Warning signs
Learn what to document.
SlabShield field guide · San Antonio, TX
A homeowner’s slab leak reference
Explore practical definitions, warning signs, testing considerations, and questions to ask before work begins.
Knowledge library
Quick reference topics
Use each guide as a starting point for questions, not as a replacement for a property-specific inspection.
Detection methods
Compare tools and limitations.
Repair choices
Review spot repair and rerouting.
Insurance records
Prepare documents for your insurer.
Costs and estimates
Understand estimate components.
Written warranties
Review scope and exclusions.
Decision guide
Start with the property details
Construction, pipe material, access, and previous work affect the investigation.
Option A
Investigate first
Useful when the cause, location, or extent of the issue remains uncertain.
- Document findings
- Compare suitable tests
- Explain uncertainty
Option B
Plan the work
Appropriate once the evidence supports a specific repair scope.
- Confirm access needs
- Review written estimate
- Agree on verification
Practical checklist
What to document first
A clear timeline and specific observations help the assessment stay focused.
01
Capture the details
Note dates, rooms, meter readings, and visible changes.
02
Ask about the evidence
Understand which tests were performed and what they can establish.
03
Compare the scope
Review access, restoration, price, and exclusions.
04
Keep the records
Save reports, approvals, invoices, and written terms.
Visual reference
How professionals narrow the cause
Tests should be chosen for the question being investigated and interpreted with limitations.
Illustrative stock photography only. Images are not representations of completed SlabShield jobs or verified customer properties.
Field note 05
What the equipment contributes
Tools provide measurements or images, not automatic diagnoses.
- Record what you observed and when it occurred.
- Ask what evidence supports the recommended next step.
- Request the scope and limitations in writing.
Evidence-led planning · Property-specific findings
Explore the details
Scope and estimate essentials
Confirm inclusions, exclusions, access needs, verification, and payment terms.
01
Observe
Record the symptom, location, and timing.
02
Compare
Consider other plausible sources.
03
Verify
Use suitable tests and interpret results.
04
Decide
Choose the next step with clear information.
Decision guide
Safety and property protection
Avoid unsafe access or demolition based only on a suspected symptom.
Option A
Investigate first
Useful when the cause, location, or extent of the issue remains uncertain.
- Document findings
- Compare suitable tests
- Explain uncertainty
Option B
Plan the work
Appropriate once the evidence supports a specific repair scope.
- Confirm access needs
- Review written estimate
- Agree on verification
Practical checklist
Records to keep
Save reports, photographs, written approvals, invoices, and warranty terms.
01
Capture the details
Note dates, rooms, meter readings, and visible changes.
02
Ask about the evidence
Understand which tests were performed and what they can establish.
03
Compare the scope
Review access, restoration, price, and exclusions.
04
Keep the records
Save reports, approvals, invoices, and written terms.
Visual reference
Questions worth asking
Ask what evidence supports the recommendation and what remains uncertain.
Illustrative stock photography only. Images are not representations of completed SlabShield jobs or verified customer properties.
Answers before action
Questions about knowledge base
General information only; the right answer depends on your property, plumbing system, and verified findings.
Does one symptom prove a slab leak?
No. High bills, warm floors, moisture, or unusual sounds can have multiple causes. Appropriate checks are needed.
Will every investigation avoid opening the floor?
No method can guarantee that. Testing may narrow the location, but access needs depend on findings and repair method.
Will homeowners insurance pay?
Coverage depends on the policy, cause, exclusions, and circumstances. Ask your insurer for guidance specific to your policy.
Can I get an exact price online?
A reliable estimate usually requires details about the suspected location, access, materials, scope, and restoration needs.