Slab & Hidden Leaks
Slab leak repair and reroutes
There are three ways to fix a slab leak: open the floor and repair the pipe in place, abandon the leaking line and reroute a new one through the attic or walls, or repipe the house if several lines are failing. A reroute is often the lasting choice because it takes the line out of the slab entirely.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- Licensed local plumbers
- Quote before work
Once the leak is located, the choice of repair depends on the pipe's condition, the floor covering and how many leaks the home has had. A single leak in otherwise sound PEX may only need a spot repair. A third leak in aging copper points toward a reroute or repipe.
Reroutes usually run PEX through the attic or walls. In hot climates attic lines are insulated against heat; in cold climates they're kept inside the insulated envelope so they can't freeze. Drops come down through interior walls to the fixture.
Slab leak repair at a glance
- Options
- Spot repair, reroute or repipe
- Most common
- PEX reroutes through the attic or walls
- Permit
- Reroutes and repipes often need a city or county permit
Signs you need slab leak repair
- A confirmed slab leak from leak detection
- More than one slab leak in a few years
- A leak under expensive flooring you'd rather not break
- Warm floor spots returning after a previous repair
How the plumber handles it
- 1
Choose the repair
The plumber compares a spot repair, a reroute and a repipe for your home, with the trade-offs of each.
- 2
Spot repair
For a direct repair, a small section of floor is opened, the pipe is repaired, pressure-tested, and the concrete is patched.
- 3
Reroute
For a reroute, the leaking line is capped and a new PEX line runs through the attic and down a wall to the fixture or manifold.
- 4
Test and restore
The system is pressure-tested. Drywall access holes are patched or left ready for your drywall contractor, as agreed.
What affects the cost
Prices depend on what the plumber finds, so the plumber quotes on site. These are the main factors:
- Spot repair vs. reroute vs. repipe
- Floor covering over the leak
- Attic access and run length for reroutes
- Number of fixtures fed by the leaking line
- Drywall patching scope
Frequently asked questions
Is rerouting better than a spot repair?
Often, yes. A reroute removes the line from the slab so the same problem can't return there. A spot repair is quicker when the pipe is otherwise in good shape.
Can PEX go in the attic?
Yes, with care. PEX handles high temperatures but shouldn't be exposed to UV, and in cold climates attic runs must stay on the warm side of the insulation so they don't freeze.
Where to get slab leak repair
By state: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
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