Concrete Slab Leak

Concrete slab leaks in San Diego homes are common. In fact, it is unusual to find a foundation that has not cracked at all. Concrete slabs all go through a normal cracking process when the concrete is cured. Curing causes the concrete slabs to shrink and break. It is common for pipes to spring leaks under the concrete which can cause a visible concrete slab leak, a sign that repairs need to take place immediately to prevent further damage to your San Diego home.

What Causes Concrete Slab Leaks?

• Hard Water: Hard water usually has a pretty dense amount of calcium and lime in it. These elements are abrasive to the inside of the pipe lining and eventually wear down the strength of the pipes, in time leading to slab leaks inside the home's foundation. If you live in a hard water area in San Diego, concrete slab leaks should be something to watch out for.


• Kinks: Even the slightest ridge in the pipe will result in a leak, usually starting as a "pinhole" leak. If the leak is in a pipe embedded in the foundation of your San Diego home, a concrete slab leak will probably be the result and rerouting pipes or repiping will be required.


• Hot Water: The expansion from heating and cooling in the pipes greatly contributes to making the pipes more and more fragile over time. This process is unavoidable, and pipes inside the concrete foundation of a home can develop leaks as a result.

Identifying a Concrete Slab Leaks in San Diego

Walk around your house with bare feet. If you feel a warm area through the floor, wet or dry, there is a good chance you just came across a concrete slab leak. Mark the area with tape.

The process of repairing a concrete slab leak in San Diego involves removing flooring, making a hole in the concrete in order to access the leak site, and filling the hole after the leaky pipe has been repaired. Concrete slab leaks repair is a complex job, and should be exclusively handled by full service plumbing contractors.

Ideally, an experienced San Diego Plumbing Technician will possess the tools and expertise to master the project by fixing leaks inside the slab, as well as restoring the site after repairs.

Steps to Repair Concrete Slab Leak

1. Remove as little flooring as possible to prevent extensive destruction to the area.


2. Drill through the concrete with a concrete drill bit.


3. Make an opening that is large enough for your hand to fit in to feel the leak.


4. Once the Leak is located, drill the hole bigger for enough room to repair it.


5. Use a pipe cutter to shut the water at the main.


6. Cut off the part of the pipe that contains the leak.


7. Replace the pipe with one made of the same material (copper, PVC). Welding may be necessary.


8. Mix a bag of concrete and fill the hole to seal the slab.


9. Leave it to dry and cure for several days before replacing the flooring.

Unfortunately, many homeowners in San Diego fail to notice that a concrete slab leak has developed until major water damage threatens the home. Once the evidence is apparent that a pipe is leaking in the slab, you should call a professional right away to take care of the problem. To contact reliable, efficient slab leak technicians in San Diego call 1-800-724-8232.

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