Ultimate Guide to Slab Leak Diagnostics and Direct Repair Options

## What Causes Slab Leaks? Slab leaks occur when copper or galvanized water lines buried beneath poured concrete foundations develop pinhole leaks due to soil friction, hot water expansion, or galvanic reaction with surrounding soil minerals. ## Repair Strategies: Direct Jackhammering vs. Overhead Reroute 1. **Direct Slab Break Repair:** Precision jackhammering through foundation concrete to expose and solder/braze the damaged copper joint. Ideal for localized single pinholes. 2. **Overhead PEX Reroute:** Abandons damaged under-slab copper lines entirely and installs new flexible PEX-A lines through attic spaces and interior framing. Minimizes foundation disruption.