How to Fix a Slab Leak

A slab leak is one of the most common plumbing problems in every household. It happens when cracked or ruptured water pipes inside or under the concrete structure start leaking and remain unattended without being mended or replaced with new pipes. A lot of water is wasted because of this. It can also cause damage to the structural design of the wall or the house. Considering their ruinous nature, it is essential to detect leaky conduit pipes as early as possible and get them fixed.

There could be various underlying reasons for these leaks. The pH level of the water is the most important factor, as the pipes carrying this water get affected by it to a large extent. Water with a higher pH level can damage pipes faster. Another reason could be water flowing at a high pressure through a pipe of smaller diameter.

With excessive burden on small pipes, it is possible for them to bend or rupture. It also depends on where the direction of the pipe changes. The very obvious reason could be poor craftsmanship, wherein the pipes are not properly installed. Sometimes the chemical reaction between the pipes and the soil or cement might cause corrosion and decomposition of the pipes.

Following are some common signs and symptoms of a leak. If you notice any of them in your apartment or home, then it is certain that you will have to start taking up some plumbing tasks.

• Sudden rise in the water bills
• Low water pressure in home
• Damp spots and stains on the flooring or the walls
• Undue moisture under the carpets or wallpaper
• Cracks on the walls or flooring

Ideally, you should call professional plumbers in case you sense great damage. With the help of modern equipment, plumbers can detect the slab leak and its location with minimal damage caused to the surrounding floor or walls. However, to repair the pipes, digging is mandatory. Plumbers can come up with solutions such as changing only the leaking portion of the pipe, or coating the pinholes in the pipe with a strong waterproof adhesive, etc. But in older housing structures, the plumbing system used is also very primitive.

In such cases, changing the entire pipe or changing the route of the pipe is the only option. The repair cost depends on the damage of the pipe, price of the new pipe or other parts, and digging and replacing cost. Generally, a plumber charges a minimum of $500 to reach the leak, but this is by no means a fixed amount.

The cost varies from plumber to plumber. You can call various plumbers and settle for the most affordable one. However, you should be assured of the quality of the plumbing goods and supplies and not compromise. On the other hand, if you decide to do it yourself, then the following steps given below can help you.

• Detecting the leak is very important in order to fix the problem. First identify the origin and location of the water leak and mark that area with a chalk or a tape.
• Carefully remove a square foot of flooring from that area with the proper tools. Try not to cause too much damage to the flooring or the wall to save further replacement cost.
• Using a suitable drill machine, start drilling in the slab. Make a small hole wherein your hand can locate and reach the leak.

• Shut the main source of water and enlarge the hole so that you can replace the ruptured pipe with a new one with proper welding.
• You can close the hole with concrete after 2-3 days, when you are sure that the leak has been sealed properly.
• When the concrete has dried, fix the flooring again to its place using a strong construction adhesive and leave it to dry.

Slab leaks not only cause inconvenience, they give rise to other mishaps, too. So, it is advised that you repair it immediately with some cost-effective solutions. The next time you have dripping water in the dining hall, your blood need not run cold. Just fix it so you can enjoy uninterrupted family dinners in the future.