What Is a Slab Leak?
A slab leak happens when a pipe running beneath the concrete foundation of your home starts leaking. These leaks can come from your hot water line or cold water supply, and while they’re not always dramatic at first, they can lead to serious water damage and costly repairs if left unchecked.
The tricky thing is, you can’t see the leak—because it’s under your slab. But even if it’s out of sight, the damage doesn’t stay hidden for long. Over time, water seeps into the foundation, weakening it, damaging floors, and even creating mold problems. Some leaks even lead to burst pipes if they go unnoticed for too long.
Slab leaks are more common than people think, especially in areas like Bountiful where seasonal temperature swings, aging plumbing systems, and shifting soil all play a part. That’s why our expert plumbers use advanced leak detection methods to pinpoint the problem and fix it fast.
What Are the Main Causes of Slab Leaks?
Slab leaks don’t just happen out of nowhere. There’s always a reason—usually several reasons. Understanding the common culprits behind slab leaks can help you catch the signs early, avoid unnecessary stress, and make smarter decisions when it comes to protecting your home.
Here are eight of the most common causes we see:
Corroded Pipes. Over time, pipes—especially older copper ones—can corrode from the inside out. Hard water, chemicals in the soil, or simply age can eat away at the pipe walls until a leak forms.
Abrasion. Pipes aren’t static. They expand and contract as hot and cold water flows through them. If a pipe is rubbing against concrete, gravel, or even another pipe, that friction can eventually wear it down.
Poor Installation. If your home’s original plumbing system wasn’t installed properly, you might be dealing with pipes that are more vulnerable to leaks. Bad soldering, loose fittings, or poor pipe layout can all lead to early failure.
Foundation Shifts. Soil movement, earthquakes, or simply time can cause your foundation to shift. When that happens, the pipes running underneath can crack or become misaligned, leading to leaks.
High Water Pressure. While strong water pressure feels great in the shower, it can be rough on your pipes. Constant pressure puts stress on the plumbing system and can accelerate wear and tear.
Chemical Reactions. The minerals and pH level of your water can trigger chemical reactions with your pipes, causing scaling, pitting, or corrosion over time.
Hot Water Line Damage. The hot water line is more likely to expand and contract than cold lines. All that movement adds extra stress, making these pipes a common source of slab leaks.
Natural Wear and Tear. Sometimes, the pipes are just old. Everything has a lifespan, and after a few decades, even the best materials can start to break down.
Whatever the reason, the key is to catch the problem early and call a professional team like ours to step in with expert service before further damage sets in.
How Rare Breed Plumbing Addresses a Slab Leak
Fixing a slab leak isn’t a one-size-fits-all job. Every property, every pipe, and every problem is unique—which is why we bring a tailored approach to every call. Here’s how our experienced team tackles slab leak repairs from start to finish:
- Thorough, non-invasive leak detection. We use advanced detection methods like sound amplification, thermal imaging, and pressure testing to zero in on the leak—without tearing into your floors or walls.
- Clear communication and honest recommendations. Once we find the leak, we walk you through the repair options, whether it’s a spot fix, rerouting a section of pipe, or a full repipe in more severe cases.
- Customized repair strategies. No cookie-cutter solutions here. We base our plan on your specific plumbing system, the location of the leak, and how to best prevent further damage.
- Fast, clean, and careful work. Our licensed plumbers show up ready to get the job done with minimal disruption. We take care to protect your home, clean up after ourselves, and work efficiently to get things back to normal.
At Rare Breed Plumbing, we don’t just fix the problem—we make the whole process easier on you. From the first call to the final clean-up, you can count on expert service every step of the way.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Daniel was fantastic! He was professional, on time, and explained everything clearly. He handled the job efficiently and made sure everything was cleaned up afterward. I really appreciated how respectful and knowledgeable he was definitely someone you can trust. I’ll absolutely be calling Rare Breed again for any future water boiler needs. Highly recommend!