Slab Leaks
Slab Leaks | Emergency Plumbing | Plumbing | Charleston
When water starts surfacing through your floors, speed matters. HEP’s licensed technicians arrive fast, armed with advanced acoustic and thermal imaging tools that pinpoint hard-to-find slab leaks without tearing up half your home. From shutting off the source and rerouting lines to repairing foundation damage, we handle everything on the spot—saving you time, money, and stress in Charleston’s unpredictable coastal climate.
Day or night, our hotline connects you directly to real people who understand the urgency of slab leaks and other emergency plumbing nightmares. Transparent, upfront pricing, a tidy workspace, and a workmanship guarantee mean you can breathe easy while we restore water flow—and your peace of mind—before minor seepage turns into major structural headaches.
FAQs
What is a slab leak and why is it considered a plumbing emergency?
A slab leak is a break or crack in the water or sewer lines that run beneath the concrete foundation (slab) of your home. Because the pipes are encased in concrete, leaking water has nowhere to go except into the slab and surrounding soil, which can undermine the foundation, create mold growth, and damage floors and walls. In Charleston’s humid coastal climate, moisture issues escalate quickly, so addressing a slab leak immediately helps prevent structural damage and costly repairs.
What warning signs might indicate I have a slab leak in my Charleston property?
Common indicators include: (1) unexplained spikes in your water bill, (2) the sound of running water when all fixtures are off, (3) warm or damp spots on the floor, especially tile or hardwood, (4) cracks in walls or flooring that appear suddenly, (5) mildew odors or visible mold, and (6) lowered water pressure. Any combination of these symptoms warrants a professional inspection, particularly in older Lowcountry homes with copper or galvanized pipes.
What should I do while waiting for an emergency plumber to arrive?
First, shut off the main water supply valve to stop further leakage. Next, turn off your water heater to prevent damage to the unit. If water is seeping into living spaces, use towels or a wet-dry vacuum to remove standing water and place fans to improve airflow. Avoid using electrical appliances near wet areas. Do not attempt to jackhammer or dig around the slab yourself—improper work can worsen the problem and void insurance coverage.
How do professional plumbers locate a slab leak without tearing up my floors?
We use non-invasive leak detection technology. Electronic amplification equipment listens for the exact sound signature of water escaping under the slab. Thermal imaging cameras identify hot or cold spots created by leaking supply lines. Pressure tests isolate the affected pipe circuit. By combining these methods, we pinpoint the leak within inches, allowing us to create a small access point or reroute piping, minimizing disruption to your home.
How long does slab leak repair take, and will my water be shut off the entire time?
Most slab leak repairs in Charleston can be completed within one day. Simple direct-access repairs may take 4–6 hours, while pipe reroutes can require up to 8–10 hours. Your water will be shut off during the actual repair, but we strive to restore service as soon as the new or repaired line is pressurized and tested. In many cases, we can provide temporary water to essential fixtures with bypass lines.
Does homeowners insurance cover slab leak detection and repair in South Carolina?
Coverage varies by policy, but many insurers will pay for access to the leak (e.g., breaking and patching concrete) and any ensuing water damage, while excluding the actual pipe repair. Some policies cover both detection and repair if the leak was “sudden and accidental.” Because slab leaks often occur gradually, prompt reporting is crucial. We provide detailed documentation and photos to support your claim and can communicate directly with your adjuster to streamline the process.