Slab Leak Repair
A slab leak happens when there’s a leak in plumbing under a home’s concrete foundation. Because the pipes are hidden, the problem is harder to spot right away.
R&L Plumbing provides slab leak repair across San Francisco and the East Bay. We locate the problem first, then recommend a repair based on where the leak is and the condition of the plumbing.
| Sign | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Unexplained water bill spike | Hidden plumbing leak |
| Warm patch on the floor with no radiant heat | Hot-water line leak under the slab |
| Sound of running water with everything off | Active leak somewhere under the foundation |
| Cracks in walls or flooring, or a damp carpet | Water has been escaping long enough to affect the structure |
Signs of a Slab Leak
Watch for things like:
- An unexplained increase in your water bill
- A warm spot on the floor when you don’t have radiant heat
- The sound of running water when fixtures are off
- Damp flooring or moisture with no obvious source
- Lower water pressure
- Cracks or other changes near the affected area
If you notice one or more of these signs, our water leak detection service can help identify whether a slab leak is the cause.
How We Locate a Leak Under a Concrete Slab
We use acoustic listening equipment and pressure testing to narrow down where the leak is before deciding how to reach or repair the pipe. The methods we use depend on the plumbing, the location of the possible leak, and what we find during testing.
If a leak has already been identified but its exact location needs to be narrowed down, our leak line location service focuses on pinpointing the problem along the pipe.
Slab Leak Repair Options
The right repair depends on where the leak is, the condition of the pipe, and whether the problem is isolated or part of a larger plumbing issue. Options may include:
- Spot repair: Opening the slab where needed to reach and repair the damaged pipe
- Pipe rerouting: Running a new section of pipe around the damaged area instead of accessing it through the slab
- Repiping: Replacing aging supply lines when leaks are recurring or the plumbing has widespread problems
We also provide residential plumbing services for other plumbing problems throughout the home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common signs of a slab leak?
Possible signs include an unexplained increase in your water bill, warm spots on the floor, the sound of running water when fixtures are off, damp flooring, or lower water pressure. These symptoms can have other causes, so an inspection can help determine what’s actually happening.
Do you have to break up my entire floor to fix a slab leak?
No. The amount of concrete that needs to be opened depends on the location of the leak and the repair method. In some cases, the damaged section can be accessed directly; in others, rerouting the pipe may avoid opening the slab at that spot.
Can a slab leak be fixed without breaking concrete?
Sometimes. Rerouting the pipe may allow us to bypass the damaged section without opening the slab where the leak is located. Whether that makes sense depends on the plumbing and the layout of the home.
How urgent is a slab leak?
It should be addressed promptly. A leak beneath the slab can waste water and cause damage to flooring or other parts of the home if it continues.
Get Your Slab Leak Located and Fixed
If you think there’s a leak under your home’s concrete foundation, we can find the problem and explain your repair options.