Services
Leak detection and slab leak repair in Austin
Leak detection usually costs $200 to $450. We use acoustic listening gear and thermal cameras to find the leak before we cut anything, so you get one small opening instead of a torn-up floor.
Reviewed by Marcus Rivera, Texas Master Plumber Updated
Signs of a hidden leak
- Your water bill jumped but your habits didn't change
- The water meter moves with every faucet turned off
- Warm spots on a tile or concrete floor
- The sound of running water when nothing is on
- Damp carpet, a musty smell or mold near the bottom of walls
- New cracks in floors or walls
Why slab leaks are so common here
Most Austin homes sit on a concrete slab poured over clay soil. The clay swells when it's wet and shrinks in a drought, and that movement stresses the water lines under the slab. Hot water lines fail most often, which is why a warm spot on the floor is such a good clue.
Check for a leak yourself
- Turn off every faucet, plus the dishwasher, washing machine, ice maker and sprinklers.
- Find your water meter, usually in a concrete box near the curb, and lift the lid.
- Look at the small triangle or star on the meter face. If it's turning, water is going somewhere.
- Write down the reading, wait an hour without using any water, and check it again.
If the numbers changed, call us. A running toilet can do the same thing, so it isn't always a slab leak, but it's worth finding either way.
What we do
- Electronic leak detection with acoustic and thermal tools
- Slab leak repair through the floor or by tunneling
- Rerouting hot water lines through the attic to bypass the slab
- Pressure testing water and sewer lines
- Irrigation and yard line leak repair
How much does slab leak repair cost in Austin?
Finding the leak usually costs $200 to $450. The repair depends on where the leak is and whether we fix it in place or reroute the line.
| Job | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Leak detection visit | $200 to $450 |
| Spot repair through the slab | $1,800 to $4,500 |
| Reroute a hot or cold water line | $1,500 to $4,000 |
| Irrigation or yard line leak | $200 to $600 |
Prices are typical ranges for Austin-area homes and include labor unless noted. Your plumber gives you an exact, flat price before any work starts.
Common questions
Is a reroute better than breaking the slab?
Often, yes. A reroute abandons the leaking pipe under the slab and runs a new line through the walls and attic. There's no jackhammering, and that section can't leak under the floor again. If the leak is easy to reach or it's a drain line, a spot repair can make more sense.
Will my insurance pay for a slab leak?
Many policies cover the cost of getting to the leak and repairing the damage, but not the pipe repair itself. We give you the detection report, photos and an itemized invoice for your claim.
How accurate is leak detection?
We can usually pinpoint a leak to within a foot or two. Louder leaks close to the surface are easiest. We'll tell you how confident we are before anyone starts cutting.
Related services
We handle leak detection across Austin and nearby cities. If water is spreading right now, see what to do while you wait, or call (512) 555-0100.
Need help with leak detection?
Day or night. If it can wait, send a message and we'll call you back with a free estimate.
Sunrise Plumbing · 123 Main Street, Austin, TX 78701 · Texas Master Plumber License M-00000