Q&A for How to Detect a Water Leak Under Concrete

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Question

What's the cheapest way to fix a leak under a slab?

David Balkan
Professional Plumber
David Balkan is a Professional Plumber, CEO of Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service, and President of Balkan Sewer and Drain Cleaning. As a hands-on owner of these companies for over 40 years, David is knowledgeable about water service lines, sewers, and drain line issues. David is a Committee Chairman of the Master Plumbers Council and has sat on the Executive Committee of the Sub Surface Plumbers Association of New York for over 30 years. His knowledge and solution-oriented approach contributed to Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service being the largest and most trusted service in New York City and the recipient of the 2017 Angie’s List Super Service Award.

David Balkan

Professional Plumber

Expert Answer

If you're sure you know where the leak is, in most cases it's easiest to just re-pipe above the floor. Then, you can just leave the old pipe under the floor so you don't have to break up the slab.

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Question

How do you know if you have a leak?

David Balkan
Professional Plumber
David Balkan is a Professional Plumber, CEO of Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service, and President of Balkan Sewer and Drain Cleaning. As a hands-on owner of these companies for over 40 years, David is knowledgeable about water service lines, sewers, and drain line issues. David is a Committee Chairman of the Master Plumbers Council and has sat on the Executive Committee of the Sub Surface Plumbers Association of New York for over 30 years. His knowledge and solution-oriented approach contributed to Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service being the largest and most trusted service in New York City and the recipient of the 2017 Angie’s List Super Service Award.

David Balkan

Professional Plumber

Expert Answer

Turn off the valves to all of the toilets in your house and make sure no faucets are running. Then, check your water meter. If it's spinning and you know everything's off, you have a leak somewhere. If you don't see signs of a leak behind a wall, chances are good it's under the slab.

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Question

If the meter and the water is turned off, will that stop the leak?

Community Answer

Sure it will, until you need to use some water and you turn on the main valve to your incoming water system again. Get the plumber in to fix it permanently.

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Question

If I turn off my home’s water supply at the main water meter, will the meter continue to run if there is a leak under my concrete floor?

Community Answer

Yes, it will run until the water in the pipes runs out, or the main water valve is faulty.

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