If you're in the Austin area and suspect you might have a slab leak, or have been told you have one, this guide is for you. At Proven Plumbing, we specialize in identifying and fixing slab leaks, and here’s a brief rundown to help you understand what’s going on.
What is a Slab Leak?
A slab leak is a leak occurring in the potable plumbing system — the pressurized water lines that deliver fresh water to your home. These lines are embedded within the concrete slab of your house, not beneath it in the dirt. Typically, these lines run through the slab to manifolds, which I'll explain shortly, and then back down again.
Important Construction Considerations
A crucial aspect of plumbing in slabs is that fittings cannot be installed directly in the concrete. Installing fittings in the slab would violate building codes. Therefore, plumbers must bring pipes up above the slab level to install tees and other fittings. From here, the lines can be divided to serve various fixtures throughout the house.
There are separate networks for hot and cold water, and both are susceptible to leaks.
Visualizing the Problem
Let's simplify this with a basic illustration using a common scenario in a home:
Imagine a simple house with just one toilet, equipped with a tank connected to a cold water line coming through the slab. This line goes up to a manifold and might also connect to a hose bib before returning down through the slab to supply water to the toilet.
Potential Causes of Slab Leaks
Over time, the pipe within the slab, typically made of copper, can suffer wear from rocks or accidental contact with rebar, or it might not be properly sleeved. After years, this can lead to electrolysis and the development of pinhole leaks. These leaks are tiny and hard to detect.
Water from such leaks tends to follow the path of least resistance. If the pipe leaks, water can accumulate and eventually seep out onto your floor, often manifesting as random wet spots on carpeted areas — not from spills but from the underlying slab leak.
Detecting a Slab Leak
How can you tell if what you’re seeing is a slab leak? One method is to check if your water meter continues to spin even when all water use is stopped. You can also turn off your water heater to isolate the hot lines and see if the meter stops moving. If suspicions persist, professional plumbers may need to open the walls, cut the lines, and perform a pressure test.
Conclusion
Understanding slab leaks can seem daunting, but with the right professional help, it can be managed efficiently. At Proven Plumbing, we’re here to assist you — whether it’s handling a slab leak or just discussing your concerns over the phone. Give us a call at 512-549-1884.
Thank you for taking the time to read this guide. If you need help or have any questions about slab leaks, don’t hesitate to contact us!
-Master Plumber and Owner of Proven Plumbing, Louis Natale