From Slab Leak Repair to Full Repipe: Why This West Sacramento Home Needed an Overhead Water Line Reroute

McCray's Home Services
Apr 1
3 min read

When a “Fixed” Leak Comes Back

Last year, we were called out to a rental property in Broderick (West Sacramento, 95605) for a slab leak under the kitchen floor.

At the time, the issue was clear:

Rising water bills
Warmth under the flooring
A confirmed leak beneath the concrete slab

We performed a targeted slab repair, replacing the damaged section of pipe, pressure testing the system, and restoring the concrete. Everything checked out exactly as it should.

For a time, the system held.

Fast forward to February 2026.

The landlord reached out again — water had started coming up from beneath the flooring in the same general area.

Investigating the Second Issue

When we returned, the first priority was to verify our previous work.

We reopened the area and inspected the original repair.

✔ The repair was solid

✔ The pipe was intact

✔ No failure at the repaired section

However, about 12 inches away, we discovered something new: Two small pinhole leaks had developed in a different section of the line.

What We Found: A Larger System Issue

At that point, we expanded our inspection beyond the immediate repair area.

That’s when we identified a critical detail:

The home had a galvanized-to-copper connection at the water service.
This connection had been wrapped and not visible during the initial repair, which is not uncommon in older homes.

Once uncovered, it became clear the system had mixed piping materials, which can lead to corrosion and deterioration over time.

Why This Matters

When galvanized steel and copper are connected, it can lead to:

Internal corrosion
Gradual pipe deterioration
Pinhole leaks forming over time
Multiple failures in different locations

This explained why a new leak appeared after the original repair — not because the repair failed, but because the system itself was beginning to fail.

The Turning Point: Stop Chasing Leaks

At this stage, we had a straightforward conversation with the property owner.

We explained:

The original repair was successful
The new leaks were unrelated to that repair
The plumbing system was showing signs of broader failure

Continuing with spot repairs under the slab would likely mean:

Repeated concrete demolition
Ongoing disruption for tenants
Increasing costs over time

Instead, we recommended a long-term solution.

The Solution: Overhead Water Line Reroute

To address the issue at its source, we performed a full domestic repipe, for an overhead water line reroute.

Why Overhead Rerouting Works

Removes aging and failing pipes from under the slab
Reduces the risk of future hidden leaks
Provides accessible plumbing for future service
Creates a more reliable, modern system

Planning the Project the Right Way

Before beginning work, the McCray team scheduled a full walkthrough with the landlord.

During this walkthrough, we:

Identified all required access points
Explained where drywall openings would be needed
Set clear expectations for the project
Coordinated timing with occupants

We also handled all required permits and City of West Sacramento inspections.

System Installation Highlights

The new system was installed using a Uponor PEX-A expansion system in a trunk-and-branch configuration:

3/4 inch hot and cold trunk lines
1/2 inch branch lines to individual fixtures
Insulated hot water lines in the attic
Proper protection at framing penetrations

Additional Work Completed

Water Heater Replacement

Installed new 50-gallon gas water heater
Added expansion tank, sediment trap, and seismic strapping
Installed new gas shutoff and connectors

Fixture and Plumbing Updates

New angle stops and supply lines throughout
Laundry rerouted overhead with new wall-mounted valves
Kitchen supply upgrades and refrigerator ice maker box installed

Bathroom Work

Vanities were removed and reinstalled as needed for access
Toilets were removed and reset with new wax rings and hardware
Existing shower valves were left in place, with new overhead supply lines routed and connected to the existing plumbing within the wall