A warm spot on the floor. A water bill that keeps climbing. The faint sound of running water when every faucet is off. These are easy to miss, but they can all point to a slab leak: a leak in the water lines running beneath your home’s concrete foundation.
Because slab leaks are hidden under concrete, they can waste water and damage floors, foundations and indoor air quality for weeks before anyone notices. Trademark’s licensed plumbers find and repair slab leaks across Hayden, Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls and the Spokane area. We offer 24/7 service, pinpoint the leak with non-invasive tools, and give you upfront pricing on your repair options before any work begins.
Think you have a slab leak? Call 208-962-1522 or schedule a slab leak inspection before a small leak turns into a big repair.
Signs of a Slab Leak
Slab leaks rarely announce themselves with a puddle. Instead, watch for these warning signs:
- Warm or hot spots on the floor. A leak in a hot water line can warm the concrete above it, often noticeable when you walk barefoot.
- A higher water bill with no change in use. Water escaping under the slab runs around the clock.
- The sound of running water when all faucets, toilets and appliances are off.
- Damp carpet, warped flooring or loose tiles, especially in one area of the house.
- Musty odors or mold near baseboards or under flooring.
- New cracks in tile, flooring, walls or the foundation.
- Low water pressure throughout the home.
- A water heater that runs constantly, which can mean hot water is leaking out as fast as it’s heated.
Quick check: turn off every fixture and appliance that uses water, then look at your water meter. If the dial or leak indicator is still moving, water is escaping somewhere, and a slab leak is one possible cause.
What Causes Slab Leaks?
Slab leaks usually develop slowly. The most common causes include:
- Corrosion. Older copper and metal pipes can thin and pinhole over time, especially with hard or acidic water.
- Abrasion. Pipes that rub against concrete, gravel or each other wear down as they expand and contract.
- Shifting soil. Freeze-thaw cycles and soil movement in North Idaho can put stress on the foundation and the pipes beneath it.
- Poor original installation, such as kinked or damaged pipe laid during construction.
- High water pressure, which strains pipes and joints over time.
How We Find a Slab Leak
Accurate detection keeps repairs small. Instead of breaking up floors to search, our plumbers use non-invasive leak detection tools such as acoustic listening devices, moisture meters, pressure testing and thermal imaging. Together, they help us confirm there’s a leak, identify which line is affected (hot or cold) and narrow down its location under the slab.
Once we know where the leak is, we explain what we found and walk you through your repair options.
Slab Leak Repair Options
The right repair depends on where the leak is, the condition of your pipes and whether more leaks are likely. Common options include:
- Direct access repair. We open a small section of the slab right above the leak, repair the damaged pipe and patch the concrete. This works well for a single leak in otherwise healthy pipe.
- Rerouting the line. We abandon the leaking section under the slab and run a new line through walls, ceilings or the attic. This avoids breaking concrete and keeps future leaks out from under the foundation.
- Repiping. If your pipes are aging or have leaked more than once, repiping part or all of the system may be the most reliable long-term fix.
Your plumber will explain the pros and cons of each option for your home and give you an upfront price before any work begins. Financing is available for larger repairs.
