Slab Leak Detection & Repair in Fresno, CA
Slab leak detection and repair using non-invasive techniques. We protect your foundation and keep disruption to a minimum throughout Fresno and the Central Valley.
A slab leak — a leak in the water lines running beneath your concrete foundation — is one of the most serious plumbing problems a Fresno homeowner can face. Left unrepaired, slab leaks erode soil, crack foundations, promote mold growth, and cause enormous water waste.
Stedman's Plumbing locates slab leaks using pressure testing and electronic detection equipment, then repairs them with the least invasive method possible — tunneling under the slab, rerouting the line through the walls, or direct spot access depending on your situation. We serve Fresno and throughout Fresno County.
Signs You May Have a Slab Leak
- Hot spots on the floor — a warm area in one spot often means the hot water line is leaking beneath it
- Sound of running water when no fixtures are in use
- Sudden spike in your water or gas bill
- Cracks forming in your flooring, walls, or slab
- Moisture, mold, or mildew near the floor or base of walls
- Reduced water pressure throughout the home
How We Detect & Repair Slab Leaks
- Pressure testing: We isolate sections of your plumbing to confirm a leak is present and identify whether it's on the hot or cold water side.
- Electronic detection: Using acoustic and electronic detection tools, we pinpoint the exact location of the leak beneath the slab — minimizing unnecessary concrete cutting.
- Repair method selection: Based on the leak location, pipe material, and property layout, we recommend the right approach.
- Repair and restoration: We complete the repair, pressure test the line, and coordinate any needed concrete patching, drywall repair, or flooring restoration.
Slab Leak Repair Options
Direct Slab Access
Jackhammer access to the pipe at the exact leak location. Best for isolated leaks on accessible lines where the rest of the pipe is in good condition.
Under-Slab Tunneling
We tunnel beneath the slab to access the pipe without cutting through your flooring. This preserves flooring like tile and hardwood and avoids dust inside the living space.
Pipe Rerouting
The leaking line is abandoned in place and a new line is run through the walls, attic, or crawlspace. This eliminates future slab exposure entirely and is often the most cost-effective long-term solution for older copper lines.
Full Repipe
For homes with multiple slab leaks or severely deteriorated copper lines beneath the slab, a whole-home repipe routes all new plumbing above the slab. This is the most comprehensive and permanent solution.
Insurance & Documentation
Many homeowner's insurance policies cover the cost of accessing and repairing a slab leak — including labor to reach the pipe — though the pipe replacement itself may not be covered. Resulting water damage is often covered separately. We provide detailed documentation, photos, and itemized invoices to support your insurance claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hot spots on the floor, the sound of running water when nothing is on, a sudden spike in water bills, cracks in flooring or walls, moisture near the floor, and reduced water pressure are all common indicators.
Options include direct slab access (jackhammer), tunneling underneath, or rerouting the pipe through walls or the attic. The best method depends on leak location, pipe material, and the overall condition of the plumbing system.
Many policies cover the cost of accessing and repairing the leak but not the pipe replacement itself. Resulting water damage is often covered. We provide detailed documentation to support your claim.
Partially. Slab leaks are often caused by pipe corrosion, soil movement, or poor original installation. Repiping old copper lines above the slab eliminates future slab exposure entirely — a permanent solution for homes with aging plumbing.