A slab leak is one of the most serious plumbing problems a homeowner can face. It happens when a water line running beneath your concrete foundation starts leaking, allowing water to escape into the slab or surrounding soil.
Left untreated, a slab leak can cause high water bills, structural damage, and mold growth inside your home.
Scott Hale provides professional slab leak repair services for homes and businesses across Salt Lake City. Using advanced water leak detection technology, we locate and repair hidden leaks quickly and accurately, preventing further damage to your property.
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What is a Slab Leak?
A slab leak occurs when a pipe under the concrete foundation of a building breaks or develops a small hole. Because these lines are buried, the water seeps into the ground or foundation instead of showing up right away inside your home.
Most homes in Salt Lake City are built on concrete slabs rather than basements, which makes early detection especially important. The leak may start small, but over time, the constant flow of water can erode soil, weaken the foundation, and lead to cracks or uneven floors.
Professional plumbing repair is the safest and most reliable way to handle slab leaks. Specialized equipment helps pinpoint the exact source without tearing up flooring unnecessarily.
What Causes Slab Leaks?
Several factors can cause slab leaks, and understanding them helps prevent future problems. In Salt Lake City, soil movement and temperature swings are common triggers.
Typical causes include:
- Corrosion or rust on older copper or steel pipes
- Abrasion from pipes rubbing against gravel or concrete
- High water pressure that stresses pipe joints
- Shifts in the soil from freeze-thaw cycles
- Poor installation or materials in older homes
- Chemical reactions between metal pipes and the surrounding concrete
Over time, even small changes in soil pressure can crack or weaken buried lines. Once a leak starts, it continues until it’s repaired, so early detection is critical.
How to Detect Leaks
Because slab leaks occur out of sight, they’re often discovered through indirect warning signs.
You may have a slab leak if you notice:
- Unexplained spikes in your water bill
- The sound of running water when all fixtures are off
- Warm spots on flooring where a hot water line is leaking
- Cracks forming in the walls or foundation
- Damp carpet, warped wood, or a musty smell inside the home
- Low water pressure or air in your pipes
If you suspect a slab or foundation leak, turn off the water at the main valve and call a professional immediately. Scott Hale’s water leak detection specialists use acoustic sensors and thermal imaging to locate leaks accurately without guesswork.
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How Are Slab Leaks Repaired?
The right repair method depends on the pipe’s condition, the leak’s location, and how accessible it is. At Scott Hale, we’ll walk you through every option before starting work.
Common slab leak repair methods include:
- Direct access repair: We open a small section of the concrete above the leak, replace the damaged pipe, and patch the area when finished.
- Rerouting: If multiple leaks are found or pipes are severely corroded, we reroute new piping through walls or ceilings to bypass the slab entirely.
- Pipe lining: For some systems, an epoxy coating can be applied inside the existing pipe to seal small cracks without excavation.
- Tunneling: In rare cases, we dig a small tunnel under the foundation to reach and repair the leak from below, preserving flooring and finishes.
Our team uses modern equipment and methods to minimize disruption while ensuring a permanent fix.
What is the Right Slab Leak Repair Option?
There isn’t a single best method for every home. The right slab leak repair depends on your home’s plumbing layout, the pipe material, and how extensive the damage is.
For newer homes in SLC, rerouting or pipe lining may be the most efficient option. Older homes with galvanized or copper pipes often benefit from full pipe replacement to prevent future leaks.
Our technicians will inspect the system, explain each approach, and recommend the most cost-effective, long-term solution for your property.
Scott Hale’s plumbers are experienced in foundation leak repair and water line repair for all types of residential and commercial systems. We handle every step, from diagnosis to cleanup, with care and clear communication.
Schedule Professional Slab Leak Repair in Salt Lake City
If you think you might have a slab leak, don’t wait. Water under your foundation can quickly cause damage that’s expensive to repair. Scott Hale’s licensed plumbers provide fast, accurate leak detection and professional foundation leak repair services across Salt Lake City.
Call today to schedule an inspection. We’ll locate the leak, explain your options, and complete the repair with minimal disruption to your home.
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FAQs
How serious is a slab leak?
Very serious. Left alone, it can weaken your foundation, create mold problems, and lead to costly repairs.
How long does slab leak repair take?
Most repairs take one to two days, depending on the location and extent of the damage.
Will slab leak repair damage my floors?
Not usually. We use non-invasive tools to locate the leak and only open the smallest area necessary to access the pipe.
What if I have multiple leaks under the slab?
In that case, rerouting or pipe replacement may be the best long-term solution to prevent future leaks.
Can slab leaks be prevented?
Regular inspections and water pressure checks help catch small problems early. Keeping an eye on your water bill is also one of the easiest ways to spot hidden leaks.
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