Handling Slab Leaks in Your Home

What is a Slab Leak?

Slab leak is the insurance or industrial term used to indicate leak in the water line running underneath the concrete floor of a building. The leaks present above the floor are called pinhole leaks. Many evidences suggest that slab leaks are caused by copper pipes reacting badly with drinking water.

A very small percentage of leaks are due to faulty installation, faulty soldering, contact of pipes with concrete, non-reamed pipe, soil condition as well as rocks present below the foundation.

How to Detect Slab Leaks?

Slab leaks are detected by experienced professionals working in this field. This task of detection is carried out with tracing equipments as well as electronic listening to locate or pinpoint the problem. The professionals utilize traditionally known industrial fixes to the broken/damaged pipes and use single-line epoxy repair techniques for better performance. After locating the leak, the experts will notify the owner about various options for repairing the leak and the associated cost of doing it. They will also suggest the best method to solve the problem without hassles.

Most of the time the leak is located, isolated and repaired for less than $1500. In large buildings, these costs however can range anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 and more depending on the complexity of the leak and finishes. Quite simply, the most effective solution for repairing copper water lines below the floor will prevent damage in the future. The process is non-invasive when it comes to short re-routes but may require digging the floor to correct the errors. And most plumbing companies offer a 10 year warranty on labor while providing more than 95 percent success rate for single line repair.

How Long Does the Repair Work Take?
Most slab leaks can be repaired within two days. On the first day, the technician will conduct the leak detection task and provide a full estimate of the work to the property owner. He or she will also ready the necessary tools and equipments, mark the boundaries for excavating the floor or foundation and create a thorough plan of repairing the pipes.

The second day is dedicated for lining, reinstatement and finishing work. If the conditions are unsuitable for a quick repair, the plumbers will provide a temporary bi-pass line for water flow. Large structures may require more than a week to replace the water lines especially when there are multiple points of breakage.

Don’t let a Slab Leak take over your home! Call Allan E. Power at [phone] right away for the best services in the La Grange area.