So You Think You Have a Slab Leak?

Unexpected leaks never appear in convenient locations or at convenient times. That’s’ why Bill Howe has been training plumbers in San Diego for 35 years to be able to quickly and effectively repair any leak, from minor drips to major pipe breaks.

One of the most common leaks we are called out to investigate occurs in the pressurized water lines underneath the slab foundation. Copper lines can, over time, wear and become corroded developing pinhole leaks, but aren’t readily apparent since they are buried below  concrete. When our plumbers in San Diego are called to locate, often the symptoms include:

• The sound of running water when nothing is being used
• Hot or warm spots on the floor
• Cracks in walls or floors
• High water bills
• And/or excessive moisture or mildew underneath carpets

One of the first steps our plumbers will perform on site is checking the water meter. By shutting off the water to your house, you can determine if there is a leak by watching for movement on the water meter. (link here) This is something you can do prior to calling a professional to help the diagnosis process.

Bill Howe’s plumbers in San Diego will also assess all other symptoms to verify if it is a slab leak and if location service is needed.

Finding slab leaks

• Requires thorough and precise process from a professional pinpointing exact location allowing for focused repair
• Uses electronic location equipment to precisely pinpoint
• Never begin by breaking into the concrete slab
• Always Know the location before any work is done

To repair or repipe?

Depending on the location of the leak and the pipe leaking, the most cost effective repair option will be to perform a direct repair. Once the leak is accurately pinpointed, our plumbers will provide an estimate to go through the slab foundation using a jackhammer and repair the affected pipe.  Many insurance companies will also compensate you for the cost to dig up the floor, and put it back together. Bill Howe Restoration & Flood Service can even help directly with the repairs while working alongside your insurance company.

Another option to eliminate the leaking pipe would be to reroute the line. This is usually a little more costly, depending on the location and the run of the pipe, but will ensure that the line will not leak again. Some people also decide to re-pipe the entire home, therefore eliminating all future leaks. Rerouting and re-piping is also a great option if you are on a post tension slab. Direct repairs will compromise post tension slabs and can harm resale value.

Bill Howe has been expertly handling slab leaks in San Diego for many years. Our expert plumbers in San Diego will help homeowners understand the repair or repute/re-pipe from start to finish. We can help alleviate stress, making the whole process as easy as possible with minimal interruption to your home and busy life.

Bill Howe’s plumbers in San Diego have been the leaders in slab leak location and repair for 35 years. If you believe you may have a slab leak, contact us today. We can locate, repair and refinish so you need only make one phone call 1-800 Bill Howe (245-5469).