I have an obvious slab leak under my kitchen. A few of the tiles are almost hot to the touch. Water meter still turning with no real usage. Excessive water usage notice from water dept.
Should I call my insurance co first or call a slab leak detection service first. USAA is my ins. DFW area. BTW- just had a complete kitchen remodel! Ugh!!

Everflow Plunbing ask for Dylan...

No way I'd call my insurance company until I knew what I was getting into. What if it is a $1000 fix? No reason the insurance company needs to be involved or aware of something like that.

I have USAA, had a sewer slab leak - they didn't cover it.

I had 2 slab leaks about 15 years ago. Called a plumber and paid out of my pocket.

Sometimes they can sleeve a water line like that, which should keep you from having to wreck your house and recent remodel. One guy I know bypassed a line in the slab with Pex through the attic and down a wall. If you go that route be sure to wrap the Pex. It can still freeze without bursting.

Call you insurance agent to ask what your policys cover, do not call with a claim unless you know what problem you have, what the cost vs deductible is and if it is worth it.

I had a slab leak in a rent house a couple years ago, the plumber was able push a new line through the slab by removing the old line or something like that, I have no idea how, but it never leaked again...he said the other option was to go through the attic and down the wall route. Oh, and I paid out-of-pocket, it was cheaper.

Just called USAA, my deductible is $2k.

following...good luck.

I had this done after it flooded half my house. Plumbers were in and out in 2hrs.

What a mess. And after a remodel. Two houses ago we had just an annoying problem with the laundry room drain occasionally backing up. I wanted to figure out what was happening, so I contacted my insurance agent and they informed me to pay myself for a video scope and, if there was a break, then we'd file a claim and get it repaired. The video just showed a slight mis-alignment and wasn't worth tearing everything up over. Insurance company (Allstate) wasn't out one stinking penny. We decided to build a new home on a lot we'd had. Close to completion, the same insurance agent informed me that Allstate didn't want to insure the NEW home 'cause there'd been an "incident" at the last house. Again, they weren't out one dime; there was no claim made. The worthless agent suggested I write a letter to the regional manager. I did, got coverage, moved in, got a different insurance and canceled their sorry butt. The agent in Boerne subsequently folded up her tent. She was worthless.

Wow. I was careful to say that I was comparing policies and just inquiring about deductibles and such since my policy is up for renewal next month. Then turned the conversation towards water leak coverage.

Got a company coming out tomorrow. Free evaluation. Fingers crossed!

Did you turn of water at the street?

I’ve been turning it and the water heater off every evening until mid- morning.

Herndon McFarland Plumbing can help you, they can give you options for repairs. Access via slab penetration will be $2,400-$3,400 and rerouting through attic may be about same depending on conditions.

Just to give you and idea of what to expect, any company that comes out for a “free inspection” most likely will not be free and more than likely will be more expensive than others.

I had a leak under my sink that required them to tunnel under the slab. First bid was $80k. I ended up spending about $10k for the tunneling and re-piping the sewer lines from my kitchen and one bathroom. Insurance was no help for me.

This

Yea, the agent explained there’s a separate clause I can add for sewer under slab for $55 a year. And foundation up to $15k for $80 a year.

That is a shysterism.

Quite possibly, they have good reviews though. I imagine the evaluation won’t be very comprehensive but it’s a start. Better than sitting here twiddling my thumbs waiting for someone else. Still up to me to sign anything.

you'll be fine. These things are just a PITA to deal with. I hate it when something goes bad I cant fix (which is most things) I'm the reason there are Handymen.

You can add coverage after an issue is discovered?