Most people don’t think about their plumbing system often. They are just happy it works. However, if problems like slab leaks occur, they may stay hidden for a while and damage your house while at it. They are also not a quick fix; the pipes are buried under your slab, and it takes some serious digging to get to them.

So, what did we do when we were called to fix a home with a massive slab leak?

First Things First: Conducting a Sewer Water Test

You can only fix a leak if you know where it is and how much damage you’re looking at. So, we first carried out a sewer water test, assessed the damage, and presented the homeowner with repair options they had.

Your plumber can either dig a hole through the floor of your house or tunnel from the outside to get to the leak. Tunneling is preferred because you will not have to repair holes in your home and can continue living in the house as repairs are made.

Digging the Tunnel

While plumbers can do the tunneling themselves, they are advised to bring a professional crew for the job. That way, they can ensure that the technicians and your house are safe during the process. The tunneling crew gave us a big enough entryway to get in and out safely.

Fixing the Leaking Pipes

Now that we could get to the slab leak, fixing it was very easy. The leaking cast iron pipes used in this home needed replacing, and we went with PVC pipes. They have a longer life expectancy as they will never rust. Installing the lines is the delicate part, as they can belly or break if not placed carefully. We install hangers to support them, so everything stays right where it’s supposed to when the backfill crew comes in and puts all the dirt back in.

While beneath the house, we also love to check on your water line and ensure everything is okay.  

Filling in the Tunnel

After all repairs are done, we conduct tests to confirm that your plumbing system is fine before we can start filling in the tunnel. If the test results are good, we call in the backfill crew to fill in the tunnel and seal it.

Looking for Good Leak Detection Equipment?

Finding leaks and repairing them is made easier by the right leak detection equipment.  LeakPro® detection equipment eliminates the guesswork in leak detection and leak locating, helping plumbers, and homeowners find leaks easily. Contact us to order your equipment today. Also, visit Roger’s YouTube for more plumbing and leak detection tips.