How Much Does Slab Leak Repair Cost?

When it comes to home disasters, the mere thought of a slab leak is enough to cause most homeowners to break into a cold sweat. Slab leaks are notoriously hard to detect in the early stages and can cause significant damage, but that doesn't mean they can't be fixed.

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What Is a Slab Leak?

Some houses have foundations made from concrete slabs. Pipes run beneath these slabs to supply your home with water and carry wastewater and sewage away from your property.

When these pipes develop a leak, water or sewage can seep into the slab and threaten your home's structural integrity. You might notice damp spots on your floors or walls, cracks in plaster or brickwork and raised areas of floor or soil. Sewage leaks can also cause unpleasant odors and contaminate your home with potentially harmful bacteria.

What Causes a Slab Leak?

Various issues can cause a slab leak, including:

• Incorrectly installed pipework

• Faults in your home's construction

• Pipe corrosion

• Shifting soil beneath your home

• Excessive water pressure

The soil composition around your home can significantly increase your risk of a slab leak. That's because water and other substances present in the soil can react with the pipe materials, causing corrosion and weakening the pipe's structure. Slab leaks are also more common in older homes with aging plumbing systems.

How Serious Is a Slab Leak?

Slab leaks can cause significant (and costly) damage. Your slab supports your home's structure, so any damage to that support can lead to major structural issues. As water seeps into your slab, cracks develop, potentially leading to uneven settling and large cracks in your walls. Left untreated, your slab could collapse.

How Hard Is It to Fix a Slab Leak?

Slab leaks are challenging to repair because the pipes are difficult to access. However, experienced plumbers have specialized equipment to help them pinpoint the location of slab leaks, often allowing them to expose and replace the damaged pipe.

Alternatively, your plumber may recommend trenchless pipe repair. This minimally invasive technique involves inserting a liner into the existing pipe to block the leak.

Occasionally, a plumber may recommend replacing the entire under-slab system. This type of repair is more common in older houses where the pipes are in poor condition. As you might expect, replacing all the pipes beneath your slab is expensive and invasive. However, it significantly reduces the risk of future leaks.

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How Much Does Slab Leak Repair Cost?

Slab leak repair costs depend on the extent of the damage and the method used. According to HomeGuide, trenchless pipe repairs are usually the most affordable way to fix a slab leak, with most homeowners spending $500 to $3,500 (CAD 715 to CAD 5,004) per project or $90 to $250 (CAD 129 to CAD 357) per linear foot.

Digging into your slab to replace a broken section of pipe is more expensive at $700 to $5,000 (CAD 1,001 to CAD 7,149). Excavation typically costs $2.50 to $15 (CAD 3.57 to CAD 21) per cubic yard, while pipe replacement costs $0.40 to $8 (CAD 0.57 to CAD 11) per linear foot.

You may need to replace your slab if the damage is extensive. Expect to pay between $5,400 and $10,800 (CAD 7,721 and CAD 15,442) for a total replacement or $6 to $12 (CAD 8.58 to CAD 17) per square foot for a partial replacement.

Often, homeowners struggle to locate the source of the leak. In this situation, a plumber can perform a slab inspection to determine the cause and extent of the damage and recommend the most effective repair options. Most plumbers charge $300 to $750 (CAD 429 to CAD 1,072) for these services.

Will Homeowners Insurance Cover a Concrete Slab Leak?

Whether your homeowners insurance covers slab leak repairs depends on the events covered by your policy and the cause. Your policy may cover sudden, catastrophic leaks, although this varies significantly between insurers. Coverage for slow leaks or damage caused by gradual wear and tear is uncommon, although some insurers offer it as an add-on benefit.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.