Slab Leak Repair in Scottsdale, AZ
When a water pipe under the concrete slab starts to give way, you have a slab leak on your hands. The trouble with such an issue is that it is out of sight; before any homeowner notices damage, the water has had time to make its way along the foundation or under the flooring. At Reliant Plumbing & Rooter, we put advanced electronic equipment to work for our clients in Scottsdale to detect these leaks and advise on the most effective repair.
How to spot a slab leak in a Scottsdale home
There are telltale signs. A water bill that has gone up for no reason, the sound of running water with the fixtures off, or a pressure drop are all common. You might also notice damp floors, warm spots (which can point to a hot-water pipe near the heater), mildew smells, or even cracks in the floor and moisture at the baseboards. Water can show up around the concrete slab as well.
It is not wise to put off dealing with a suspected plumbing problem. Left to it, water under the concrete will do considerable harm to the finishes near the foundation and set the stage for mold. An experienced plumber will be able to test the system and find the source without having to open up the floor first.
Our approach to detection and repair
We employ state-of-the-art tools like thermal imaging, pressure testing and electronic listening devices to find a pipe leak with as little demolition as possible. While video inspection is useful for drain issues, pressurized line leaks call for more specialized testing.
The right fix is determined by the accessibility and condition of the pipe in question. There may be multiple leaks or an aging system in need of re-piping. In some cases, we can reline the pipe, but only if the material and extent of the damage allow for it. More often than not, Reliant will recommend a direct repair or reroute to keep disruption to a minimum after we have made an accurate diagnosis.
The right fix is determined by the accessibility and condition of the pipe in question. There may be multiple leaks or an aging system in need of re-piping. In some cases, we can reline the pipe, but only if the material and extent of the damage allow for it. More often than not, Reliant will recommend a direct repair or reroute to keep disruption to a minimum after we have made an accurate diagnosis.
The local factor in Scottsdale
Plumbing here requires a certain amount of local know-how. With water hardness in Scottsdale running 16 to 25 grains per gallon in some areas, older pipes are prone to scale and corrosion from mineral buildup. Then there is the soil. City specs will note the hard rock and caliche that can make for an uneven bearing surface for a pipe. Excavation is complicated by caliche, and ground shifts put stress on what is below.
You also have to consider the age of the house. Much of Scottsdale was built in the postwar era of the 50s and 60s, so original piping and old repairs are not uncommon in these neighborhoods. For those reasons, a thorough slab leak check is highly recommended if you are seeing odd pressure changes.
We have an affinity for this town, from the Old Town energy and Taliesin West in the McDowells to the Sonoran Desert views and sunny winters. One can enjoy a meal on the shaded patio at the Old Town Tortilla Factory under the pecan trees. But when the monsoons roll in and the summer heat sets in, you want to be sure your plumbing is in order. Call Reliant Plumbing & Rooter to have us inspect your Scottsdale property and go over your options for slab leak repair.
You also have to consider the age of the house. Much of Scottsdale was built in the postwar era of the 50s and 60s, so original piping and old repairs are not uncommon in these neighborhoods. For those reasons, a thorough slab leak check is highly recommended if you are seeing odd pressure changes.
We have an affinity for this town, from the Old Town energy and Taliesin West in the McDowells to the Sonoran Desert views and sunny winters. One can enjoy a meal on the shaded patio at the Old Town Tortilla Factory under the pecan trees. But when the monsoons roll in and the summer heat sets in, you want to be sure your plumbing is in order. Call Reliant Plumbing & Rooter to have us inspect your Scottsdale property and go over your options for slab leak repair.