A Hidden Waterline Break / Slab Leak Under the Kitchen Floor

McCray's Home Services
Nov 26
4 min read

How One Landlord Caught It Early and How McCray & Sons Fixed It

Slab leaks are one of those hidden problems that can quietly grow into major headaches. The warning signs are subtle, the pipes are buried beneath concrete, and many property owners don’t discover them until the symptoms add up. One of our recent customers — a local landlord — went through this exact situation. Thanks to quick action, accurate testing, and a structured repair plan, what started as a rising water bill turned into a smooth and successful fix.

Here’s how the entire process unfolded.

When the Water Bill Starts Climbing…

At first, there was no cause for concern. The landlord noticed the monthly water bill increasing, but since the home was occupied by tenants with children who played outside during the summer months, she assumed the higher usage was normal.

But then the bills kept rising.

From the low $200 range…to the $300s…and eventually into the $400s.

By early fall — when the weather cooled down and outdoor water use should have dropped — the numbers continued climbing. That’s when she knew something was off.

Around the same time, the tenants mentioned feeling warmth beneath a section of the kitchen floor. Warm flooring can be a major red flag for a hot-water slab leak, but during the heat of summer, it hadn’t stood out as unusual.

A family member finally recommended the essential test every property owner should know:

Shut off the home’s main water valve.
Open the water meter box.
Check whether the dial is still spinning.

It was.

That confirmed it — water was escaping somewhere beneath the slab, even with all water to the home turned off.

Why She Called McCray & Sons

When we asked how she found us, the landlord shared something we hear often — and deeply appreciate:

“I kept seeing your name all over Facebook. Every time someone asked for a contractor, the comments said to call McCray & Sons.”

We love hearing that kind of community support. Our family has lived and worked in West Sacramento for generations, and strong local recommendations mean everything to us. When she decided to reach out, we were ready to help.

Coordinating Professional Leak Detection

Before opening a floor or breaking concrete, locating the exact point of failure is critical. We coordinated a trusted leak-detection professional who offers flat-rate leak locating — something rare in the industry.

The landlord appreciated the affordability and transparency, and she loved the technician. He quickly pinpointed the suspected location of the underground hot-water break.

When Warren opened the slab the next day, the leak was exactly where the technician had marked. That kind of precision saves time, reduces demolition, and keeps the repair process clean and efficient.

Our Multi-Day Repair Plan

Slab repairs require a careful, multi-step approach. Here’s how the McCray & Sons team handled it start to finish.

Day 1: Accessing and Repairing the Leak

Removed approximately a 3 ft × 3 ft section of flooring.
Jackhammered and removed a matching section of concrete.
Excavated until the hot-water line was fully exposed.
Cut out the damaged copper line and installed new ½-inch type L copper.
Pressure-tested the repair — passed with no issues.
Secured the area with plywood for safety and airflow.

Day 2: Drying and Monitoring

The open area remained ventilated so moisture could escape fully and the repair could be monitored for any signs of seepage.

Day 3: Final Inspection and Concrete Patch

Re-inspected the repair — completely dry.
Backfilled the excavation.
Installed a smooth, level concrete patch.
Cleaned the entire work area.
The landlord will complete the final flooring installation.

A Very Happy Ending

Not only did the repair go smoothly, but the landlord later learned that the water company reduced her bill after reviewing the documentation. She told us she was thrilled with:

Our communication and responsiveness
The detailed estimate and clear scope of work
The fairness of our pricing
The accuracy of the leak detection
The smooth, no-surprise repair process

She said she finally had the “nightmare behind her,” which is exactly what we want for every customer.

Slab Leaks: Subtle Signs, Big Impact

Even though slab leaks are hidden, they often leave clues:

Warm flooring
Rising water bills
Sound of water running when everything is off
A spinning water meter after shutting off the main
Damp or lifting flooring

If you notice any of these signs — or if something just feels “off” — it’s important to act quickly. Fast action prevents structural damage, mold, and long-term complications.

Why Homeowners and Landlords Trust McCray & Sons

As a local, family-owned business with deep roots in West Sacramento, we take pride in delivering:

Transparent, accurate estimates
Trusted leak detection partners
Professional copper pipe repairs
Careful concrete restoration
Clear communication every step of the way
A customer-first approach