A slab leak is a leak in a water line under or inside the concrete slab your home sits on. Slab leak repair starts with finding the exact spot, then fixing it in one of three ways: going through the slab, rerouting the line through walls or the attic, or repiping.
Slab leaks are common in Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Florida and Southern California, where most homes are built on slabs and hard water and ground movement stress the pipes.
When you need slab leak repair
- Warm spots on the floor, from a hot water line
- The sound of running water when everything is off
- A water meter that moves when no water is used
- A sudden jump in the water bill
- Damp carpet, cracked tiles or mold near the floor
What the job involves
- Confirm the leak with a meter test.
- Locate it with acoustic, thermal or pressure equipment.
- Choose the repair: direct access through the slab, reroute, or repipe.
- Repair the pipe and test the system.
- Dry any water damage and restore the floor.
What affects the cost
Sifixit does not quote prices, because every job is different. These are the things that move the price up or down, so you can compare quotes fairly:
- How hard the leak is to find
- Direct repair through the slab, reroute or repipe
- Flooring that must be removed and replaced, especially tile and hardwood
- Water damage drying and mold
- Access, such as furniture and cabinets over the leak
- Permits
Insurance
Many homeowners policies cover the cost to tear out and replace the floor to reach a slab leak, and the water damage it caused, but not the cost of fixing the pipe itself. Policies differ, so ask your insurer about tear out and access coverage before work starts.
Licensing by state
Rules differ a lot between states. Here is who licenses this work in the states Sifixit covers most. Always ask for the license number and check it with the state.
- Texas: Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
- California: Contractors State License Board, C 36 plumbing license.
- Florida: Construction Industry Licensing Board, through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
- Arizona: Registrar of Contractors.
- Nevada: Nevada State Contractors Board.
- Georgia: State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Master Plumbers.
- Colorado: Colorado State Plumbing Board.
- North Carolina: State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors.
Read our guides: slab leak signs and Orange County slab leaks.
Local help for slab leak repair
- Plumbing in Henderson, NV
- Plumbing in Houston, TX
- Plumbing in Irvine, CA
- Plumbing in Las Vegas, NV
- Plumbing in North Las Vegas, NV
- Plumbing in Phoenix, AZ
Quick answers: slab leak repair
How do I know if I have a slab leak?
Warm floor spots, running water sounds, a moving meter and higher bills are common signs.
Is it better to reroute or repair a slab leak?
If the pipes are old or leaks keep happening, rerouting or repiping often makes more sense than breaking the slab.
Does insurance cover slab leak repair?
Often the tear out and water damage, but not the pipe repair itself.
How long does slab leak repair take?
Often one to two days for the repair, plus drying and flooring.
Who fixes slab leaks?
A licensed plumber with leak detection equipment. Sifixit can connect you with a local plumber.
Looking for slab leak repair? Call the number on this page to be connected with an independent local provider. For more background, see the EPA’s WaterSense program.
This site is a free service to assist homeowners in connecting with local service contractors. All contractors are independent and this site does not warrant or guarantee any work performed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to verify that the hired contractor furnishes the necessary license and insurance required for the work being performed. All persons depicted in a photo or video are actors or models and not contractors listed on this site.
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