Slab Leak in Orange County? Here’s What to Do First!

Slab leaks in Orange County are definitely not unheard of, but they can cause some massive problems if left untreated. Most homes are usually built on concrete slabs with plumbing lines running underneath or sometimes embedded within the slabs. This makes plumbing lines hard to reach but still prone to cracks and leaks. Unfortunately, water erosion beneath the slab can put a lot of strain on it, causing it to develop cracks, sometimes even a few inches wide. But that’s not all because this exposes your entire house to the water, which has great potential for water damage. This situation can be easily avoided, though, by scheduling regular plumbing maintenance sessions, and of course, this is no DIY project – you absolutely need to call in the plumbing professionals!

Signs of a Slab Leak

Slab leak tends to affect unstable soils, so if you have a slab leak in Orange County, you must act immediately! Here are the signs you need to look out for:

Cracks in foundation
Bad smell
Higher water bills
Discolored or damp floors or carpets
Visible molds
Sounds of running water even when no taps are open
Uneven growth of foundation plants
Decreased water pressure

If you notice any of these symptoms, you probably have a slab leak, and thus, you need to call a licensed plumber as soon as possible.

Options for Slab Repair

There are a few options available for you to fix slab leaks in Orange County, but whatever you do, remember that this is not a DIY project, and you absolutely need professional help!

Jack-Hammer the Slab

A licensed plumber can repair the specific spot of the leak by locating the leak using infrared thermometers, listening equipment, and tracing equipment. However, this is an invasive method and quite tricky, even for some professionals. Plus, the entire flooring needs to be replaced as well.

Tunnel Under the House

Digging a tunnel is probably the least invasive and most cost-effective way to repair slab leaks in Orange County, especially if you have expensive flooring. Also, it does not require any special heavy equipment but is very labor-intensive. Tunnels are generally three by three inches and are filled up with soil once the plumbing has been replaced.

Re-Route through the Attic

Re-routing aims to replace defective lines with entirely new ones that run through the walls of the attic; hence it eliminates the entire line and thus, prevents any potential leaks in the future. Plumbers will use tracing tools to detect manifolds and pressure testing equipment to detect the leak location. Overall, this is the most practical solution for a slab leak in Orange County, but it can be challenging and requires cutting the walls at some points.

Pass-through the Old Line

The pass-through is a rather unpopular technique because it is not always suitable. It eliminates the leaking portion of a line to form a smaller line. However, your new line needs to be wide enough to deliver water to the fixtures per the plumbing code, which is why you must choose a skilled plumber. But don’t worry because we are highly experienced in repairing slab leaks in Orange County, so you can count on us to get the job done!

Trenchless Pipe Repair

This method will line the inside of broken pipes with epoxy, which eventually hardens to form a new pipe. The process is effective for corroded lines and begins with cutting and rinsing the pipe, followed by placing a resin-coated liner and inflatable tube inside the pipe. Nevertheless, this method is not really as foolproof as it sounds because the coating might not be evenly applied or maybe not even stick to the old pipe. And if such a pipe develops leaks in the future, it will be harder to repair. You will have to re-pipe, which you could have done in the first place, but in this case, you’ll have to pay extra to get the job done. Plus, epoxy-lined pipes can be harder to service as well.