Do You Think You Have a Broken Drain Pipe Under Your Slab?

Pipes under a concrete slab are the classic out of sight, out of mind problem. You can’t get to them from the surface, so by the time something shows up, plenty of damage is already done.

So how do you know a pipe under your slab is failing? Start with your water bill. An unexplained spike is usually the first sign, and it points to a leak from a damaged or degraded pipe somewhere on your property. When you see that, start looking for other clues about where the leak is.

A big warning sign is water pooling around the edge of the slab. You might also hear the water running above the slab, even when all taps are turned off.

Finding a broken drain pipe

If you’re reasonably confident you’ve got a leaking pipe under your concrete slab, the next step is to find out where. Locating the source under concrete isn’t easy. Calling in an expert is usually the smart move, and an experienced plumber has the equipment to pinpoint the problem from the ground.

Fixing a broken pipe under slab

Once the problem is located, it’s time to get it fixed. There are ways to repair a broken pipe under a slab, but it’s a job best left to a qualified drainage technician. Getting at that piping is extremely difficult without the right gear and know-how.

Depending on your situation, it may be possible to take a ‘no dig’ approach to pipe repair. Also known as pipe relining, this procedure essentially creates a new pipe inside the old one, without having to directly access it.

If relining isn’t suitable, you may need a pipe replacement involving drain excavation. That means opening up the slab, which is about as disruptive as it sounds. Done well, though, it leaves you with a brand new pipe that should last a very long time.

Either way, get a drainage specialist to look at it as soon as you notice something’s wrong. Left alone, it will only get worse, and the fix will cost more the longer you wait.

Call the pipe professionals

Drainpro’s drainage technicians have the equipment to diagnose broken pipes in hard-to-reach locations, including under concrete, and the skills to fix them properly. To talk pipe repair or replacement, call us on 1300 303 247 or use our online form.