Slab Leak Detection & Repair in Los Angeles

Quick answer: A slab leak is a leak in a water line running under a concrete floor. Warm spots on the floor, the sound of running water and a water bill that jumps for no reason are the most common signs. Boss Plumbing pinpoints slab leaks across Los Angeles without tearing up floors to search, then repairs the pipe in place or reroutes the line through the walls or attic. Call or text (323) 464-4700.

Signs of a slab leak

• A warm or hot spot on the floor (a hot-water line leak)
• The sound of running water when everything is off
• A water meter that keeps moving with all fixtures off
• A higher water bill with no change in use
• Damp carpet, warped wood floors or cracked tile
• Mold or a musty smell near the floor
• Low water pressure or a water heater that runs constantly

How we find a slab leak

1. Confirm a leak. We isolate hot and cold lines and pressure-test them to confirm a leak and which line it's on.
2. Pinpoint it. Electronic listening equipment and other non-invasive methods locate the leak under the slab.
3. Explain the options. You get the location, the repair options and the price before any concrete is opened.

Slab leak repair options

• Spot repair: we open the floor directly over the leak, repair the pipe and patch the slab. Best for a single leak in otherwise sound pipe.
• Reroute: we abandon the leaking section and run a new line through the walls or attic. Avoids breaking the slab and is often the better choice when the pipe has started to fail.
• Whole-house repipe: when there have been several leaks, replacing the supply piping is usually the most reliable long-term fix. See repiping.

Why slab leaks happen in Los Angeles homes

Many homes built in Los Angeles after World War II, especially across the San Fernando Valley and in neighborhoods like Sherman Oaks, Encino and Burbank, sit on concrete slabs with copper water lines running underneath. Over decades, pipes can wear where they rub against concrete or gravel, corrode from the outside or develop pinholes. Ground movement from earthquakes and settling can also stress pipes under the slab.

Check your homeowner's insurance after a slab leak. Policies differ on whether they cover finding the leak, opening and repairing the floor, and resulting water damage.

Slab leak questions, answered

How much does slab leak repair cost in Los Angeles?

It depends on where the leak is, whether it's repaired in place or rerouted, flooring and access, and how many leaks the house has had. We locate the leak first and explain the options and the price.

How do I know if I have a slab leak?

Turn off every fixture and appliance that uses water and watch the meter. If it keeps moving, water is escaping. Warm floor spots, the sound of running water and a rising water bill point to a slab leak.

Can a slab leak be fixed without breaking the floor?

Often, yes. Rerouting the line through the walls or attic avoids opening the slab, and it's frequently the better long-term choice.

Is a slab leak an emergency?

A large leak can damage floors and the foundation and run up a big water bill, so treat it as urgent. Shut off the main water valve if water is pooling, and call or text us.

Does homeowners insurance cover slab leaks?

It depends on the policy. Many cover access and resulting water damage but not the pipe itself. Check with your insurer.

Is there a slab leak specialist near me in Los Angeles?

Yes. Boss Plumbing detects and repairs slab leaks across Los Angeles, and we take calls and texts 24/7 at (323) 464-4700.

Will one slab leak lead to more?

Sometimes. If the leak came from general pipe wear, other sections may follow. We'll tell you what we see so you can decide between a spot repair, a reroute or a repipe.

What causes a hot spot on my floor?

A warm spot often means a leak in a hot-water line under the slab. It's worth having checked quickly, because the water heater will also run more than it should.

Areas we serve

We provide slab leak detection and repair across Los Angeles, including Hollywood, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Glendale, Burbank, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Westwood, West Los Angeles, Rancho Park, Beverlywood, Culver City, Santa Monica and Venice. Our shop is at 826 Seward Street in Hollywood.

Related services and guides

• Copper repiping
• Home water line repair
• Hidden water leak? How to check in 10 minutes
• Copper pipes: advantages and disadvantages
• Guide to water leaks from your ceiling

Think you have a slab leak?

Call or text (323) 464-4700 any time, or send the form on this page. Boss Plumbing is family-owned, has served Los Angeles for over 37 years and is licensed and insured; see our license information.