A hidden slab leak can cause an average household to lose nearly 10,000 gallons of water per year. Beyond waste, it’s causing your monthly water bills to go up. Even worse, that leak is likely doing damage underneath your foundation, eroding its integrity and causing potential structural damage.
In this guide, we will explain how slab leaks occur, the advanced technology required to detect slab leaks, and how insurance companies typically treat slab leaks. Plus, we’ll explain emergency plumbing services and when you need to call a highly trained plumber immediately.
Slab Leaks Are Common in Gilbert Homes
Slab leaks are more common than you might think, especially in the Phoenix area. Homes in Gilbert sit on soil that expands and contracts with moisture changes. Hot summers, heavy monsoon rains, and clay soil composition mean the ground beneath your foundation is constantly shifting. Even small movements can put stress on your plumbing lines that are encased in concrete.
What Is a Slab Leak?
A slab leak occurs when a pressurized water line running under your concrete foundation fails. Because the pipe is buried under the foundation, you often don’t see the visible effects immediately. But the water spreads into the soil under your concrete, slowly causing damage.
What Causes Slab Leaks?
Slab leaks usually result from a combination of mechanical stress and environmental conditions. Besides the ground moving, common causes include:
- Thermal cycling
- Corrosion from mineral content in your water supply
- Rubbing up against concrete or rebar
- Old pipes that are wearing out
How Serious Is a Slab Leak? Can Water Damage a Concrete Slab?
Slab leaks are very serious. Over time, these leaks can crack your floors or foundation and undermine the structural integrity of your home. If the slab cracks or deteriorates, your foundation may no longer be safe or support the weight of your home.
What Are the Signs of a Slab Leak?
Since you likely won’t see the leak, you need to be on the lookout for other warning signs.
| WARNING SIGNS OF A POTENTIAL SLAB LEAK | |
| Water and moisture indicators: Unexplained wet spots or pooling water on your floorsDamp or warmed areas on your flooring (hot water line leaks create warm spots)Mold, mildew, or musty odors, especially in areas without an obvious water sourceBaseboards that are warped, stained, or damaged from moisture | Utility and performance changes: A sudden spike in your water bill without increased usageThe sound of running water when all fixtures are turned offLow water pressure throughout the houseYour water heater running constantly or more frequently than normal |
| Structural concerns: Cracks in your walls, floors, or foundationFloors that feel warped, buckled, or unevenYour foundation shifting or settling unevenly | Other signs: Grass or landscaping that’s unusually green in one area of your yard near the foundation Water meter continues running even when all the water is turned off |
If you see any of these warning signs, call George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical for an evaluation.
Hot Water Lines Fail More Often
About 80% of slab leaks occur in hot water lines because these lines are under constant thermal stress. Your hot water pipes expand and contract every time the system cycles, producing a repeated movement that can weaken joints, thin pipe walls, and accelerate corrosion. A hot water leak under your house can also increase the erosion under your slab.
Professional Slab Leak Detection Methods
A slab leak repair in Gilbert takes a specific approach. You don’t want to drill or cut into a slab without first confirming the location, so we may need to use several advanced diagnostic tools to make sure we know exactly where the leak is and what needs to be done to correct it.
| Detection Method | Purpose |
| Electronic acoustic listening | Detects the sound of pressurized water escaping pipes |
| Thermal imaging cameras | Identifies temperature variations from hot water leaks |
| Pressure testing | Confirms line integrity and isolates affected circuits |
| Moisture meters | Detects hidden water accumulation in slab and flooring |
| Video camera inspection | Visually confirms pipe condition when access allows |
| Tracer gas detection | Locates leaks that other methods cannot |
In some cases, it may be necessary to use different methods together to improve accuracy before any demolition work starts.
Slab Leak Repair Options
Once a leak is confirmed, your slab leak repair in Gilbert typically includes two options: excavate and patch or reroute and repipe.
Excavation and Repair
Spot repairs involve cutting through the slab to access and replace the damaged section of pipe that’s causing the cold or hot water leak under your house. This approach may be the best solution for leaks that are isolated to one section, especially for newer systems.
Rerouting and Repiping
In some cases, especially for older homes, it may make more sense to reroute water lines through walls or ceilings and bypass all of the pipes under your slab. This dramatically reduces the risk of any future slab leaks.
Does Insurance Cover Water Leaks Under a Slab?
In most cases, your homeowner’s insurance will not cover the cost to repair the leaking pipe itself. Plumbing failures under a slab are typically considered wear and tear, deterioration, or maintenance- related issues, which are excluded under most policies. However, many policies will cover the damage caused by the leak.
There’s one big exception, and the reason why you need to act quickly if you think you might have a slab leak. If a leak is classified as sudden or accidental, it may qualify for coverage for the damage caused. If a leak has been ongoing for some time, it’s often excluded under your policy.
Even when you have coverage in place, not everything will qualify. If you’re trying to figure out what does insurance cover for a water leak under a slab, here is a comparison of what’s typically covered or excluded in an under-slab leak repair.
| HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE MAY COVER | HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE USUALLY EXCLUDES |
| Damaged flooring such as tile, carpet, or wood | Repair or replacement of the leaking pipe underneath your slab |
| Drywall removal and replacement | Rerouting or repiping of your freshwater lines |
| Cabinet damage caused by moisture | Damage attributed to long term or repeated leakage |
| Mold remediation if tied directly to covered water damage | |
| Temporary repairs needed to access damaged areas |
Claims are more likely to be denied when the damage shows the leak has been ongoing for a long time, such as months or years, warning signs were ignored, or you waited to get repairs even after a leak was discovered.
How Insurance Companies Evaluate Slab Leak Claims
When an insurance claim is filed for a slab leak, the adjuster typically evaluates several factors:
- The source of the water
- Whether the damage appears sudden or gradual
- The extent of affected materials
- Documentation from licensed professionals
- The homeowner’s response time
Adjusters may request access to damaged areas, moisture readings, repair estimates, and detection reports. Claims that clearly separate pipe repair costs from resulting damage are often processed more smoothly.
Professional Documentation Is Crucial
Slab leak claims rise or fall based on documentation. Because insurers cannot see the leak directly, they rely on third-party reports to understand what happened.
The professionals at George Brazil have decades of experience working with slab leaks and are familiar with the documentation required for claims. Insurance companies typically look for:
- A professional slab leak detection report
- Photos of visible damage before repairs begin
- Moisture readings or thermal imaging results
- Clear identification of affected areas
- Repair estimates that separate plumbing work from restoration
Without professional documentation, insurers may default to classifying damage as long-term or maintenance related.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Slab Leak?
There can be a wide range of costs depending on the leak, location, and complexity of the repair. Spot repairs might cost a few thousand dollars, while complex repairs can cost $10,000 or more, especially if there is other damage that needs to be fixed beyond just the pipes.
Because advanced technology and special expertise are needed to detect the exact location, there will also be an expense for the slab leak detection process before repairs can begin.
Plumbing Emergencies and Plumbing Repairs in Gilbert, AZ
There are plenty of other plumbing problems that come up frequently in Gilbert. Some require an emergency plumber, while other situations can wait until you can schedule an appointment. You can always call George Brazil to discuss your situation, and we can help you make the right decision.
Typically, here’s how to tell if it’s an emergency or non-emergency plumbing issue.
| Emergency Situations | Non-Emergency Issues |
| Active water leaks that cannot be stopped | Slow drains |
| Burst pipes or ruptured water lines | Minor faucet drips |
| Sewer backups or sewage odors | Running toilets without overflow |
| Flooding from water heaters or appliances | Low pressure at one fixture |
| No water to your entire home | Cosmetic fixture issues |
| Gas-related plumbing concerns | Planned upgrades |
George Brazil provides 24-hour service, dispatching an emergency plumber in Gilbert, AZ, typically getting a highly trained plumber to your home within an hour or two. You can also schedule an appointment for non-emergency repairs. In most cases, we provide same-day service with fully stocked trucks to handle most repairs on the spot.
Choosing the Right Emergency Plumber in Gilbert, AZ
The best plumbers in Gilbert, AZ will provide you with:
- 24/7 availability with fast service response
- Advanced diagnostic tools for detecting slab leaks
- Friendly and honest service
- Transparent, upfront pricing
- Clear communication
An emergency plumber in Gilbert will prioritize stopping the damage, diagnose the problem, and make sure you fully understand your options and the cost of each.
Looking for the best plumbers in Gilbert, AZ? There’s a reason so many Phoenix area families have turned to George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical for decades. With a reputation for fast service, affordable pricing, and honest work, it’s no wonder we earned five-star reviews from more than 2,800 homeowners.
FAQs—Frequently Asked Questions About Under Slab Leak Repair
Why do hot water lines leak more?
Hot water lines experience constant expansion and contraction, which puts more wear and tear on pipes, especially when they are under the slab and buried in concrete.
How fast can a plumber come for an emergency?
Response times vary, but emergencies get priority. The best plumbers in Gilbert, AZ, like George Brazil, can typically get someone on site for emergency repairs in an hour or two.
Can water damage a concrete slab?
Whether water leaks under your slab or pools on top of your slab, it can cause considerable damage, including cracks and structural damage to your foundation.
Can a slab leak cause mold?
Yes. Prolonged moisture under your flooring can allow mold to grow and lead to health problems. If you have mold, it may require mitigation after under slab leak repairs are done.
Should I shut off the water if I suspect a slab leak?
If safe to do so, shutting off the main water supply helps limit damage until plumbers in Gilbert, AZ can assess the situation and fix the problem.
What causes a water line to break in yard?
Ground movement, tree roots, old pipes, and even our occasional freezes can cause water lines in your yard to break.
If you are worried you may have a slab leak or need an emergency plumber in Gilbert, AZ, call George Brazil Plumbing and Electrical. You can get someone on the phone 24/7, not a recording or answering service. We offer professional slab leak detection and 24/7 emergency plumbing to protect your home, foundation, and long-term peace of mind.