4 Ways To Fix a Slab Leak

Slab leaks are a common plumbing problem that can cause extensive damage to your home. They occur when pipes that run under the concrete slab of your home begin to leak. If left untreated, slab leaks can lead to mold growth, water damage, and even foundation damage. 

In this blog post, we discuss the top four ways to fix the issue.

1. Repiping

When you’re looking at ways to fix a slab leak, repiping is one of the more complicated yet long-term solutions. It involves replacing the damaged pipes with new ones. This is the most effective way to fix a slab leak and prevent future leaks. Repiping is a complex process that requires cutting through the concrete slab to access damaged pipes. It is important to hire a professional plumber who has experience with slab leak repair to perform this job.

2. Epoxy Coating

Epoxy coating is one of the less invasive ways to fix a slab leak. This entails coating the damaged pipes with an epoxy resin that hardens and creates a new, leak-free pipe. This method is less expensive and requires less labor than repiping. However, note that epoxy coating may not be a permanent solution and that another epoxy coating may be needed in the near future to maintain a good leak-free seal.

3. Pipelining

Pipelining is exactly as it sounds — plumbing professionals must insert a flexible liner inside the damaged pipe before it is inflated. The liner then expands until it fits snugly against the walls of the original leaky pipe. Once it’s in place, the liner is cured and serves as a new, leak-free pipe inside the old one. Despite the procedure, it’s still less invasive than repiping and can be a good option for certain types of pipes. However, it is important to note that not all pipes are suitable for pipelining.

4. Spot Repair

Spot repair involves repairing the damaged section of the pipe without replacing the entire fixture. This is a less expensive option than repiping, but it may not be that effective if there are multiple leaks or if the pipe is old and likely to develop additional leaks in the future.

How To Tell if You Have a Slab Leak?

As homeowners, we want to ensure that our plumbing systems are always in good working order. But when it comes to slab leaks, they can be surprisingly difficult to detect.

So, how can you tell if you have a slab leak that needs repairing?