The three main options
| Spot repair | Reroute | Repipe | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Open the slab at the leak and repair that section. | Abandon the leaking line and run a new one through walls or the ceiling. | Replace the home's supply lines. |
| Best when | One leak in otherwise sound pipe. | The leak is hard to reach, or under expensive flooring. | Several leaks, or old or failing pipe throughout. |
| Floor impact | Concrete and flooring are opened at one spot. | Little or none. Walls are opened instead. | Walls are opened in several places. |
| Risk of another leak | Higher if the rest of the pipe is aging. | Lower for that line. | Lowest. |
| Typical cost | Lowest for a single leak. | Moderate. | Highest, but solves the whole system. |
What affects the choice
- Number of leaks: a second slab leak is a strong sign the pipe itself is failing.
- Pipe age and material: older copper or failing pipe makes a single repair less likely to last.
- Flooring: breaking through tile or hardwood can cost more than rerouting around it.
- Location: a leak under a kitchen island or a bathroom is harder to reach than one under a closet.
Detection comes first
Every repair option depends on knowing exactly where the leak is. Slab leak detection pinpoints the location before any concrete is opened. Check with your insurer, too. Many policies treat access and resulting water damage differently from the pipe repair itself.
For broader pipe problems, see repiping in Pahrump. When you're ready, see slab leak repair in Pahrump.