If you suspect you have a leak in your foundation but can’t find it yourself, a foundation inspection costs $300 to $750. A professional looks at the slab, finds entry points, and determines the scope of the damage.

Concrete slab leak repair costs $500 to $3,500 if they install a pipe lining. If they have to dig into the foundation and replace damaged pipe, it costs $700 to $5,000 on average. If they have to completely replace the slab, it costs $5,400 to $10,800.

A slab leak is a broken or damaged pipe under a concrete foundation or a crack in the slab that has let moisture in. The most common causes of a slab leak include:

• Corroded cast iron or metal pipes
• Stress on pipes from extreme heat or pressure
• Weak points in plastic or PEX piping
• Damage from hard water or acidic water

Your homeowners insurance policy could cover slab leak repairs if your leak was directly caused by a covered event. This usually includes natural disasters like earthquakes, severe floods, frozen pipes, or a tree falling on your property.

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

Once the plumber determines the leak’s location, they will either break into the slab to access the pipes or insert a liner without breaking into the slab. In some cases, they will suggest you cap off the old pipes and completely reroute the plumbing system to a new location.

Before hiring a leak detection or repair service, follow these steps:

• Get at least 3 in-person estimates. Beware of professionals who recommend a full slab replacement without a thorough inspection.
• Look for people with positive reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Choose a licensed, bonded, and insured company.
• Avoid extremely low prices, which could indicate poor-quality work.
• Ask for a written estimate before they start.
• Avoid large, upfront payments. Set a payment schedule for large jobs.

A trustworthy repair professional should be able to answer these questions:

• Is your business licensed, insured, and bonded?
• How long have you been detecting or repairing slab leaks?
• Can you give me a list of references?
• Can you give me a written, itemized quote?
• Will this repair require a permit? Will you handle it?
• Does your quote include all labor, materials, fees?
• Are there any other expenses I should prepare for?
• Do you have experience with homeowners insurance?
• How long will this take?
• What does this warranty include?
• Could we set up a payment schedule?
• Do you offer financing for repairs?