Introduction:
Many homes have plumbing under the slab. Slabs offer protection to the plumbing. It is the best solution for space optimization and noise reduction. In extreme conditions, it offers the best protection for your plumbing pipes. Despite all of these benefits, these pipes can be damaged due to old age, corrosion, soil displacement, and slab damage. Their damage can be a nightmare for the homeowners. It is a must to repair leaks or damage instantly. Before making your home a construction site, you should know about the latest plumbing repair methods for under-the-slab pipes.
Plumbing Under the Slab: Addressing Repair Methods
Are you facing issues regarding under-the-slab plumbing in your home or commercial building? Do you know how to fix them? What are the advanced and most effective methods to deal with those issues? If you are facing issues with under-the-slab plumbing and you want to know about the perfect solution for them, you are at the right place for your guidance. Ensure to read this guide completely and choose the best methods for your plumbing issues.
The following are some methods to deal with under-the-slab plumbing leaks:
- Shot Repair: Traditional Method
It is a traditional method that is used by almost all plumbers. This is a quick method, but it creates some mess. The expert plumber breaks the floor or foundation with a jackhammer and locates the leaky pipe. They cut the leaky pipe and replace it with a new Copper or CPVC pipe. This is an effective method, but it can be costly due to extensive breakdowns and their repair. If you want an immediate repair, you must go through this process.
- Under-Slab Tunneling: No Extra Damage
This method is chosen by many homeowners because there is no need to crack the floors to reach the disrupted plumbing. This method requires extensive digging from your foundation to the damaged pipe. It is considered beneficial because your floors don’t face any wear and tear. It creates less mess inside the home. However, it is more expensive due to high labor costs, and it is time-consuming as well.
- Trenchless Lab Repair: Pipe Lining and Pipe Bursting
If someone wants to avoid tunneling and foundation breaking, this can be the best solution to repair the damaged or leaked under-the-slab plumbing. This technique involves minimal excavation around the foundation to access the damaged pipe.
The following are some techniques used in this method:
- Pipe Lining:
In the trenchless repair method, it is the best method to deal with bursts or leaky plumbing. In this technique, a new pipeline is inserted into the existing one. There is no need to dig or break through your floors to repair the leaks. It can be expensive, but it offers more protection and a longer lifespan due to the double-layering of pipes: old pipes with the new inside them.
- Pipe Bursting:
If your plumbing has severe damage, it is the ideal solution for it with minimal digging. A cone-shaped bursting tool is inserted into the old pipeline by following the new pipeline. The burster opens the way by removing clogs or other damage and paving the way for a new pipeline. This method is ideal for pipes that cannot be repaired. There is a need for specialized tools and techniques to handle this process. But it is beneficial in terms of minimal digging and a long-lasting new pipeline.
- Pipe Rerouting Through Attic:
If the old plumbing is highly damaged but it is costly to repair, rerouting the plumbing can be a good option. It can be time-saving and less costly. In this process, the old plumbing is abandoned, and a new pipeline is installed through the attic and walls of the building. It is a faster method to deal with problematic plumbing, but it can affect the aesthetics of walls and attics. Your walls and attics must be highly insulated to choose this method to protect them from high temperatures.
Conclusion:
To sum up, under-the-slab plumbing leaks can be a nightmare for homeowners. It is a must to deal with those leaks instantly to prevent issues. The traditional method to deal with an under-the-slab plumbing leak is shot repair. Professionals dig a hole in the foundation or in the floors to locate the issues. If you want to avoid digging holes in floors, you can choose trenchless repair, under-slab tunneling, and pipe rerouting. All of these methods have their benefits and drawbacks. Ensure to choose a method for your home or commercial building plumbing wisely.
FAQs:
What is the traditional method to deal with under-the-slab plumbing leak repair?
Shot repair is a traditional method to deal with under-the-slab plumbing leaks by digging through floors or foundations to locate the issue.
What is the best method to deal with highly damaged plumbing?
If your home or commercial plumbing is highly damaged, you can choose pipe rerouting or trenchless lab repair to deal with the severe issues.
Is it possible to deal with under-the-slab plumbing leaks with DIY techniques?
If you are trained, you can go for DIY methods. But if not, ensure to hire a professional to deal with your plumbing issues for effective solutions.