If you have a leak in your foundation or basement floor, you need to get a repair as quickly as possible to minimize damage. A concrete slab leak repair costs $500 to $3,500 if they decide to install a pipe lining. If they need to dig into your foundation and replace a section of damaged pipe, it will cost $700 to $5,000 on average. If they recommend completely replacing the slab, it'll cost $5,400 to $10,800.

A basement leak happens when either the concrete slab underneath has a broken or damaged pipe, or it has a crack in the slab that has let moisture in. The most common causes of leaks include:

• Broken or corroded metal pipes
• Stress on pipes from extreme pressure or heat
• Weak points in pipes made of plastic or PEX
• Damage from acidic or hard water

Your homeowners insurance policy might cover basement leak repairs if a covered event directly caused the leak. This usually includes scenarios like earthquakes, floods, cold snaps, or a fallen tree on your property.

Plumbers can normally fix a leak in a foundation in 1 to 3 days, depending on the repair method and the severity of the leak. If the leak causes any water damage to your basement flooring or cabinets, it may take several weeks. This timeline includes the delivery of new materials.

Once the plumber determines the leak’s source, they'll either break into the foundation to access the pipes or insert a pipe liner without breaking into the slab. In some cases, they may suggest capping off the old pipes and completely rerouting the plumbing system.

Before hiring a basement leak repair service, follow these steps:

• Get at least 3 in-person estimates to compare.
• Look for positive reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Choose a licensed, bonded, insured company.
• Avoid extremely low quotes, which could indicate poor-quality work.
• Ask for an itemized estimate before they start.
• Avoid making large payments up front. Set a payment schedule instead.