If you’ve noticed a mysterious spike in your water bill, warm spots on your floor, or unexplained moisture near your baseboards, you could be dealing with one of the most serious plumbing problems affecting Arizona homes—a slab leak. Common in Gilbert’s slab-on-grade construction, slab leaks can go undetected for weeks or months before showing visible signs, and by then, the damage is often extensive.
At Felix Plumbing, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners in Gilbert and surrounding areas detect, diagnose, and repair slab leaks with minimal disruption. In this blog, we’ll break down what slab leaks are, why they occur, the signs to watch for, and how we fix them using modern, minimally invasive techniques.
What Is a Slab Leak?
A slab leak refers to a water leak that occurs in the pipes beneath the concrete foundation (slab) of your home. These pipes are often made of copper, PEX, or galvanized steel and carry both hot and cold water throughout the house. When one of these pipes cracks, erodes, or bursts under pressure, the water has nowhere to go but into the soil—or up through your foundation.
Because the plumbing is buried beneath concrete, a slab leak doesn’t usually present itself immediately. You may not see water pooling or hear obvious dripping. Instead, you’ll begin to notice subtle signs—until the damage becomes structural.
What Causes Slab Leaks in Gilbert Homes?
There are several contributing factors that make slab leaks more common in East Valley homes:
- Soil Shifting: Arizona’s dry climate causes soil to expand and contract, putting pressure on underground pipes.
- Hard Water: The mineral-rich water in Gilbert can corrode copper pipes over time, leading to pinhole leaks.
- Poor Construction: In some homes, especially older builds, plumbing may not have been properly padded or pressure-regulated beneath the slab.
- Water Pressure Surges: Irregular water pressure can weaken joints or create friction that wears pipes down from the outside.
Slab leaks are not just plumbing issues—they’re a structural concern. If left untreated, they can cause foundation cracks, mold growth, wood floor damage, and wall separation.
Slab Leak Warning Signs
Many homeowners don’t realize they have a slab leak until they’re facing serious water damage. That’s why it’s essential to recognize the early red flags. Here are some of the most common signs that may indicate a slab leak:
| Slab Leak Symptom | What It Means |
| Sudden spike in water bills | Water is leaking continuously beneath the foundation |
| Warm or hot spots on the floor | Likely a hot water line leak under the slab |
| Sound of running water | Audible even when no fixtures are in use |
| Cracked tiles or flooring | Shifting foundation due to saturation beneath the slab |
| Damp carpet or warped floors | Water seeping up through the concrete |
| Mold or mildew smells | Moisture under flooring creates the perfect environment for growth |
How We Detect Slab Leaks Without Breaking Up Your Floor
At Felix Plumbing, we use non-invasive electronic leak detection tools to locate slab leaks with pinpoint accuracy. These tools include thermal imaging, ultrasonic listening devices, and pressure testing. This allows us to locate the exact pipe segment that’s leaking—without tearing up your entire foundation or guessing with sledgehammers.
Once the leak is confirmed, we’ll recommend the best repair strategy based on your home’s plumbing layout, slab structure, and the severity of the issue.
Repair Options: Reroute, Repipe, or Spot Repair?
There’s no one-size-fits-all fix for slab leaks. We tailor each solution to the home, budget, and urgency of the issue. Here’s how the most common repair options compare:
| Repair Method | How It Works | Best For |
| Spot Repair | Break open the slab at the leak location and repair or replace the pipe | Isolated leaks in easily accessible areas |
| Pipe Rerouting | Abandon leaking pipe and run a new pipe through walls or attic | Recurrent leaks or when multiple lines are involved |
| Repiping Entire Zone | Replace all pipes in the slab area with overhead piping | Older homes with corroded or outdated materials |
Spot repairs are less expensive short-term, but if your pipes are older and already showing signs of wear, rerouting or repiping may be the better long-term investment. Our team will walk you through the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed decision without pressure.
The Hidden Cost of Waiting
The longer a slab leak goes unaddressed, the worse the damage gets. We’ve seen cases where homeowners waited weeks—only to discover mold in their walls, warped wood flooring, or foundation cracks that cost tens of thousands to repair. Water erodes soil under your slab, which leads to structural shifting and potentially unsafe conditions.
Even if you’re not 100% sure, getting a professional inspection can save you from catastrophic repairs down the line. Felix Plumbing offers fast, affordable slab leak detection and will never upsell you on unnecessary work.
FAQs About Slab Leaks in Gilbert
Can I detect a slab leak myself?
Not easily. You might notice symptoms like hot spots or higher water bills, but pinpointing the leak location requires specialized equipment. It’s best to have a professional inspect it.
Will my homeowners insurance cover slab leak repairs?
Sometimes. It depends on your policy and whether the leak caused damage. We can provide detailed reports for your insurance company to help support your claim.
Is slab leak repair disruptive?
We use trenchless or rerouting methods whenever possible to minimize disruption. You won’t need to vacate your home, and most repairs are completed in a day or two.
How much does it cost to fix a slab leak?
It varies based on location, severity, and repair method. We provide upfront estimates and flexible options to suit your budget.
Call to Action: Suspect a Slab Leak? Don’t Wait.
If you’re seeing signs of a potential slab leak—don’t ignore it. What starts as a minor crack or hot spot can quickly escalate into serious damage beneath your home. Felix Plumbing offers fast, accurate slab leak detection and expert repairs designed to protect your property and restore your peace of mind.
📞 Call 602-535-6172 now or [Schedule Your Slab Leak Inspection Online] today.
