption. Our experienced plumbers will guide you through the best repair options and provide expert solutions tailored to your home’s needs. Call us today at 602-866-2665 to schedule a slab leak inspection and protect your home from further foundation water damage.