slab leak repair in DFW, TX
What Can I Do to Prevent Slab Foundation Leaks?
Most homes across the Dallas-Fort Worth area are built on slab foundations. Slab leaks are unfortunately a widespread problem that can be frustrating and expensive to fix. At On Point Plumbing DFW, we take pride in quickly locating leaks, completing efficient repairs, and preventing future leaks from occurring. Preventative measures include:
- Install a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) if water pressure is high.
- Schedule regular plumbing inspections to detect leaks early.
- Replace aging or corroded pipes before major leaks develop.
- Ensure proper drainage and soil stabilization around the home.
- Use non-corrosive materials, such as PEX, for reroutes or replacements.
Contact us today for a quote if you suspect a slab foundation leak in your Dallas-Fort Worth area home or business!
What Causes Water Slab Leaks Underneath a Foundation?
There are many potential reasons for a slab leak, which is why we thoroughly inspect your slab and plumbing to identify and address any problem areas. Slab leaks can occur with:
- Pipe Corrosion and Deterioration: Over time, metal pipes, including those made of copper or galvanized steel, can corrode due to the chemical reaction between the metal and minerals in the water, pinhole leaks caused by electric currents in the ground, and poor water quality. This type of slab leak is especially prevalent in older homes.
- Poor Installation or Workmanship: Slab leaks often occur when pipes aren’t properly installed during construction. A lot can happen between pipe installation and pouring the concrete slab, including kinked, bent, or nicked pipes, as well as insufficient insulation or improperly secured pipes.
- Soil Shifting and Temperature Changes: Changes in the ground beneath the foundation can cause stress or cracks in the pipes. If a slab is built on clay, the soil can swell and contract with moisture changes. Poor drainage and even drought conditions can cause the foundation to shift or settle. Anything from Earthquakes or vibrations from nearby traffic or construction can damage your plumbing when your slab foundation shifts. Similarly, when major changes in temperature cause your pipes to expand or contract, they can scrape against nearby concrete, gravel, or rebar.
- Soil Conditions: Certain soil types are inherently damaging to metal pipes and can cause them to degrade quicker than other soil conditions. Look out for acidic or alkaline soils, high chloride or sulfate levels, or any moisture retention.
- High Water Pressure and Age: Excessive water pressure in the plumbing system can place continuous stress on pipe walls and joints. Over time, this can cause fittings to loosen or pipes to burst. As homes age, original piping materials naturally weaken. Even with ideal conditions, pipes over 30–40 years old are more prone to developing leaks due to long-term wear and mineral buildup.
Slab Leak Repair Process
When a water line beneath a concrete slab develops a leak, our repair process involves accurately locating the source of the leak, replacing or repairing pipes, and identifying any other areas that may cause future problems. The typical timeline consists of 2-8 hours for the initial leak detection and 1-3 days for spot repair or rerouting.
Detect
The first step is to determine the exact source and location of the leak. We utilize acoustic listening devices, thermal imaging, pressure testing, and/or tracer gas detection. All of these methods are meant to minimize unnecessary demolition or damage to flooring.
access & repair
Access methods may include directly accessing the repair by cutting and removing the concrete just above the leak, repairing or replacing the pipes, and patching the concrete. This is what we commonly refer to as Spot Repair. Another method we may use is rerouting. In this instance, we’ll reroute your water to a new water line through the walls, ceilings, or the attic. This is typically the best option when dealing with multiple leaks or pipes with extensive damage.
Testing & prevention
Before we wrap up, we ensure all connections are pressure-tested, confirming the system is leak-free. We will also verify water flow and temperature. After we complete the slab leak repair, we’ll discuss with you our recommendations for preventing future leaks, including installing a pressure regulator or inspecting other plumbing lines for early signs of corrosion or wear.
Slab Leak Repair Services Near Dallas-Fort Worth
Contact On Point Plumbing DFW for reliable slab leak repair services. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience, and we pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time. We value honesty and transparent pricing so that we can build lasting relationships with our customers.
Call (469) 275-6994 for slab leak repair or contact us online to schedule standard service. On Point Plumbing DFW proudly serves the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, including Arlington, Weatherford, Aledo, Tarrant County, and Dallas County.
