Slab leak detection and repair in Ventura
A slab leak is a leak in a water line that runs under a home's concrete foundation. We find slab leaks with acoustic and thermal equipment and fix them by spot repair, reroute or repipe, whichever lasts longest for your house.
Call (805) 429-3719Why slab leaks are common in Ventura
Many Ventura houses are built slab-on-grade, with water supply and drain lines running directly under the concrete. Three conditions wear those lines down:
- Age. The median Ventura home was built in 1973, so many under-slab copper lines are about 50 years old.
- Abrasion and movement. Pipes expand and contract with every hot water draw and rub against concrete and gravel. Soil shifts with wet and dry seasons.
- Water chemistry. Ventura's water is very hard, at 15 to 37 grains per gallon on average by source, according to Ventura Water's 2024 report.
Signs of a slab leak
- A warm or hot spot on the floor.
- The sound of running water when nothing is on.
- A water meter that moves with all fixtures off.
- A sudden jump in the water bill.
- Damp carpet, warped wood floors or cracked tile.
- Low pressure, or a water heater that runs constantly.
Read the full guide: 7 signs of a slab leak.
How we find a slab leak
- Confirm the leak at the meter and isolate whether it's on the hot or cold side.
- Pressure-test each line to measure how fast it loses pressure.
- Trace the pipe route under the slab with line-locating equipment.
- Pinpoint the leak with ground microphones and, for hot lines, thermal imaging.
- Mark the spot and explain the repair options before we open anything.
Slab leak repair options
| Option | How it works | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| Spot repair | Open the slab at the leak, replace the damaged section, patch the concrete | One leak on otherwise sound pipe, easy floor access |
| Reroute | Abandon the under-slab line and run new pipe through walls or the attic | Old pipe likely to leak again, or the leak is under cabinets or finished floors |
| Whole-house repipe | Replace all supply lines, usually with PEX | Second or third slab leak, or widespread pinholes |
A first slab leak in a 50-year-old copper system is often not the last. When the pipe is worn, a reroute or repipe usually costs less over time than repeated spot repairs. The City of Ventura's instant permit list includes domestic water repipes, and we pull the permit.
How pricing works
Every job is different, so the cost depends on the type of work and what the job requires. We look at the problem first, explain your options, and confirm the price with you before any work starts.
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Slab leak questions
Is a slab leak an emergency?
Yes, if water is surfacing or the leak is on the hot line. Turn off the main valve and call us. A slow cold-water leak still needs prompt repair, because it wears away soil under the foundation.
Does homeowners insurance cover slab leaks?
It depends on the policy. Many cover the cost to access the pipe and repair resulting damage, but not the pipe itself. Check with your insurer and keep our written report.
Can a slab leak be fixed without breaking the floor?
Yes. A reroute replaces the leaking line with new pipe through walls or the attic, so the slab stays closed.