What is a Slab leak?
It is the plumbing industry term for a pinhole leak or burst water pipe within the concrete floor or foundation of your home.
When can the AirKote® process help me with my leak?
The AirKote® lining process is a minimally invasive process to repair leaks and restore copper water pipes within the concrete foundation of your home. It is also useful in sealing and restoring leaking sections of piping within other difficult to access areas of your home above the foundation.
How would I know if I have a slab leak in my home caused by a failed water pipe?
You may have one or more of the following:
- High water bill or notice from the water company of high-water use
- Hear water running but nothing is on
- Wet planters near the house
- Hot spots on the floor
- Wet base boards
- Water coming out below the water heater but the platform is dry
- Water on the floor or wet carpet
What do I do if I think I have a leak?
Hire a qualified plumber to perform a water leak detection service for you. They will work to see if you have a leak in the pressurized water system of your home and if so the source of the leak.
The steps of the leak detection service may include:
- A visual inspection of your home for signs of water, this may include the use of a moisture meter or infrared camera
- Inspection of your water meter for movement
- Perform a pressure drop test on the water system of your home
- Electronic Leak Detection using sensitive listing equipment.
If a slab leak is found what next?
If your leak detection has found a leak in your water system below the floor you have three repair options:
Option 1: Direct Access
This is the insurance company term for jack hammering up the floor to make a spot repair on the leaking line. This repair is not recommended because it is very destructive and no real warranty is available. You can experience a new leak six inches away from the old leak in a short time which will require the process to be repeated all over again. It is also not practical if the leak is below walls, cabinetry or permanent plumbing fixtures.
If you choose to opt out of the direct access repair (good choice!) your plumber will need to isolate the leaking pipe from the water system of your home by locating each end of the pipe where it rises above the floor to supply a fixture or manifold together with other pipes. This will normally require the opening of two holes in the wall just above the floor or base molding. Once the isolation service is completed your plumber can complete the repair using option 2 or 3 below.
Option 2: Pipe Re-Route
With this option the leaking pipe under the floor is abandoned and replaced with a new pipe to connect the two points of the isolated pipe. The new pipe is installed through the walls and ceiling of your home requiring opening in walls and ceiling as needed. For short pipes this works great but can be very messy and expensive as the two points get farther apart in your home.
Option 3: AirKote® Pipe Restoration
By utilizing the AirKote® pipe restoration process your plumber can restore the leaking copper water pipe in-place within your foundation utilizing only the wall opening at each end of the isolated pipe. This repair eliminates the need for an invasive re-route of the pipe or the jack hammering of your floor. When completed AirKoteOC offers you and your plumber a limited lifetime warranty on the restored pipe and backs it up with a $1,000 performance guarantee.
AirKote® pipe restoration services are available through AirKote® Associate plumbers, if your plumber is not an AirKote® Associate have them give us a call. If you need to locate a plumber please contact our office by phone or the form below.