SLAB LEAK REPAIRS- a  slab leak is an industry term used to describe a leak that has developed in the copper water lines running below the concrete foundation of your home. When these same leaks are above ground, in the wall or ceiling, they are known as pinhole leaks. Such leaks are often a result of long-term corrosion to copper pipes.

To recognize if you have a slab leak, check for the following warning signs:

• Sound of running water
• Excessive water bill
• Heat radiation from floor
• Wet floor boards or wet carpet
• Water below the water heater
• Mold under the flooring or carpet
• low water pressure in the sinks or shower 

1. Improper Construction is Perhaps the most common cause of slab leaks is improperly installed or poor-quality pipes. If your water pipes were kinked, bent, or dented in any way during installation, the affected areas could cause the pipes to leak and potentially burst because of the abrasive properties of water flowing by over time.
Copper pipes, in particular, are at a higher risk of suffering from corrosion, since they are naturally softer and more vulnerable to the elements. In some cases, especially in older homes, a slab leak may require new pipes, rather than a repair.
2. Outside Pressure Water pressure isn’t the only type of pressure that can cause a slab leak. If the soil shifts under your foundation, it could cause your house to move slightly, putting pressure on the pipes. This can also happen due to:

• An Hurricane
• An underground stream
• Soil erosion

Slab leaks from this type of pressure tend to be large and potentially damaging. They can cause quite a bit of flooding if left unchecked.
3. Poor Water Chemistry and Quality In addition to your water pressure, you should be keeping an eye on your water’s pH level. Water that is excessively acidic (known as “hard”) or excessively alkaline (or “soft”) can corrode pipes. You can identify acidic water by looking for blue or green stains in your bathtub, shower, or sink and a chlorine-like smell. Leaving this sign of a slab leak unchecked could lead to potentially irreversible water damage. The normal pH of water should be between 6.5 and 8.5.
4. Abrasion is another common cause of slab leaks. When pipes, during the regular course of their use, rub against concrete, gravel, other materials, or other nearby pipes, the constant friction can cause them to gradually wear down and ultimately spring leaks. Hot water pipes are at a higher risk of abrasion. Because they expand as they heat up, they rub against concrete or gravel that surrounds them in the soil, and the constant friction creates leaks.
5. Time is The biggest culprit when it comes to slab leaks—and a majority of the causes listed above—is time. Older homes, which are often installed with copper or galvanized steel pipes, are more at risk. Corrosion, for example, is more likely to happen over time. Extended periods of stress or pressure on pipes can also lead to slab leaks.
Regular maintenance and check-ups can help ensure that your home’s plumbing is in top shape, but it’s important to keep an eye out for irregularities to help prevent slab leaks as well.

How do we make the repairs?
The first step is to locate the line with the leak, usually it will be coming up from a manifold through the sleeving at the base of your slab, after that we must cut the pipe and trace the line to find the other side of the loop, then we will cap the lines and at that point you will have water in some areas but the loop will be eliminated and you wont have water in other areas, at this point we can give you a firm price to re-pipe the needed area to restore water to the area eliminated. 

How long will the repairs take?
Usually it is a two day process for the work, Day one is finding the leak and capping the portion that needs replaced, Day 2 is the re-pipe after we work with you to determine the most effective and economical way to do the repairs