What is going on
In a slab home, water lines often run under or through the concrete. When one leaks, the water has nowhere to go but into the soil and up through flooring. Hot lines are the most common: heat expands the pipe, and abrasion against concrete or rock wears through it over time. Signs include warm floor areas, cracks in tile, hissing or rushing sounds, mold behind baseboards, or a sudden jump in water use. Ignoring it can affect the soil supporting your foundation.
What we check
- 01
Confirm a leak exists
Meter test and line isolation to rule out toilets, faucets and irrigation.
- 02
Hot or cold side
Each side tested separately to narrow the line.
- 03
Acoustic location
Ground microphones pick up leak noise through the slab.
- 04
Thermal scan
Hot-side leaks show up as warm patterns on the floor surface.
- 05
Mark the spot
Spot flagged on the floor so the concrete cut stays tight.
Your options
Direct access repair
Cut a small opening in the slab at the marked spot and repair the line.
Reroute
Abandon the under-slab line and run new pipe through walls or attic.
Partial or full repipe
Multiple slab leaks or failing pipe throughout.
Before we get there
If you feel a warm spot on the floor, the hot side is likely leaking. Close the cold inlet valve at the water heater to stop feeding it until we arrive. Note where the warm or damp spot is and how long you have noticed it.