What is a slab leak reroute? A reroute, sometimes called a bypass, disconnects the leaking section of pipe under the slab and replaces it with a new supply line routed through the walls, ceiling or attic. The old pipe is abandoned in place, so the floor usually doesn’t need to be opened.
Rerouting is one of the main repair paths a provider may recommend after locating the leak. It’s especially popular in homes with continuous tile floors, where opening a section of floor means matching tile that may no longer be made.
When rerouting is usually recommended
- Finished or hard-to-match flooring, such as large-format tile, natural stone or hardwood, sits over the leak.
- The same line has leaked before, a sign the pipe is wearing along its length and a patch would only move the problem.
- The leak is under a cabinet, tub or other fixture that would be costly to remove.
- It’s a hot-water line. Hot lines see more expansion and wear, and moving them out of the slab ends the warm-floor problem for good. See hot water slab leaks.
- The attic or walls give a practical path from the water source to the fixtures being fed.
How a reroute is done
- Plan the route. The plumber maps where the failed line starts and which fixtures it feeds, then plans the shortest practical path through walls and attic.
- Make access openings. Small openings in drywall let the new pipe travel between the attic and each fixture.
- Run and connect new pipe. Many providers use flexible PEX tubing for reroutes because it bends around framing with fewer fittings. Some use copper. Ask which they recommend and why.
- Cap the old line. The leaking section under the slab is disconnected and capped so it no longer carries water.
- Test and close up. The new line is pressure-tested, then drywall openings are patched. Some providers handle patching and painting, others leave it to you, so confirm before you agree.
Reroute vs. spot repair
| Reroute | Spot repair | |
|---|---|---|
| Floor disruption | Usually none; openings are in drywall | Floor and concrete opened at the leak |
| Old pipe | Abandoned, so future leaks on that section are eliminated | Stays in service apart from the repaired piece |
| Best fit | Repeat leaks, costly flooring, hot lines | A single leak in otherwise sound pipe |
| Clean-up | Drywall patch and paint | Concrete patch, then new flooring |
If leaks are showing up on several lines, the conversation may shift from rerouting one section to a full repipe of the house.
Getting a reroute quote
Ask the provider to spell out the route the new pipe will take, the pipe material, how many wall openings are needed, whether patching is included, and whether a permit will be pulled. Comparing that against a spot-repair quote plus new flooring gives you a like-for-like decision. For the bigger picture on Greenacres slab leak repair options, including insurance and cost factors, see our main guide.
Homeowners in Palm Springs and West Palm Beach face the same reroute-or-repair decision.
Related slab leak services
Frequently asked questions
Is rerouting better than repairing a slab leak?
Not always. Rerouting avoids opening the floor and removes the failed pipe from service, which suits repeat leaks and expensive flooring. A spot repair can be simpler for a single leak in sound pipe under easy-to-replace flooring.
How long does a slab leak reroute take?
A single-line reroute is often completed in about a day, but it depends on the route length, the number of fixtures fed and access in the attic and walls. The provider will give you a timeline with the quote.
Do I need to leave home during a reroute?
Usually not. Water is shut off while connections are made, and drywall openings create some dust in the work areas.
What happens to the old pipe under the slab?
It is disconnected and capped so it no longer carries water. It stays in place under the concrete.