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Slab Leaks: The Silent Threat Beneath Your San Diego Home

March 24, 2025

If you’ve noticed a mysterious spike in your water bill or feel warm spots on your floor, your home may be experiencing one of the most damaging types of hidden plumbing issues: a slab leak. Unlike leaks in visible pipes, slab leaks occur in the water lines running beneath your home’s concrete foundation, making them harder to detect—and more expensive to ignore.

At 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration, we specialize in non-invasive, state-of-the-art slab leak detection for San Diego homeowners. Let’s take a closer look at what slab leaks are, how to identify them, and why fast action is essential to avoid structural damage and sky-high repair bills.

What Is a Slab Leak?

A slab leak happens when a water pipe beneath your home’s concrete foundation cracks, corrodes, or bursts. These leaks are usually found in copper water lines, which can deteriorate over time due to pressure, shifting soil, corrosion, or even poor installation.

Because they occur under the concrete “slab” that your home sits on, slab leaks don’t show up in obvious places—making them a silent but dangerous threat.

Warning Signs You Might Have a Slab Leak

While slab leaks are hidden, they often leave behind some telltale clues. Here are a few signs that could indicate a slab leak:

  • Unexpectedly high water bills despite no change in usage
  • Warm or damp spots on your floor, especially over tile or wood
  • Mildew or mold smells coming from floors or baseboards
  • Cracks in your flooring or foundation
  • Hearing water running when no fixtures are on
  • Low water pressure in certain areas of the home

If you’re noticing any of these red flags, don’t wait. The longer a slab leak continues undetected, the more extensive—and expensive—the damage can become.

Why Slab Leaks Are So Dangerous

Slab leaks are more than just a nuisance. If left unaddressed, they can:

  • Undermine your foundation, leading to cracks and instability
  • Cause mold growth, which poses serious health risks
  • Rot flooring and damage walls
  • Waste thousands of gallons of water, driving up your utility bills
  • Jeopardize your home’s structural integrity

What starts as a small crack in a pipe can become a major threat to your property—and your wallet—if it’s not detected early.

Our Proven Slab Leak Detection Process

At 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration, we take the guesswork out of leak detection. Our team uses cutting-edge equipment and techniques to locate slab leaks without tearing up your floors. Our process includes:

  • Electronic leak detection tools to precisely pinpoint the leak
  • Thermal imaging cameras to detect temperature variations caused by hot water leaks
  • Acoustic listening devices that amplify sounds from hidden water flow
  • Pressure testing to identify hidden drops in the system

Once we’ve found the source of the problem, we’ll recommend the most efficient and cost-effective repair solution—whether it’s rerouting a new pipe or accessing the leak through minimal foundation cuts.

Fast Repairs, Honest Service

We understand how stressful plumbing issues can be, especially when they involve your home’s foundation. That’s why our leak detection specialists arrive in fully stocked service vehicles, ready to handle most repairs on the spot. We’re not just trained to find leaks—we’re equipped to fix them.

We’ll walk you through your options, provide transparent pricing, and work quickly to restore your peace of mind and protect your property.

Call Now—Don’t Let a Slab Leak Sink Your Home

Slab leaks are one of the most costly and destructive plumbing issues homeowners face—but they don’t have to be. With early detection and expert care from 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration, you can prevent severe damage and save thousands in repair costs.

If you suspect a slab leak, don’t wait for the damage to spread. Call 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration at 866-437-0205 today to schedule professional slab leak detection in San Diego and surrounding areas. Let us help you protect what matters most—your home.