At Harland Property Management, we’ve seen our fair share of maintenance emergencies—but nothing quite like what unfolded at this high-end property in La Jolla. What started as a minor water concern quickly escalated into one of the most costly and extensive repairs we’ve ever overseen: a full-blown slab leak that compromised the home’s foundation and led to a $200,000 restoration.
In this video case study, we walk viewers through the entire process—offering a behind-the-scenes look at how we identified the issue, coordinated emergency repairs, and ultimately saved the home from catastrophic damage.
The Hidden Threat of Slab Leaks
Slab leaks are notoriously deceptive. Because they occur underneath the concrete foundation of a home, they often go undetected until serious structural issues begin to appear.
Some of the early warning signs include:
Unexplained spikes in your water bill
Warm or damp spots on flooring
Cracks in the foundation or flooring
The sound of running water when taps are off
In this case, the homeowner initially suspected a plumbing issue—but the full scope wasn’t clear until we broke through the slab and discovered erosion, soil loss, and extensive pipe deterioration beneath the surface.
Inside the $200K Repair Process
Once the source of the leak was confirmed, our team moved quickly to contain the damage and begin repairs. This was not a simple patch—it was a complete foundation recovery effort.
Here’s a breakdown of what the process involved:
Leak isolation and water shutoff: The first step was to stop further erosion and prevent additional water from pooling under the slab.
Slab demolition and excavation: Our crew carefully removed the damaged concrete to expose the affected area.
Soil stabilization and structural reinforcement: We added gravel fill, compacted it, and installed new moisture barriers to rebuild a stable base.
Plumbing replacement: Corroded pipes were fully removed and replaced with modern, durable materials.
Foundation re-pour: A new concrete slab was poured to restore the structural integrity of the home.
All of this had to be done with precision, speed, and full code compliance, given the property’s value and the location in one of San Diego’s most sought-after neighborhoods.
Why the Price Tag Was So High
Some people may wonder why this job cost over $200,000. The truth is, foundation repairs of this magnitude in luxury neighborhoods like La Jolla come with a unique set of challenges:
Labor-intensive excavation beneath an existing structure
Premium materials for waterproofing and structural stability
Specialized equipment required for safe and efficient slab work
Coordination with engineers, plumbers, and concrete specialists
At Harland Property Management, we’re not just overseeing contractors—we’re managing timelines, permits, budgets, and ensuring that every repair meets the highest quality standards.
What This Means for Property Owners
This project highlights a reality that every property owner should take seriously: small issues can become major financial liabilities if left unchecked. In this case, catching the leak earlier might have turned a $200K nightmare into a $5K repair.
Here’s what we recommend:
Schedule annual plumbing inspections, especially for older homes
Don’t ignore warning signs—even a minor leak can indicate a much larger issue
Partner with a management company that responds swiftly and knows how to manage emergencies from start to finish
Harland’s Commitment to Protecting Your Investment
This La Jolla slab leak disaster could have resulted in structural collapse or irreparable damage to a million-dollar asset. Thanks to proactive property management and a trusted network of vendors, we were able to resolve the crisis, restore the home, and give the homeowner peace of mind.
At Harland Property Management, our job doesn’t end at collecting rent—we’re here to protect your investment, whether that means identifying hidden issues before they escalate or managing complex repair projects when disaster strikes.
Final Thoughts
Slab leaks are silent threats—but they don’t have to turn into six-figure disasters. With the right team in place, issues like these can be contained and corrected before long-term damage sets in.
If you own a rental property in San Diego or the surrounding areas, this video is a must-watch. And if you want to make sure your investment is protected year-round, reach out to Harland Property Management. We’re here to take care of your property like it’s our own.
