Slab Leaks
Slab Leaks | Plumbing | Guild
Imagine waking up to warm spots on your floor or a mysterious spike in your water bill—those hidden slab leaks can turn from nuisance to nightmare fast. HEP’s seasoned technicians in Guild use advanced acoustic sensors and infrared cameras to pinpoint the problem without tearing up your home. From swift leak isolation to precise repairs, we restore your foundation’s integrity while keeping your daily routine intact.
As a locally trusted name in plumbing, HEP backs every repair with clear pricing, tidy workmanship, and a satisfaction guarantee. Whether you need an urgent fix or a proactive inspection, our team is ready 24/7 to protect your property, save you money, and bring lasting peace of mind.
FAQs
What exactly is a slab leak?
A slab leak is a water leak that occurs in the pressurized supply or drain lines that run beneath the concrete foundation (or “slab”) of your home. Because the pipes are encased in or under concrete, any leak can remain hidden for a long time, gradually saturating soil, eroding the slab, and driving up your water bill before you even notice visible symptoms.
What warning signs should Guild homeowners look for?
Typical indicators include unexplained spikes in water bills, the sound of running water when no fixtures are on, warm or damp spots on floors, cracks in walls or flooring, mildew or musty odors, and low water pressure. If you observe any of these symptoms, it’s wise to schedule a professional inspection quickly to rule out or confirm a slab leak.
What causes slab leaks in the first place?
The most common causes are: (1) Corroded copper or galvanized pipes from mineral-rich or acidic water, (2) Abrasion—pipes rubbing against concrete as they expand and contract, (3) Poor installation practices including kinked or nicked lines, (4) High water pressure that stresses joints, and (5) Soil movement or foundation shifting, which can stress or crack buried pipes.
How do plumbers locate a leak that’s hidden under concrete?
Experienced slab-leak specialists use non-invasive electronic leak detection tools. Acoustic listening devices pick up the sound of escaping water, while thermal imaging cameras reveal temperature changes caused by hot-water line leaks. In some cases, tracer gas or video pipe inspection is used. These methods allow technicians to pinpoint the leak within a few inches without breaking up large areas of flooring.
What can happen if I ignore a suspected slab leak?
Leaving a slab leak unresolved can lead to severe structural damage, foundation heaving, mold growth, flooring failure, inflated utility bills, and even plumbing system collapse. The longer water undermines the slab, the more extensive—and expensive—the repairs become, often extending beyond plumbing to foundation remediation and mold abatement.
How are slab leaks repaired and how much disruption should I expect?
There are three primary repair approaches: (1) Spot repair—jack-hammering a small section of floor to fix or replace the damaged pipe segment; (2) Pipe rerouting—abandoning the leaking line and installing new piping through walls or ceilings, avoiding further slab work; and (3) Epoxy pipe lining—injecting epoxy into the existing pipe to seal pinhole leaks (best for small, multiple leaks). The right method depends on pipe condition, leak location, and budget. Most projects are completed in one to two days, and reputable plumbers will minimize dust, protect furnishings, and clean up thoroughly afterward.