What is a Slab Leak and How Do You Fix It?
Leak Detection
A 'slab leak' occurs when the copper water lines buried underneath your home's concrete foundation corrode and break. It puts your home's structural integrity at risk.
Why It Happens
Copper reacts with the pH of the soil or concrete (electrolysis), causing pinhole leaks over decades. It can also be caused by poor installation or friction from pipes expanding and contracting against the concrete.
How We Fix It
We rarely recommend jackhammering the floor unless absolutely necessary. We typically use one of two modern methods:
- Rerouting: We abandon the broken pipe under the floor and run a brand new PEX line through the walls and attic. This is often cheaper and less destructive.
- Epoxy Lining: In some cases, we can coat the inside of the pipe to seal the leak without digging.