The Texas panhandle’s clay-like soil is the reason why so many homes in the area have slab foundations instead of basements. Slabs offer benefits such as being low-maintenance and cost-effective to build, but due to necessity, the home’s plumbing is often run beneath the slab. This means that when there’s a plumbing problem, like a cracked pipe, it can be more difficult to detect.
At Frank’s Repair Plumbing, we offer emergency plumbing services for flooding and big leaks, as well as high-tech slab leak detection services, to pinpoint the area where the leak is occurring, without tearing out your entire foundation to find it. If you suspect there’s water flowing under your floor or somewhere it shouldn’t be, give us a call for professional plumbing problem-solving.
What Is a Slab Leak?
A slab leak is just what it sounds like: a leak in a concrete slab. If you have an older home that’s built on a slab, your aging plumbing is at risk of developing an invisible leak under the floor.
It can be stressful to notice signs of a water leak without being able to locate the source. The plumbing under your basement slab is hidden from view, making leaks difficult to detect, but it’s important to address them as soon as you notice a problem so you don’t face structural damage, cracks in your foundation, mold growth, and other related issues.
At Frank’s Repair Plumbing, we offer professional leak detection and repair, including slab leak repair. Our licensed plumbers are experienced in leak locating, diagnosis, and repair. With the help of advanced diagnostic equipment, they’ll locate not only the source of the leak but also the path of the pipes under the slab. This will help them determine the best repair method.
Common Signs of a Slab Leak in Panhandle Homes
Some signs you may have a hidden leak in your Amarillo-area home include:
- A sudden water pressure decrease
- Damp carpets or warm floors
- Unexplained increases in your water bills with no visible leaks
- Hearing running water when no faucets or taps are on
- New cracks are forming in the foundation or your walls
- Higher water meter readings
Any of these signs on their own is enough to call a local plumber right away. Don’t wait until your leak becomes a structural issue. Contact Frank’s Repair Plumbing for immediate assistance. We’ll find the best long-term solution for whatever plumbing problem you’re facing.
Why Slab Leaks Happen in Panhandle, TX
The most common causes of slab leaks in Northern Texas are:
- Extreme temperature changes cause pipes to expand and contract.
- Shifting clay-rich soil and minor earthquakes stress the foundation.
- Aging, corroding copper or galvanized pipes.
- Improper installation or low-quality materials.
Repair Options for Slab Leaks
Our plumbers have several options available for slab leak repairs, each with their own benefits.
Tunneling
Tunneling is a labor-intensive method of digging a tunnel from the outside of your home, underneath the concrete slab, to do repairs from below. Here at Frank’s Repair Plumbing, we typically use tunneling when repairing broken sewer pipes, though it may occasionally be used for water pipe slab leaks as well. Tunneling is a better choice than other methods when the plumbing is collapsed or severely damaged, but it should only be done by experienced, knowledgeable plumbers.
Re-piping
Sometimes re-routing the water to completely bypass the leaky area is the simplest method to stop a slab leak. Once we’ve created a new pathway for your water or sewer line, we’ll cap off the old, unused pipe.
Traditional repairs
Every circumstance is different, and in some cases, we may have to break directly through the concrete slab to access the leaking plumbing. This is always the final option, after we’ve explored all the less-destructive methods to get to the leak.
How To Prevent Future Slab Leaks
The best ways to prevent future slab leaks and underground pipe damage include:
- Prevent frozen pipes: Winter weather can cause pipes to freeze, expand, and crack. Proper insulation and some simple prevention will stop this from happening.
- Keep your water pressure consistent: High water pressure will put strain on your pipes over time.
- Ensure proper outdoor drainage: If water pools around your foundation, it can cause shifting over time, which will damage the plumbing under your concrete slab.
- Install a water softener: The Panhandle has hard water, which can cause pipe-damaging buildup over time.
- Schedule routine maintenance: Book an annual plumbing inspection and preventative maintenance appointment to address small potential issues early, before they become a significant problem.
- Call a plumber if you suspect a problem: A small problem can be addressed much quicker than a collapsed pipe under your house. If you think your water bills are too high or you believe there’s an issue, have it checked out ASAP. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your home’s foundation.
Contact Frank’s Repair Plumbing Today
At Frank’s Repair Plumbing, we offer comprehensive plumbing services, including:
- Water line replacement
- Drain cleaning
- Water heater services
- Sewer repair
- Tunnel drain repairs
- Trenchless repairs
- Garbage disposal services
- Hydro Jetting
- And more.
Even if you’re simply wondering whether your bathroom sink drain is clogged or are considering upgrading your water heater, call us and we’ll find the cause of your plumbing problem. Our plumbing experts provide affordable, high-quality solutions, with excellent warranty coverage on parts and labor.
We have emergency plumbing services available in our service area and are available 24 hours a day for urgent plumbing services, so you don’t have to wait until the next business day for help. Contact us to book your professional slab leak inspection or repair service now. Use our online scheduling system to book in, or call us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does trenchless slab leak repair take?
The timeline for trenchless slab repair depends on the extent of the damage and where the leak is located. It could be fixed in a few hours, or it may take several days if the situation is complex. When you book with Frank’s, we’ll tell you what you can expect, including a time estimate, so you know approximately how long we’ll be working in your home and can plan accordingly.
Is trenchless repair safe for my foundation?
Yes, trenchless plumbing repair is safe for slab foundations because you don’t have to jackhammer or dig through the flooring and foundation of your home. Pipes are repaired from the inside instead, minimizing structural damage.
Does insurance cover slab leaks?
Your insurance may cover slab leaks, but most don’t cover foundation issues. It depends on your specific policy and the circumstances around why the plumbing started leaking. If your slab leak is covered, insurance may pay for the damage caused by the leak, as well as the cost of accessing the leak, the restoration, and the cleanup. They will likely not cover the plumbing job itself.
