Slab Leak Repair in Dallas

If you see the water meter moving, it does not necessarily mean there is a slab leak. It may be also be caused by a running toilet, a dripping faucet, a dishwasher leak or a leak in a pipe in the walls or attic. To be on the safe side, call Staggs Plumbing and we’ll come out and make an accurate diagnosis.

On most water meters, there is usually a leak indicator triangle or some other device that can detect very small leaks, like a leaky faucet or a leak in other places such as a pipe underneath your home’s slab.

In this image, the leak indicator is a red triangle. Even with a small drip from a faucet, you should be able to see a slight movement in this indicator.

If you do see this indicator moving, check all of the faucets inside and outside your home for any drips, as well as toilets that may be leaking water into the bowl. If you are unable to locate the source of the water leak, call Staggs Plumbing.

• Corrosion of metal pipes.
• Pipe damage during installation.
• Ground movement and settling.
• Construction materials that don’t meet building codes or standards.
• Defective water or sewer line installation.
• Tree roots growing under the slab.
• Excessive water pressure above 80 psi which can stress pipes.
• Water hammer surges creating pressure shock waves that stress pipes.

How a Slab Leak Affects Homes in Dallas

When water leaks from a pipe under the house foundation, the soil under your home gets wet. Water can also seep through the porous concrete foundation and into your home. If the water leak isn’t fixed quickly, it can cause many problems, including:

Flooring damage: Carpet and hardwood floors get soaked, and will usually need to be replaced.

Wall damage: sheet rock, baseboards and wall studs can be compromised and will need to be thoroughly dried and replaced if damage is major.

Mold: When materials like carpet, wood and sheet rock get damp, mold can grow and be a hazard to people and pets living in the home.

Foundation cracks: North Texas soil contains a lot of clay. When clay gets wet:

1. Soil expands.
2. Uneven pressure from the soil pushes up on the concrete slab.
3. Parts of the slab are put under stress and can develop cracks.
4. The structure of your home such as load bearing walls may get compromised.

What Causes Slab Leaks?

Slab leaks are caused by foundation movement, aging plumbing materials, improper installation, and water pressure issues that damage pipes under slabs.

At Staggs Plumbing, we have been fixing slab leaks in Dallas for over 30 years, and have seen multiple reasons for this problem.

Foundation Movement

Soil expansion and contraction due to hot and cold weather causes foundation movement that stresses stationary water pipes under slabs, leading to pipe breaks.

In Dallas, we experience extremes in weather. Hot dry summers and cold wet months.

• When the soil dries out, it shrinks a little bit. This is due to the high clay content in our soil.
• When the soil contains more water, it expands a little bit. This is due to the high clay content in our soil.

Foundation movement between dry and wet seasons is normal, and happens every year.

However, while the slab goes through the stresses of being moved up and down, the water pipes going through and under the foundation remain stationary. This leads to friction and pressure on the water lines. Over time, the stress on the pipes creates a break in the pipe.

If the water lines are placed too close to the bottom of the slab, as the slab moves, the rough parts of the concrete foundation can press into the water pipe and puncture the line.

Old Materials

One of the primary causes of slab leaks is the deterioration of old plumbing materials. As these pipe materials age, they can get damaged and lead to leaks beneath the concrete slab foundation.

Homes constructed before the 1960s often used galvanized steel pipes for water lines. Over time, the zinc coating that protects these pipes can wear away, exposing the underlying steel to rust and corrosion.

Copper pipes are more durable than galvanized steel, but they can develop tiny pinhole leaks due to corrosion.

Copper pipes in contact with other metals or electrical currents can experience accelerated corrosion through a process called electrolysis.

Cast iron sewer pipes can corrode from the inside due to constant exposure to wastewater, leading to cracks and leaks under the slab.

Soil moisture and chemicals can corrode the exterior of cast iron pipes.

Wrong Materials or Improper Installation Methods

Non-compliant materials or unapproved installation techniques can damage pipes, causing slab leaks.

• Damaged During Installation: Pipes that are bent, kinked, or nicked become weak points.
• Improper Bedding: Lack of proper sand or soft soil bedding can create pressure points.
• Sharp Backfill Material. Rocks and Debris: Sharp objects can puncture or abrade pipes.
• Substandard Pipes: Using low-quality materials increases the likelihood of failure.
• Manufacturing Defects: Flaws from production can compromise pipe integrity.
• Incompatible Materials: Using pipes not suited for local soil or water conditions.
• Non-compliant Materials: Materials that don’t meet building codes or standards

Water Pressure Issues

If your plumbing system has water pressure issues, it can stress water lines, potentially leading to leaks.

Water hammer pressure surges which are sudden stops in water flow create shock waves. Consider installing water hammer arrestors to absorb water shock waves.

Excessive water pressure above 80 psi. Consider installing a pressure-reducing valve to maintain safe water pressure.

How Much Does a Slab Leak Repair Cost in Dallas?

The average price for a slab leak repair in Dallas can vary significantly based on several factors:

Does Insurance Cover Slab Leak Cost?

Most homeowners insurance policies cover slab leak repair in Dallas if water damage affects floors or walls. Review your policy for specific coverage details. Typically you’ll pay the policy’s deductible plus the cost of labor and materials to repair the leaking pipe. Check your insurance policy carefully, as coverage can vary a lot.

Other Costs

There may be other costs to fix damage caused by water leaking into your house. These may be covered by your homeowner’s insurance:

• Flooring replacement. Carpets and wood floors may get damaged from the water.
• Wet sheetrock replacement & painting.
• Mold remediation.

Here are the slab leak repair methods we use, along with their pros, cons, and ideal situations for use.

Direct Access Repair

Direct access repair involves locating the exact point of the leak, jack hammering through the concrete slab from inside your home, and repairing or replacing the damaged section of the pipe.

When to use spot repairs:

• Single, isolated leak: Best for newer homes or systems where the leak is a singular issue.
• Accessible location: When the leak is located in an area that’s easy to access without significant demolition.
• Budget constraints: Homeowners looking for the most affordable immediate fix.

Pipe Rerouting

Pipe rerouting involves leaving the leaking pipe under the slab and installing new pipes that bypass the slab entirely. The new pipes are usually run through walls, attics, or ceilings.

When to use pipe rerouting:

• Multiple leaks or aging pipes: Ideal when the existing pipes are in poor condition or multiple leaks are present.
• Desire to avoid slab damage: When homeowners prefer not to disturb the slab or risk structural issues.
• Long-term solution: Suitable for those seeking to prevent future slab leaks.

Tunneling Under the Slab

Tunneling involves digging a tunnel from outside the home to reach the leaking pipe under the slab. This method allows plumbers to repair or replace the pipe without breaking through the slab from inside the house.

When to use tunneling:

• Expensive flooring or finishes: When interior disruption would be particularly costly or undesirable.
• Preference for non-invasive methods: Homeowners who want to avoid interior demolition.
• Multiple leaks under the slab: Suitable when access is needed to various points under the slab.

Experience and Expertise

Homeowners need an experienced and knowledge plumber to fix a major plumbing issue like a slab leak.

• Staggs Plumbing has over 30 years of experience in complex plumbing issues and slab leak detection and repair.
• Ongoing Education: Our plumbing team is committed to staying current with industry practices.
• Proven Detection and Repair Methods: Staggs Plumbing uses of state-of-the-art techniques and equipment
• Customers often called us because they said “I need a plumber who really knows their stuff and can handle complex issues without causing more problems. Expertise matters a lot to me.”