Frequently Asked Questions

A slab leak is a water leak that occurs in the copper water lines running below the concrete foundation of your home or building. These leaks can cause significant damage if not detected and repaired promptly.

Slab leaks can be caused by several factors, including corrosion of pipes, abrasion from pipes rubbing against concrete, high water pressure, poor installation, shifting soil or foundation, and chemical reactions between the copper pipes and the surrounding soil.

Common signs of a slab leak include unexplained increases in water bills, the sound of running water when all fixtures are turned off, warm spots on your floor, damp or wet flooring, mold or mildew growth, and cracks in your flooring or walls.

Slab leaks are serious issues that should be addressed promptly. If left untreated, they can cause significant water damage, mold growth, structural damage to your foundation, and increased water bills. The longer a slab leak is ignored, the more extensive and expensive the damage can become.

While you can look for signs of a slab leak, such as warm spots on your floor or unexplained increases in your water bill, professional detection is recommended. Professionals use specialized equipment like acoustic listening devices, thermal imaging cameras, and pressure testing to accurately locate the leak.

Professional technicians use a combination of methods to detect slab leaks, including acoustic listening devices to hear the sound of water escaping, thermal imaging cameras to detect temperature differences, pressure testing to identify leaks in the system, and moisture meters to detect hidden water.

Modern slab leak detection methods are typically non-invasive. Technicians use specialized equipment to locate leaks without damaging your property. Only after the leak is precisely located would any excavation be necessary for the repair process.

The time required for slab leak detection depends on the complexity of your plumbing system and the nature of the leak. In most cases, a thorough detection process can be completed within 1-3 hours.

With modern technology and experienced technicians, slab leak detection can be very accurate, often pinpointing the leak location within inches. This precision minimizes the amount of concrete that needs to be removed for repairs.

If you suspect a slab leak, you should contact a professional leak detection service immediately. In the meantime, you may want to turn off your water main if you're hearing running water or seeing active water damage.

There are several methods for repairing slab leaks, including spot repair (accessing and fixing just the damaged section), re-piping (replacing the damaged pipe), pipe rerouting (creating a new path for the plumbing that bypasses the slab), and epoxy pipe coating (creating a new pipe within the existing one).

In some cases, yes, but modern techniques often minimize the amount of concrete that needs to be removed. Depending on the location and severity of the leak, alternatives like re-routing the pipe through walls or ceilings might be possible.

The time required for slab leak repair depends on the repair method chosen and the complexity of the leak. Simple spot repairs might be completed in a day, while more extensive re-piping or re-routing projects could take 2-3 days.

The cost of slab leak repair varies depending on the location and severity of the leak, the repair method chosen, and the extent of any water damage. Simple repairs might cost less, while more complex solutions like complete re-piping will be more expensive. We provide detailed estimates before beginning any work.

Many homeowner's insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage from plumbing leaks, but coverage for the actual pipe repair varies by policy. We can provide detailed documentation to help with your insurance claim.

While not all slab leaks can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk, including maintaining proper water pressure, installing a water softener if you have hard water, having regular plumbing inspections, and addressing small leaks promptly before they become bigger problems.

For older homes or properties with a history of plumbing issues, annual inspections are recommended. For newer properties, every 2-3 years is generally sufficient unless you notice signs of potential problems.

The lifespan of pipes under a slab varies depending on the material, water quality, and installation quality. Copper pipes typically last 20-50 years, while PEX pipes can last 40-50 years. However, factors like soil conditions and water chemistry can significantly impact pipe longevity.

While less common in new construction, slab leaks can still occur due to installation errors, defective materials, or ground settling. Modern building codes and materials have reduced the risk, but it's still important to be aware of the signs of a potential leak.

Regular maintenance includes monitoring your water pressure (keeping it below 80 psi), addressing hard water issues with a water softener, being cautious about what you plant near your foundation (avoiding plants with invasive root systems), and promptly repairing any small leaks in your plumbing system.

We provide slab leak detection and repair services throughout British Columbia, with particular focus on Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Richmond, Surrey, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Langley, and Port Coquitlam.

Yes, we understand that slab leaks can cause significant damage if not addressed promptly. We offer emergency slab leak detection and repair services throughout our service area.

Our response time depends on your location and our current schedule, but we prioritize emergency situations and strive to respond as quickly as possible, typically within 24 hours or less.

Yes, we have extensive experience working with strata councils and property managers throughout British Columbia. We understand the unique challenges of multi-unit buildings and can coordinate with all stakeholders to address slab leak issues efficiently.

You can schedule an appointment by calling us at 604-239-9934 or emailing info@Anyleak.ca. We'll arrange for a technician to visit your property at a convenient time to assess the situation and provide expert recommendations.