Slab Leak Detection: How Orange County Plumbers Find Hidden Leaks

January 2026 | Primewest Plumbing - Your Trusted OC Plumber

Slab leaks are one of the most stressful plumbing problems Orange County homeowners face. A pipe buried beneath your home's concrete foundation springs a leak, and suddenly you're dealing with mysterious water bills, strange sounds, and potential foundation damage.

At Primewest Plumbing, we use advanced technology to locate slab leaks quickly and accurately - without destroying your floors in the process.

What Is a Slab Leak?

A slab leak occurs when the water lines running beneath your home's concrete foundation develop a leak. In Orange County, most homes built on slabs have copper or galvanized pipes running through or under the concrete.

Common causes include:

• Corrosion from hard water (common in OC)

• Shifting soil causing pipe stress

• Poor installation leading to premature failure

• Age - pipes simply wear out over time

• High water pressure stressing pipe joints

Warning Signs of a Slab Leak

Watch for these indicators:

1. Unexplained High Water Bills

If your water usage hasn't changed but your bill has spiked, a hidden leak may be the culprit. Even a small slab leak can waste thousands of gallons monthly.

2. Warm Spots on Floors

Hot water line leaks transfer heat to the concrete above. If you notice a warm spot on tile or hardwood floors, you may have a hot water slab leak.

3. Sound of Running Water

When all faucets are off and toilets haven't been used, you shouldn't hear water running. A persistent hissing or splashing sound under floors often indicates a slab leak.

4. Low Water Pressure

A leak anywhere in the system reduces pressure throughout your home. If pressure has dropped system-wide, a slab leak could be responsible.

5. Cracks in Walls or Foundation

Water from slab leaks saturates soil, causing it to shift. This movement can crack your foundation and interior walls.

6. Mold or Mildew Smell

Moisture from slab leaks creates perfect conditions for mold growth. If you smell mildew but can't find the source, check for slab leak signs.

7. Wet Spots on Floors

In severe cases, water actually rises through the slab and creates wet spots on flooring - especially on carpet.

How We Detect Slab Leaks

Primewest Plumbing uses state-of-the-art technology to pinpoint slab leaks without unnecessary demolition:

Electronic Leak Detection

Sensitive equipment amplifies the sound of water escaping from pipes, helping us locate the exact leak point.

Thermal Imaging

Infrared cameras reveal temperature differences in your slab, showing us exactly where hot or cold water is accumulating.

Pressure Testing

We isolate sections of your plumbing to determine which line is leaking and narrow down the location.

Video Inspection

Tiny cameras inserted into pipes show us the exact condition of your plumbing from the inside.

Slab Leak Repair Options

Once we locate the leak, we'll recommend the best repair approach:

Spot Repair

For isolated leaks in otherwise healthy pipes, we can access and repair just the damaged section.

Pipe Rerouting

Sometimes it's more cost-effective to abandon the leaking line and run new pipes through walls or the attic.

Whole-House Repipe

If your home has galvanized pipes or multiple leak-prone areas, replacing all pipes prevents future problems.

Prevention Tips

While you can't prevent all slab leaks, you can reduce risk:

• Monitor water pressure - install a pressure regulator if pressure exceeds 80 PSI

• Schedule annual inspections - catch problems early

• Address slow drains promptly - backed-up drains increase pipe pressure

• Know your home's age - if pipes are 40+ years old, consider proactive assessment

Don't Ignore the Signs

Slab leaks don't fix themselves - they get worse. The longer you wait, the more damage accumulates. Early detection saves money and protects your home.

If you suspect a slab leak, call Primewest Plumbing today for a professional assessment.

Phone: 949-880-6221 Website: primewestplumbing.com

Serving Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, and all South Orange County communities.