How are slab leaks repaired?

In regions with unstable soil, homes are built on concrete slabs. When pipelines below a slab crack or burst it causes a leak called a slab leak. These leaks are difficult to find and are generally not fixed for long periods.

An unattended slab leak can cause a home to collapse. Water running under the house erodes the soil, which reduces the stability of the foundation. The increased pressure on it causes it to move. Cracks appear in the walls and the water flows into the house.

Slab leaks are extremely common in California. In this article, we will discuss the causes and repair techniques.

Causes of Slab leaks

1. A slab leak Riverside can occur due to movement in the ground. This happens as the soil is already unstable. When your home shifts, pipelines experience more pressure leading to small cracks and leaks. In the worst situation, the pipe may break.

2. If damaged or low-quality material is used to build the water lines, it can cause damage in the long run. Incorrectly installed pipelines lead to slab leak Riverside CA and damaged property. Poor quality pipes may corrode faster and cause leaks.

3. Over time, pipes experience wear and tear when other pipes, gravel or even concrete rub against them. This is extremely prevalent in regions where the temperature fluctuates causing the pipelines to contract and expand rapidly. Pipes also tend to corrode, leading to the formation of pinhole leaks.

Slab leak repair

Depending on the situation you plumber may choose any of the following methods for slab leak repair Temecula or Riverside.

1.Open up the foundation: Plumbers can open the foundation to find and fix the leak. This is a common method to fix new pipes in more modern homes.

2.Re-piping or re-routing: This is the method to repair a slab leak Riverside CA, is usually followed in old houses. As the plumbing system is old, it may crack anytime. Therefore, the whole pipeline system is replaced. Another method is to re-route new pipeline around the edge of concrete slabs or through the attic. This is less expensive than replacing all old pipes. Moreover, the new lines are easily accessible for inspection and repair.

3.Pipe lining: In this method, the inside of pipes are lined with a thin non-toxic epoxy coating. This is a lower-cost option, for pinholes and minor breaks in the pipelines. A liner is placed inside the pipe and cured to become a solid coating.

Do not repair slab leaks yourself

Slab leaks are formed under the foundation of your house. Hence, trying to repair it yourself can cause serious structural damage. Repairing slab leaks also require specialized equipment that you do no have. You also do not possess the specialized knowledge to efficiently repair a slab leak.

Let's say you somehow found and fixed a slab leak. Are you sure that there are no more tiny leaks present in the pipes? As you are not a professional you may miss some small leaks which could significantly damage your home in the future.

Cost to repair slab leaks in California

Slab leak repair Temecula is extensive and can be quite expensive. It can cost between $2000 to $6000 to repair a slab leak. This includes labor, equipment and material costs. Repair of a slab leak Riverside is about $4400 on average.