Restoration service
Slab leak water damage
A slab leak is a pressurized water line leaking under or inside the concrete slab. The plumber finds and repairs or reroutes the line; the restoration company dries the flooring, baseboards and wall bottoms that water has soaked from below.
- Fast call-back for active leaks
- Phoenix metro
- Free to call
How the job runs
- 1Leak locationA plumber uses acoustic and thermal tools to find the leak, then repairs it through the slab or reroutes the line overhead.
- 2Moisture mappingThe restoration technician maps how far water spread through pad, tack strip and wall bottoms.
- 3Remove and dryWet pad, baseboards and sometimes the lower drywall are removed; drying equipment runs until the slab and walls read dry.
Most homes in the Phoenix metro are built on slabs, with supply lines running under or through the concrete. Hard water, soil movement and the age of copper lines in older neighborhoods all play a part. Water from a slab leak often shows up as warm spots, wet carpet edges or a surprising water bill.
Because water comes up from below, it saturates pad and the bottom of walls quietly. Drying a slab and the materials on top takes longer than a surface spill, and tile may need to come up.
Slab leak water damage at a glance
- Leak repair
- Licensed plumber (spot repair or reroute)
- Damage cleanup
- Restoration company
- Tell-tale sign
- Warm floor or rising water bill
- Drying
- Often longer than surface leaks
Warning signs
Signs you need slab leak water damage
- A water bill that is noticeably higher with no change in use
- A warm spot on tile or carpet (hot-water line leaks)
- Sound of running water when everything is off
- Damp carpet edges or swelling baseboards along an interior wall
- Cracks in tile or flooring that feel damp
Process
What the restoration company does
- 1
Leak location
A plumber uses acoustic and thermal tools to find the leak, then repairs it through the slab or reroutes the line overhead.
- 2
Moisture mapping
The restoration technician maps how far water spread through pad, tack strip and wall bottoms.
- 3
Remove and dry
Wet pad, baseboards and sometimes the lower drywall are removed; drying equipment runs until the slab and walls read dry.
- 4
Restore
Flooring, baseboards and drywall are replaced.
Cost
What affects the cost
Every loss is different, so honest pricing starts with an on-site assessment. These are the factors that move the number.
- How long the leak ran before detection
- Flooring over the slab: carpet, tile, laminate or wood
- Whether the plumber opened the slab or rerouted
- Number of rooms and walls affected
Safe to do now
- Check the water meter with everything off to confirm a leak
- Photograph warm spots, stains and the water bill
- Shut off the water heater's cold supply if a hot line is suspected
Stop and call if
- Floors are wet or warm across a room
- You see water coming up through grout or cracks
- The meter keeps moving after you shut off the main
FAQ
Slab leak water damage: common questions
Are slab leaks common in Arizona?
They're a frequent call in the Valley because so many homes sit on slabs with lines under the concrete. Hard water and older copper lines are common contributing factors.
Does insurance cover slab leaks?
Many policies cover access to the leak and the resulting water damage, but not the pipe repair itself. Coverage varies a lot, so read your policy and call your insurer before work starts.
Common in these Valley cities
Water where it shouldn't be?
Shut off the water, then call. One call connects you with an independent restoration company near you.
Fast call-back for active leaks