Water Leak Testing, Detection, and Pipe Repair
DFW Pipe Restoration & Plumbing specializes in under slab hot or cold water leak detection and location services. We are at the forefront of our industry and take pride that we can also offer our customers various types of repair options. We encourage customers to call us at any phase of the "I suspect I may have a plumbing leak" crisis, before significant, secondary damage occurs.
Water Leak Detection & Isolation
Offered by DFW Pipe Restoration & Plumbing
DFW Pipe Restoration & Plumbing will commence by verifying the existence of the suspected fresh water pipe leak(s) then proceed with pinpointing the location of the leak. Utilizing Electronic Line Tracing equipment ensures that a pipe is present and the path of the plumbing pipe is traced. Air is also introduced into the plumbing pipe (if needed), to aid in discovery. Then while operating Acoustic Leak Detection equipment where the sound is electronically amplified, we continue to track the amplification of the pipe leak while tracing the presence of the pipe in the slab to the location where the leak reverberates the loudest, pinpointing the location of the pipe and the under slab plumbing leak. Once the plumbing leak has been found, suitable repair option(s) can be recommended and estimate(s) are provided for each type of repair, where the homeowner can choose what is suitable for their situation. These pipe repair methods are mentioned below.
Water Pipe Restoration, Repair & Replacement Methods
Offered by DFW Pipe Restoration & Plumbing
ACE DuraFlo / ePIPE
An approved, environmentally friendly trenchless technology intended for restoration of potable water plumbing pipes where the pipes are refurbished right within the slab and walls without tearing them out or causing destruction to the home. The reconditioning of copper and galvanized plumbing will prevent small pinhole leaks from developing in copper pipes due to corrosion and will reverse the years of corrosion that result in low water flow and rusty colored water within galvanized piping. The epoxy coating that is applied to the interior of the pipe will also prevent any future corrosion from developing which render it as an ideal long-term solution for these types of plumbing problems. Go to our : Pipe Restoration Page for more information on this service...
Slab Penetration
A leak repair method where a hole is jack hammered into the slab and the dirt is removed above the location of the leaking water pipe aka slab leak. The broken section of pipe is removed and replaced with new pipe. The hole is backfilled and the concrete slab is reinstated. Slab Penetrations can be messy and may involve secondary costs beyond the repair itself such as the removal of cabinets or custom flooring in order to access and repair the leaking water pipe. *(Similar method used for Sewer & Drain repairs or replacement).
Under Slab Tunneling
Typically, this method of repair is considered if the leaking hot or cold water line is in close proximity to an exterior wall or to eliminate secondary costs, such as, the repair to cabinets or custom flooring that may arise with other methods of repair. A hole is dug from the exterior wall on the outside of the home and a tunnel is dug underneath the slab to the location of the leaking plumbing pipe. Upon reaching the hot or cold water leak, the pipe it is removed and replaced with new pipe. Damage to existing landscaping may also occur when this method of repair is chosen or required. *(Similar method used for Sewer & Drain repairs or replacement).
Yard Line / Main Line Replacement
This is required should the main water line from the city tap to the entrance of the home require leak repair or replacement. A backhoe is used to dig up the line and/or the line is hand-dug, the broken main water line is repaired or the entire main line is replaced with new pipe and the trench is backfilled. This method may also involve tunneling underneath or jack hammering through concrete driveways or sidewalks. *(Similar method used for Sewer & Drain repairs or replacement).
Note: The condition of a plumbing pipe is often unknown, until after work has begun, and the pipe has been exposed. The new pipe must be adhered to a good portion of existing pipe to complete the repair. If the old pipe is badly corroded and in poor shape, a much longer length of pipe may need to be replaced. When this occurs it could entail additional cost such as increasing the hole size for a slab penetration, additional penetrations, tunneling and lengths of pipe needed. The necessity to tunnel around or chip through the increased thickness and density of a concrete slab foundation beam is often unknown until exposure as well and can also increase repair costs.
The Signs of a Water Leak....
There are several signs that provide residential homeowners in the Dallas / Ft. Worth area with evidence of a possible fresh water plumbing leak. These include the following:
- Unexplained puddles of water appearing within a building or home
- Wood floors that appear to be buckling
- Warm spot on the floor
- Standing water outside or even a soggy lawn
- Unexplained hissing or whoosh sound usually caused by water rapidly exiting at the leak location in the pressurized pipe
- A steady or sudden rise in water usage and/or water bill increases
Note: Due to pressure limitations within the pipe, the depth of the pipe and the surface above the leaking pipe, such as a concrete slab foundation or yard line, a homeowner may not hear or see the sign of a pipe or main line leak.
What Can a Homeowner Do...
To verify a possible water leak or just to make sure there isn't one: ? Ensure that all water is off in the home; such as: faucets & fixtures, dishwasher, washing machine, etc. etc. ? Repair or shut off via the angle stop any dripping faucets and/or running toilets as this could also be a sign of a water leak ? Inspect the gauge on the city water meter, movement on the gauge would indicate a water leak. Even if the city water meter gauge is not immediately moving, note the position and wait about 15 minutes and check the meter again, if it has moved, even the slightest, this could signify a very slow leak.
Note: If you have an irrigation system you will need to turn that off at the valve outside the home (if there is one) to eliminate the possibility that the problem lies on the irrigation system. Once the irrigation system is off, check the city water meter right away, if the gauge immediately stops spinning, the leak lies on the irrigation system. If it does not stop spinning, then the water leak is most likely within the fresh water plumbing system that supplies the home and a leak detection service will need to be completed.
Gas Test & Gas Leaks
Your gas company may have notified you and shut off your gas or you may suspect that you have a gas line break or a natural gas leak. This is a serious matter and cannot be left for later. The gas leak should be detected and located immediately. Gas has no odor or color and because of that, a rotten egg smell has been added to it, to make it more identifiable. If you smell that, you probably have a leak. Exit immediately, shut off your gas if you know how, leave windows and doors open for ventilation and notify the gas company if they haven't already notified you and shut off the gas.DFW Pipe Restoration & Plumbing's gas leak detector will determine the appliances throughout the home that are supplied by gas and begin to isolate and test each gas line and connection within the home and outside the home to determine where the leak(s) are located. Once the testing is complete and the gas leak is identified, our gas leak detector will provide an estimate for the needed repairs to the gas pipe.
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