What usually follows the repair
- Same day
- The repaired line is pressure tested and water restored. Ask what test was done and the result.
- Same day
- Run your own meter test with everything off; the leak indicator should stay still.
- First days
- Wet carpet, pad, baseboards or drywall are assessed and dried or removed as needed.
- After drying
- Concrete openings are patched and wall or ceiling openings from a reroute are closed.
- Afterward
- Flooring, drywall finishing and paint are restored, often by separate trades.
- Ongoing
- Repeat the meter test now and then, and compare the next few water bills with past ones.
Drying is its own task
Water that leaked under a slab can soak into carpet pad, tack strip, baseboards and the bottom of drywall. Surfaces can feel dry while materials underneath stay damp. Moisture left in place can lead to odors, damaged flooring and mold.
Ask whether the plumber checked moisture in nearby materials, and if a large area was wet, consider having it assessed by a water damage professional. Remove wet rugs and move furniture off damp floors to help air circulate.
Before you close up and refinish
- The repaired line passed a pressure test.
- Your own meter test shows no movement with everything off.
- Damp flooring and walls near the leak have been checked and dried.
- Any required permit inspection has passed before openings are closed.
- Photos of the repair and open areas are saved for your records.
- You know who is patching concrete and who is restoring flooring.
Common finish work after each repair type
| Repair type | Typical finish work |
|---|---|
| Spot repair | Concrete patch, then tile, wood or carpet over the opening |
| Reroute | Drywall patches along the route, texture and paint |
| Repipe | Drywall patches at fixtures and along runs, texture and paint |
| Lining | Little or none, though fixtures may need reconnection checks |
Questions to close out the job
- What test did you perform after the repair, and what did it show?
- Where exactly was the leak, and what did the pipe look like?
- Do you see signs that another leak is likely soon?
- Is there anything I should watch for over the next few weeks?
- Can I have the invoice, findings and any permit documents?
Common questions
How long does drying take?
It depends on how much water leaked, the materials involved and airflow. A moisture check is more reliable than waiting a set number of days.
Can I replace flooring right away?
Wait until the slab and nearby materials are confirmed dry, and until any required inspection is complete.
Will my water bill go back to normal?
It should, once the leak is fixed. Compare the next bills with the same months last year, and ask the City of Fullerton's water utility about any leak-related billing questions.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.