Slab Leak Diagnosis & Under-Slab Copper Line Repair
On this service call in Valrico, FL, we responded to a reported slab leak where water would appear from the concrete in the hallway as soon as the main water supply was turned on. Situations like this often point to an under-slab plumbing leak that needs quick confirmation to prevent moisture intrusion, flooring damage, and ongoing water loss.
After a systematic inspection and tracing the likely path of the line, the leak was determined to be near the kitchen area—most consistent with a failing ½-inch copper water line beneath the slab. With suspected slab leaks, accuracy matters, so we focused on isolating the source to minimize unnecessary concrete removal and keep the repair area tight and controlled.
Once the location was identified, we opened the slab using a careful, contained approach and created a 12" x 12" access point. This allowed direct access to the damaged copper line for a proper repair. Under-slab work requires attention to detail—protecting adjacent piping, maintaining clean edges for restoration, and ensuring the repaired section can handle normal operating pressure.
With the line exposed, we completed the repair on the ½-inch copper using proven plumbing practices and then verified performance with a thorough test. The result is a stable, professional fix designed to restore reliable water flow and eliminate the hidden leak beneath the concrete.
Verifying the Leak Symptoms
This stage documents the slab leak diagnosis process—confirming that water was coming up through the slab when the supply was turned on. From there, we narrowed the likely pipe route for accurate under-slab leak detection and a targeted repair plan.
Opening a 12" x 12" Access Point
After pinpointing the suspected location, we created a clean 12" x 12" opening in the slab to access the line. A focused concrete opening helps limit disruption while allowing a direct, professional slab leak repair.
Repairing the ½" Copper Water Line
With the pipe exposed, we repaired the damaged section of the ½-inch copper line using proven plumbing methods appropriate for under-slab conditions. We then performed a pressure test to confirm normal operation and verify the leak was fully resolved.