Burbank is built on some of the most earthquake-active land in Southern California. Decades of ground movement, combined with aging copper pipes, makes slab leaks a common and serious problem for local homeowners. The trouble is, these leaks happen beneath your concrete foundation — completely invisible until the damage is already severe.
What Is a Slab Leak?
A slab leak is any leak in the water supply or drain lines that run beneath the concrete slab foundation of your home. The water erodes soil, undermines the slab, and can cause significant structural damage — all while your water bill climbs and mold spreads unseen inside your walls.
Warning Signs of a Slab Leak
On Your Water Bill
- Unexplained spike in your water bill — even $30–$50 more per month is worth investigating
- Your water meter continues to move when all fixtures are turned off
Inside Your Home
- Warm or hot spots on tile or hardwood floors — indicates a hot water line leak
- Sound of running water when nothing is on
- Damp or wet carpet without an obvious source
- Cracks appearing in baseboards, tile grout, or walls
- Musty or mildew smell in lower rooms or near the foundation
Outside Your Home
- Sections of lawn that are unusually green or soggy despite dry weather
- Concrete cracks widening faster than expected
How Plumbers Detect Slab Leaks Without Demolition
Modern leak detection technology means we rarely need to tear up your entire floor to find a slab leak. Our licensed technicians use:
- Electronic amplification equipment: Listens for the sound of escaping water through concrete
- Thermal imaging cameras: Detects temperature differences in the slab caused by warm water leaks
- Tracer gas detection: Introduces a harmless gas into the pipe and detects where it escapes
- Pressure isolation testing: Confirms the exact section of pipe where pressure is dropping
Slab Leak Repair Options
Depending on the severity and location, your plumber may recommend:
- Spot repair: Access only the leak location — best for single, isolated leaks in newer pipe
- Pipe rerouting: Run new pipe through walls or ceilings, bypassing the problematic slab section entirely
- Epoxy pipe lining: Line the inside of the pipe without excavation
- Full repipe: Replace all aging copper pipes — the permanent long-term solution for homes with multiple leaks
If you suspect a slab leak, don't wait. The longer it goes undetected, the more expensive the repair. Call Prestige Plumbing Services at (818) 688-1595 for professional slab leak detection in Burbank. We locate leaks precisely — minimizing disruption to your home.
