Step 1: a conversation, not a sales pitch
You call, or send the request form, and describe what you noticed. The person you speak to asks about the age of the house, where you saw the sign, what the meter does and whether any repairs have been done before. Those answers decide whether the situation is urgent, whether a visit makes sense and what to check before anyone arrives.
If the symptoms sound like something else, such as a leaking irrigation valve or a running toilet, you will hear that. Sorting out the cheap causes first saves you a visit that finds nothing. Our signs guide shows what we are looking for in that call.
Step 2: stopping the damage, if there is any
If water is moving, the first job is to stop it. The emergency line walks you through closing the main valve and keeping away from electrical hazards, and a crew attends to make the situation safe. A permanent repair is not rushed at that point; the aim is to leave you with the water controlled and the options clear.
Step 3: finding the leak
This is the detection visit. Using sound, heat, pipe tracing and pressure testing, the technician works out whether the leak is in the slab, a wall or a fixture, which line it is on and exactly where it sits. The location is marked, the likely cause is explained and you receive a written finding. Details on the methods are on the detection page.
Step 4: choosing the fix with the facts in front of you
With the leak located, you see the realistic options and what each means for your floor, your walls and your water supply:
| Option | What you give up | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Spot repair | A section of slab and the floor above it | The simplest fix when there is one leak |
| Reroute | Small wall openings and attic access | The slab and finishes stay intact |
| Epoxy lining | Water for a day or so, plus a candidate pipe | No demolition when the pipe qualifies |
| Repipe | More disruption and a larger bill | New supply lines throughout, or in the affected zone |
Nothing is booked until you have the scope in writing. Use the decision helper if you want to think it through first.
Step 5: the written scope
A good estimate says what is being done and where, which method and materials are used, what is excluded and how a second leak would be handled. It lists the warranty for labor and for materials separately and says who requests permits and inspections. If any of that is missing, ask. The same questions are covered in the cost guide.
Step 6: the work
- Preparation.Protecting floors, setting up dust control and confirming the water-off plan.
- The repair itself.Opening only what the scope requires, fixing the pipe and testing it under pressure.
- Testing the rest.The remaining lines are tested while access is open, where that is practical.
- Closing up.Backfill and concrete patch, or wall repairs, depending on the method.
Step 7: drying, finishing and paperwork
Flooring and finish work can only begin once the slab and walls are dry, and the order matters. You should leave the job with the written findings, the invoice, the permit and inspection record where one applies and the warranty documents. Keep them together with your home records, and keep them for any insurance claim.
If you want to see how each stage looks on a specific house, Mesa SlabGuard Pros will walk you through it on the phone.
Questions people ask
Do I have to book repairs after detection?
No. The findings are yours, and you can use them to get other quotes or to support an insurance claim. Ask for the report in writing when you book.
How long does the whole process take?
It varies with the leak, the repair method and the drying time. Detection can be done in a single visit, and the repair is scheduled after you approve a scope. Finish work often follows on a separate day.
Will I have to leave the house?
Usually not. Water may be off for part of the day, and dust and noise are likely when concrete is cut, but most households stay in the home during the work.
Last updated October 16, 2026. This page offers general information to help you understand and describe a problem; it is not a diagnosis of your home. Only an on-site inspection can confirm a leak or the right repair.