A slab leak is a leak in a water line under the concrete slab of a home. You cannot see it, and it can run for weeks before the signs show up: a warm spot on the floor, a damp patch of carpet, or a water bill that climbs for no reason. FlameWave Restoration handles slab leak repair for Newport Beach homes — finding the leak, fixing it, and drying and repairing the damage it caused.
What a Slab Leak Is
Many Newport Beach homes built in the 1950s–70s have copper water lines running under the concrete slab. Over time, salt air, soil conditions, and age wear on those lines. A pinhole leak or a crack lets water escape under the slab, where it soaks the soil, the concrete, and the flooring above. Because the leak is hidden, the damage often spreads further than a leak in a visible pipe would.
Slab leak repair covers locating the leak, repairing or rerouting the line, removing the water, drying the slab and the structure, and repairing floors and walls that were affected.
Signs of a Slab Leak in a Newport Beach Home
- A warm spot on the floor. A hot-water line leak warms the floor above it. This is one of the clearest signs.
- Damp carpet or flooring. A patch of carpet that stays damp, or flooring that cups or warps, can point to water coming up from below.
- A water bill that jumps. If your use has not changed but the bill has climbed, water may be escaping under the slab.
- The sound of running water. Hearing water running when every tap is off is a strong sign of a hidden leak.
- Low water pressure. A leak under the slab can drop pressure at the taps.
- Cracks or moisture at the base of walls. Water under the slab can wick up into drywall at the floor line.
What to Do First
- Shut off the main water valve if you suspect a leak and want to stop the flow.
- Note what you noticed — where the warm or damp spot is, when the bill changed, what you heard. That helps the inspection.
- Call FlameWave Restoration at (949) 555-0100. Tell us the signs you found. Calls only.
- Do not ignore a warm spot or a climbing bill. A slab leak does not fix itself, and the water keeps spreading under the floor.
How the Job Works, Step by Step
- Inspection and leak location. We use moisture readings and other checks to narrow down where the leak is, so the repair is targeted rather than guesswork.
- Pipe repair. The leaking section is repaired, or the line is rerouted above the slab where that is the better option.
- Water extraction. Any standing water is removed.
- Drying. Air movers and dehumidifiers dry the slab, subfloor, and walls. Drying typically takes 3–5 days for most homes once standing water is out, and progress is checked by moisture readings.
- Removal. Flooring, drywall, or insulation that cannot be dried and saved is removed.
- Repair. Flooring, drywall, trim, and paint are repaired to match the room.
FAQs
How do you find a slab leak?
By combining the signs you noticed — warm spots, damp flooring, a high bill — with moisture readings and inspection. The goal is to pinpoint the leak before opening anything up.
Does a slab leak always mean breaking the concrete?
Not always. Sometimes the line can be rerouted above the slab instead. We will talk through the options for your home on the phone and on site.
How long does slab leak repair take?
The pipe work depends on where the leak is. Drying typically takes 3–5 days for most homes once standing water is out, and repairs follow after moisture readings confirm the area is dry.
Can a slab leak cause mold?
Yes. Water under a slab keeps flooring and wall bases damp, and mold can start within 24–48 hours on wet materials. Fast drying helps prevent mold. See mold after water damage.
Is a slab leak the same as a burst pipe?
No. A burst pipe is usually a visible pipe in a wall or ceiling that fails suddenly. A slab leak is a hidden line under the concrete that leaks slowly. See burst pipe repair.
Call FlameWave Restoration
For slab leak repair in Newport Beach, CA, call (949) 555-0100.
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