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Slab Leak Detection & Repair - FlowGuard Gold Plumbing Systems Repipe

Have A Slab Leak? We Have A Solution!

When water pipes located under your home’s concrete foundation (or “slab”) develops a leak, releasing water directly under the foundation, it can be a one-off occurrence or a sign that the network of water pipes running underneath your home has deteriorated and is beginning to fail. The symptoms of a slab leak include:

  • High water bills without visible leaks
  • Damp or wet flooring
  • Warm spots on the floor
  • Moldy smells
  • Running water sounds

If left unaddressed, a slab leak can cause significant damage to floors and walls and even shifting or cracking of the foundation.

Many clients have a single slab leak repaired through a traditionally recommended method of breaking the floor with a jackhammer to access the pipes. This repair method addresses the single leak but leaves the rest of the failing pipe to fail later. Homeowners have a traditional slab repair performed only to experience a series of leaks over the coming months and years due to the underlying condition of the pipe.

Plumbing Express offers a range of options to address the slab leak problem including leak detection, spot slab repairs, and repipe of the first floor. A first floor repipe bypasses all the water supply pipes in your slab ensuring that you won’t have another slab leak in the future.

Call us at (678) 439-9540 for professional slab leak detection & repair services you can count on. One of our friendly plumbers will be glad discuss the best options for your home.

BYPASS PLUMBING IN THE SLAB VS. SLAB LEAK SPOT REPAIR

In many cases, a slab leak indicates all the slab pipes have reached a point of failure. Repairing a slab leak can be a “Whack-a Mole” solution that is costly, invasive and does not solve the problem. We recommend bypassing slab pipes through our proven method of repiping, the First Floor Repipe™. 

We believe bypassing bad slab pipe and re-routing new pipes vertically is the best option for homeowners because it is a permanent solution. We are able to provide a substantial warranty on this type pipe of re-routing because a completely new pipe is installed, and the entire defective pipe beneath the slab is eliminated from the plumbing system.

First Floor Repipe™ by Plumbing Express involves the following:

  • Transferable Labor & Materials Warranty
  • Quick turn-key process (includes drywall patching & paint)
  • Insurance may help off-set the cost of the work
  • Water restored to the home at the end of each work day
  • Peace of mind knowing you won’t have another slab leak ever
  • The best materials and W2 employees who know their stuff
  • Flexible payment options

Our free inspection will determine if your slab is leaking at all, and yield a First Floor Repipe™ estimate as a solution. Call us today at (678) 439-9540 for your free slab leak inspection. 

Over 1,500 reviews on Google & Yelp

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Jay Walks
January 25, 2025

He just looked at my projects and gave a very easily understandable answer to everything. Unfortunately i cant afford the services atm but will update when i can

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C B
January 24, 2025

Awesome company - called late morning and they had my HWH in by mid-afternoon! Anthony was a terrific and friendly tech with a great demeanor. Would recommend to anyone.

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Wanda Mahoney
January 24, 2025

Rod was extremely courteous, professional, and competent. I would definitely recommend him!

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Darius Williams
January 24, 2025

Even though we didnt find the issue, Antonio gave me great suggestions and recommendations to solve my issue. Antonio used sound judgement and did his best to ensure he didn’t charge me for anything unnecessary. I would totally have Antonio come out again if I need another consultation or plumbing work done.

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Alex Barragan
January 23, 2025

We have used Plumbing Express several times and the service has consistently been great. We really like David, our technician of choice.

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Jonathan Hawkins
January 23, 2025

Rod from Plumbing Express went above and beyond in freezing weather to repair our water service line under warranty. When sediment from the repair lowered our household pressure he swapped out our pressure valve and cleaned our shower fittings for free. Outstanding, friendly service.

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Glenn Walters
January 23, 2025

Prompt. Courteous. Efficient and knew his stuff servicing our tankless water heaters and a minor plumbing issue. I give Dave 5 ***** stars.

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Samantha Ward
January 23, 2025

Antonio Y was absolutely professional and patient while explaining and resolving our plumbing issue. We were so happy with his service and will definitely recommend Plumbing Express to our neighbors and friends. Thank you!

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Allen
January 21, 2025

Always professional. Fast response. Fixed on first visit.

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Richard THOMPSEN
January 21, 2025

Rod was great. Arrived on time. Had to get return to shop to get new pump, but returned promptly. Replaced old pump quickly.

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Janine Casner
January 20, 2025

My 19-year old water heater died so i called several companies to provide me with an estimate for a replacement. The Plumbing Express estimate was not the highest or the lowest. My decision to use them was based on Dylan’s knowledge and professionalism. He didn’t try to upsell me, he thoroughly explained the process and the time it was take to complete the replacement. He did a GREAT job and I would not hesitate to recommend this company! Update: I had some other plumbing problems in my home so decided to work with this company again. I made an appointment on Saturday and Jason arrived first thing on Monday morning. He provided me with a fair estimate and took care of the problems quickly. Great service!!

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Diana Deleston
January 18, 2025

Antonio was very professional. He pointed out the leak and made sure I understood the repairs that was needed. Will definitely use them again.

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Latausha Gipson
January 17, 2025

Rod provided excellent customer service. He did a great job with installing my new toilet, and repairing my kitchen and bathroom sinks. I would definitely request him again with any other plumbing issues. Thanks!

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jasmine313404
January 17, 2025

Update: 1/2024- had hot water stop coming out the shower and ice maker line needed to be rerouted. Anthony Perez was extremely professional got everything done as expected. He was amazing and took his time to get it right- and all was left clean. Thanks again Plumbing Express! I had another great experience with Plumbing Express. Last time we used them for an unfortunate flooding situation and they were a lifesaver. This time my need was more benign- a toilet started running randomly running up my water bill for a few months. Great experience and in less than an hour my two toilets were good to go. My plumber Daniel even gave me advice on how to reach out to the water company. Plumbing Express is my go to for any plumbing needs.

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Florence Figgures
January 17, 2025

Jason was wonderful and solving leaking from my kitchen sink even with main water turned off it was still leaking...He replaced my garbage disposal which was leaking also and changed all the tubing to a more update flexible braided tubing and leaking slowed tremendously but not all the way...problem solver it was also the faucet gone bad so had to make a run to Home Depot and finally all leaks gone so now I literally have a new undersink makeover

Independently Owned & Operated

Why Choose Plumbing Express?

Our plumbers help protect the health and comfort of our clients when hot water supplies are out, piping systems deteriorate, and drains don’t work.

We offer a direct road to appropriate, complete solutions through excellent home plumbing in the Metro Atlanta area. Thorough estimates are available during our regular business hours and all consultations, inspections, repairs and installations are fulfilled with friendly service.

Working with us means you are served by a locally owned company and by a knowledgeable, dedicated staff whom are passionate about plumbing.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a slab leak?

    A slab leak refers to a leak in the water pipes located beneath the concrete foundation (or “slab”) of a home or building. These leaks can occur in the pipes that carry water to or from the house, typically as a result of corrosion, shifting soil, or poor installation. Since the pipes are beneath the slab, these leaks can be difficult to detect and may cause significant damage if left untreated.

    Slab leaks are a serious issue because they can lead to structural damage, mold growth, and foundation problems, so early detection and repair are important.

  • How common are slab leaks?

    Slab leaks are relatively common in the United States, particularly in older homes with concrete slab foundations. While they can be challenging to detect, they have the potential to cause serious damage to your home’s foundation and lead to higher water bills.

  • Should I call a leak detection company before I call a plumber?

    We recommend calling a plumber before calling a leak detection company. Plumbers can help you evaluate the situation and can conduct isolation tests to confirm the leak is indeed under the slab.

    We do refer to multiple leak detection partners during specific situations where determining all the slab leak locations is warranted for the homeowner to gain peace of mind before deciding to bypass the slab.

  • How do pipes under the slab start to leak?

    After a pipe has deteriorated significantly small holes can develop from weak points across the pipe. Water will begin to seep out of these holes. The small holes grow larger over time resulting in a leak that can be visible in the floor or outside the foundation.

  • What are some signs of a slab leak?

    Signs of a slab leak can sometimes be subtle, but if left unchecked, they can lead to significant damage. Here are common indicators that you might have a slab leak:

    • Increased water bill without other signs of a leak
    • Moisture or seepage on the 1st floor
    • Leaking water outside the foundation.
    • Warm spots on the floor
    • Moldy smells
    • Running water sounds

    If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to contact a professional plumber to investigate the issue before a potential slab leak causes further damage to your home.

  • Why is rerouting plumbing lines in a slab foundation the best option?

    Rerouting plumbing lines in a slab foundation is a repair method for slab leaks that involves redirecting pipes around the damaged area. This approach is often ideal when only a small section of pipe is affected or when the pipes are difficult to access because they are encased in concrete. Rerouting is typically less expensive and less disruptive than other repair options, and it can also make the pipes more accessible for future maintenance.

    Slab repairs or “spot” repair amounts to patching a defective pipe. These are short-term to medium term solutions at best. Plus, spot repairs are fixing a pipe in one place that may be defective in others. For that reason, there is a minimal warranty.

    Many plumbers recommend a spot repair because they do not have experience bypassing slab pipes and re-routing vertically like we do. Spot repairs require identifying the approximate location of a leak by a professional leak detection service.  Professional leak detection companies use a version of a microphone to approximate the location of a leak by honing in on sound produced by pressurized water or air escaping the small hole in the pipe.

    Leak detectors make the assumption that the point the microphone detects the strongest sound is directly over the leak. When the leak detector determines the most likely area of a leak, they place a mark on your floor.

    Leak detection services are notoriously inaccurate and their results are not guaranteed. Variations in slab concrete thickness, density, and sound conductivity, or the presence of multiple leaks mean the mark can be further away from the actual leak location.

    Inaccuracy of leak detection instruments in addition to variations in sound carrying qualities of the slab also contribute to error in detection. Detection companies generally set a goal for a leak to be located within 2-4 feet of the mark. This 4 ft diameter means the leak is ideally within an 8-foot circular area on the floor. Inaccurate leak detection is a common problem for plumbers and can significantly balloon the cost of repairs to your home caused by jackhammering concrete and demolition.

  • Are slab leaks covered by homeowners insurance?

    Whether slab leaks are covered by homeowners insurance depends on the specifics of your policy and the cause of the leak.

    Most standard homeowners insurance policies will cover damage caused by slab leaks if the leak is sudden and accidental. For example, if a pipe unexpectedly bursts and causes water damage to your home, the repairs for the damage (such as fixing flooring, walls, or the foundation) may be covered. However, the cost to repair or replace the leaking pipe itself is often not covered.

    If the slab leak is due to long-term neglect, poor maintenance, or gradual wear and tear, it is typically not covered by homeowners insurance. Insurers generally expect homeowners to maintain their plumbing systems, and issues that develop over time, such as corrosion or gradual leaks, may not be eligible for coverage.

    Slab leaks can lead to mold growth if left untreated. Some policies provide coverage for mold remediation, but it often comes with limitations or caps on the amount that will be paid out. If mold is a result of a covered slab leak, there may be some assistance for cleanup, but the extent of coverage will depend on your policy.

    To better understand if your insurance will cover slab leaks, it’s important to:

    • Review your homeowners insurance policy for water damage and foundation coverage.
    • Contact your insurance provider to clarify what is and isn’t covered.
    • Consider purchasing additional endorsements if your policy does not provide adequate protection for slab leaks or related damages.