General Plumbing

The main water supply line, in any home pre 1965, is likely made of galvanized steel. If this fits your home’s description, in all likelihood the pipes are already corroded and rusted.  If the plumbing hasn’t been replaced yet, it will soon. Typically the life span of galvanized steel pipes is no more than 50 years.  If your pipes are made of copper, which replaced steel in the latter part of the 20th century because copper resists rust and corrosion, it was probably both thin and soft. Any dents, pits, imperfections in the copper pipe, over the years of water rushing through it, has caused the area of imperfection to wear down and create a pinhole leak.  Additionally If your concrete slab has shifted over the years (Southern California is earthquake country after all) it could cause stress on the pipe and cause it to crack and leak as well.

Since your water lines are below the slab, detecting leaks is very difficult. This said, there are some things that a perceptive homeowner can look and listen for which may indicate if there is a slab leak problem. If you can detect or identify any of the issues below, call FLOOD BROTHERS PLUMBING IMMEDIATELY at 855.840.7800 or click for an inspection before you have severe water damage:

When the slab has been compromised you’ll notice that there are, what are refereed to as, “heat” or “hot” spots throughout your home. If you notice warm spots on your slab it could mean that you indeed have a leak.

The sound of water dripping, rushing or settling is also going to be a major sign. If all of your appliances and fixtures are turned off, but you still hear the sound of running water in your home, it could mean that you have a leak in your slab. Often times you will not see the effects of the leak, so it’s important that you’re on guard and have family members paying close attention to any sounds like water dripping or running.

If you hear water running, or notice that there is wetness on floor any place in your home, you most likely have an issue.

Look for cracks in your slab or foundation. This sign could indicate that the water leak is weakening the concrete.

Flood Brothers Plumbing has a great deal of experience working with insurance companies. Generally homeowner’s policies will not cover the cost of the plumbing repair itself, but you can expect it to cover the cost of the leak detection service, access and isolation of the water line where the leak is (jack hammering, excavation etc.), dry out from the water damage and restoration of your property (filling up and re-cementing) to the condition before the leak occurred. Insurance company responses will vary from incident to incident and claim to claim. It is always a good idea to talk to your representative or insurance agent before filing a claim to determine what your coverage really is.

If you suspect or know that you have a slab leak, call FLOOD BROTHERS PLUMBING at 855.840.7800 or click for IMMEDIATE 24/7 Plumber assistance. We have over 15 years experience repairing slab leaks for customers all over LA and Ventura County and we’re available 24/7 for all emergency slab leak repairs.