Can a Slab Leak Be Repaired?

Protect Your Home's Foundation

California is used to earthquakes, even in Chino, California. That doesn't mean residents 'like' them, they're just used to them and know the things they need do during and after an event. This can include possibly needing slab leak repairs along with plumbing repairs.

What are slab leak repairs?

Most homes are built on a cement slab and the plumbing often runs under or through that slab. When the ground shifts during an earthquake, it can cause a pipe to bust, damaging the slab. This is when slab leak repairs are needed.

Slab leak repair is the process cutting the water lines that go into the slab and cap the lines off. Then the plumber will install new water line, bypassing the slab so that water is being delivered throughout the house.

What are the signs of a slab leak?

There are five indications that you may need slab leak repair or more:

• The Water Bill

If you notice that your water has suddenly increased for no apparent reason, this could indicate any type of plumbing matter, include a slab leak. Repairing the problem sooner than later is a must to minimize any further structural damage.

• Hotspots in the Floor

If you notice hot spots in the floor could be an indication you need slap leak repair, especially if the hot spot in certain spot of the floor and that room is humid or warm. Another concern, if the spot is warm, that means it is a hot water slab leak, repairs will include the cold and hot water lines as well as the slab.

• Excess Exterior Moisture

When you have a slab leak, it can only spread so far within the slab and under your home. This means it will eventually start leaking around your home. The telltale sign of this is puddles of water around the foundation of your home, standing water when there hasn't been any rain or lawn watering, etc.

• Running Water

If you're hearing running water constantly but there isn't any faucet or spigot turned on, you definitely haves a plumbing issue, and most likely will need slab leak repair.

• Ceiling & Walls

If you're noticing cracks in the ceiling and along the walls, it could be your house is settling. It can also be indication you need slab leak repair. If you notice any of the other indications listed here along with these cracks, good chance it the slab.

What causes slab leaks?

A slab leak repair could be needed because of various factors that cause the slab leak. This can include improper pipe installation and poor construction, weak water lines, soil shifting, or chemical reactions between the pipe metal and the metals in the ground.

How do plumber detect a slab leak location?

The days of plumbers randomly digging up your yard are gone. Today, there is a range of equipment they use for leak detection. The most common is the acoustic disc and ground microphone. This equipment can hear water running through concrete, enabling them to narrow down where the leak is located. Other methods they use include:

• Pressure sensors that can detect changes in the foundation's temperature and pressure by scanning.
• Video pipe cameras are the most popular and powerful tool because it gives the plumber a view of the problem from inside the pipes.

How is a slab leak repaired?

Plumbers have two methods of slab leak repairs:

• Run new water line next to the existing one, bypassing the leaking pipe.
• Insert pipe lining in the existing that seals any cracks and restrengthens the existing pipe.

What is the cost of slab leak repair?

Slab leak repair costs can vary based on the location of the leak and how much plumbing needs to be repaired or replaced.

Is slab leak repair covered by insurance?

No, the slab leak repair won't be covered by your homeowner's insurance, but any damage to your flooring and belongings may be covered. It is definitely worth filing a claim and see what the insurance adjuster determines.