Repairing a slab leak costs an average of $2,280
Repairing a slab leak costs $300 to $6,750, or an average of $2,280.
Labor costs, detection, additional repairs, and repair methods can impact slab leak repair costs.
Signs of a slab leak include warm or damp floors, standing water, sudden change in water pressure, high water bill, and hearing running water.
Slab leak detection identifies pipe damage, locates leaks, and suggests long-term solutions.
Detecting and repairing slab leaks requires specific equipment and expertise, making hiring a professional necessary.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Repairing a slab leak costs homeowners an average of $2,280, with most prices ranging from $630 to $4,400. Minor leaks can be as low as $300, while difficult-to-access leaks may reach up to $6,750. Factors like repair method, labor costs, and additional repairs influence the total price of repairing a slab leak.
Detecting a slab leak costs homeowners an average of $280, with most spending between $150 and $400. A slab leak occurs when water leaks from pipes beneath your home's foundation or concrete slab.
Common causes of slab leaks include:
Poor installation: Incorrectly installed pipes can malfunction, leading to damage.
Ground shifts: Soil movement or earthquakes can cause pipes to crack.
Corroded pipes: Minerals in the soil and water can corrode pipes over time.
Warm or damp floors
Standing water
Sudden changes in water pressure
Unusually high water bills
Hearing running water when no fixtures are in use
If you notice these signs, contact a professional plumber. They use specialized equipment to locate and repair slab leaks accurately.
Your plumber will recommend different methods of repair depending on the severity of the damage to your slab, the leak’s location, and the soil conditions.
Repair | Cost Range |
---|---|
Slab repair | $300–$6,750 |
Water main repair | $150–$5,000 |
Burst pipe | $200–$3,000 |
Foundation work | $600–$4,000 |
Typical concrete slab repair work costs range from $300 to $6,750. However, if your slab foundation requires a complete replacement, you could be looking at costs between $50,000 and $100,000. While not all homeowners will need total replacement, slabs requiring hefty repair costs or concrete that’s beyond repair will usually require a new pour.
Your home's water supply is provided by its main water line. Depending on the extent of the damage and the repair method required, fixing a leak from this line can cost between $150 and $5,000.
Fixing a broken pipe underneath a slab typically costs between $200 and $3,000. However, it’s hard to pinpoint a more exact price because the actual costs depend on leak detection fees, the type of pipe, the method used to reach the pipe, and the severity of the damage.
Rerouting your plumbing lines under a slab typically costs between $600 and $4,000. When homeowners prefer to keep their slab foundation intact, they might choose to reroute their lines elsewhere. Depending on what your plumber finds underneath, they might recommend abandoning the leaking line and starting a new line—either above the ground, through the walls, or in the attic.
Slab leak repair costs have multiple factors that influence how much it will cost you to fix this issue. Key factors include:
Labor costs: Expect to pay between $70 and $250 per hour for labor, averaging around $150 per hour.
Leak severity: Complex slab leaks with extensive damage will increase labor and material costs.
Additional repairs: Be prepared for extra expenses if your plumber discovers water damage or foundation issues during the repair.
Slab leak repairs are complex and require specialized equipment. Attempting a DIY repair can lead to further damage and safety risks. It's best to hire a licensed professional to ensure the leak is properly repaired.
Due to the complexity of slab leak repairs, it's best to hire a licensed and insured plumber near you. Professionals have the expertise and equipment to accurately diagnose and effectively repair slab leaks, ensuring long-term solutions and preventing further damage.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Repairing a slab leak can take anywhere from three hours for minor leaks to three days for extensive repairs. The duration depends on factors like the leak's location, severity, and complexity. Hiring a professional to repair your slab link and restore your foundation’s integrity ensures efficient repairs and restores your home's functionality.
How common slab leaks are depends on where you live. Slab leaks are more common in regions with seismic activity, such as California, than they are in other areas. Soil movement and earthquakes can stress concrete foundations, leading to slab leaks. Regular inspections can help detect early signs of damage so you can address repairs before they escalate and turn into costly problems.
Watch for signs like persistent moisture, unexplained increases in your water bill, or the sound of running water when no fixtures are in use. If you notice these indicators, contact a professional plumber to assess your home. You may have a slab leak, in which case you’ll want to seek professional help as soon as possible to begin the repair process.