Leak Star
  • Home
  • Service Area
    • San Diego Co Leak Detection >
      • Carlsbad Ca Leak Detection & Plumbing
      • Encinitas Leak Detection & Plumbing
      • Slab Leak Detection Oceanside
      • Vista, CA Leak Detection & Plumbing
      • Solana Beach Leak Detection & Plumbing
      • Leak Detection San Marcos
      • Fallbrook Leak Detection & Plumbing
      • Rancho Santa Fe Leak Detection & Plumbing
      • La Jolla Leak Detection & Plumbing
      • Escondido Leak Detection & Plumbing
    • Orange County Leak Detection >
      • OC Leak Detection
      • San Clemente Plumbing Repair
      • Dana Point Leak Detection & Slab Leak Repair
      • San Juan Capistrano Plumbing Repair
      • Leak Detection Ladera Ranch
  • Services
    • Leak Detection >
      • Slab Leak Detection
      • Pool Leak Detection >
        • Carlsbad Pool Leak
        • La Jolla Pool Leak
        • Rancho Santa Fe Pool Leak
        • Pool Leak Detection Encinitas
        • Pool Leak Detection Poway
        • Pool Leak Detection Escondido
      • Infrared Camera
    • Plumbing Repair >
      • Re-route or Re-pipe >
        • Water Damage Tips
        • Carlsbad Repiping & Water Line Reroute
        • Encinitas Repiping & Reroute
        • Repiping Escondido
        • Repiping Vista
        • Repiping Service San Marcos
        • Repiping Service Oceanside
        • Ladera Ranch Repiping & Reroute
      • Water Heater Repair >
        • Water Heater Replacement Carlsbad
        • Water Heater Replacement Encinitas
        • Water Heater Replacement Solana Beach
      • Slab Leaks >
        • Slab Leak Detection Carlsbad
        • Slab Leak Detection San Marcos
        • Slab Leak Detection Encinitas
        • Slab Leak Detection Service Laguna Niguel
        • Slab Leak Repair
    • Water Damage >
      • Mold
  • Photos
    • Toilet Leak
    • Water Damage
    • Technology
  • About
  • Contact
  • Blog

Should You Cut The Drywall or Break Up Your Floors To Repair a Slab Leak

5/2/2019

2 Comments

 
Picture
On occassion we are just left standing with our mouths hanging open watching people try to save a few bucks by doing it their own way. For some reason a few despite our excellent reviews, chose to ignore our advice based on decades of plumbing experience. In a few homeowners minds it is better to break open their floors to make a slab leak repair than to cut a few holes in the drywall because they think they can save a few dollars.

We charge $2250.00 for a single line reroute. That is completely abandoning the failing line and rerouting a brand new line. We have not cut into a floor in 25 years, but still some believe they know better. In their defense there are still some insurance companies who recommend it.

Slab leak detection is a complicated process which includes an understanding of how a homes plumbing system may have been installed originally. Since no one can see through a concrete slab we rely on highly sensitive listening equipment. We can actually hear the sound of a leaking pipe spraying. That sounds simple enough, but consider that there are may be as many as 20 pipes running under the concrete slab of an average 3 bedroom, 2 bath house. As you can imagine, these pipes can parallel each other or even pass over each other. 

We have had some crazy stories when it comes to slab leak detection. Two pipes running closely together, both making quite a bit of noise, but one louder than the other. It might be concluded that it was the pipe making more noise that was the offender. That would be wrong. It was the quieter pipe making less noise. Water under pressure was spraying from the pinhole leak hitting the pipe nearby. Water shooting through a hole or water at high pressure hitting a metal pipe. Do you see the potential problem?

Vibrational sound from a water leak carry. Those traveling sounds can be heard in some of the strangest places, even across the house. But with expertise, the offending pipe can be pinpointed with a great deal of certainty.


Read More
2 Comments

Understanding Slab Leak Repair

11/22/2018

0 Comments

 
Slab leak repair
As a homeowner being told you have a slab leak it fairly unsettling. If this is you, then we want to help you in understanding slab leak repair. There are many misconceptions and misinformation out there. In fact insurance companies can give you really dated advice.

We want to clear all of that up for you. It's important that you fully understand the slab leak repair process because it will not only save you time, but added stress and even costly repairs of the demolition that some plumbers may tell you is needed.

Always hire a real plumber. Slab leak repair is not a job you should ask your handyman to do. This plumbing job requires an understanding on plumbing beyond that of changing out a garbage disposer or even a toilet. There are 20-30 pipes running under your concrete slab and it is really important to know exactly which pipe has sprung a leak. Poking exporatory holes all over literally making stabs is not necessary. A water leak in slab is not a job for anyone other than someone who is a slab leak specialist. They should have specialized euipment that with skill will narrow down the problem before any cuts are made.


Read More
0 Comments

Water Line Leak Detection

8/24/2018

2 Comments

 
Water Line Leak Detection
There are several water lines in a home and or on the property. There are a couple of people who would qualify to do a water line leak detection, but while a plumber may be quaiified to locate at an irrigation leak, it's not generally something a licensed, contracted plumber would do. For that job you would want to speak with your landscaper or an irrigation specialist.

Most liscensed leak detection specialists would be doing water line leak detection in the pressurized plumbing system of your home. In the building and it could include the main water line running from the street to a building.

​This type of water line leak detection requires very specialized equipment. Water leaks are usually located out of sight, in the walls, ceilings and even under the concrete.


Read More
2 Comments

Fair Price For A Slab Leak Repair

8/16/2018

0 Comments

 
Fair Price For A Slab Leak Repair
Prices for slab leak repair vary quite a bit and you are likely wondering what is a fair price for a slab leak repair? There are several factors you will want to consider.

The first would clearly be the reputation of the plumbing companies you are getting price quotes from. Look for companies with an excellent review history. In that review history, you will find lots of information, like ability to complete the job as promised on time and for the price quoted. Did they arrive on time or notify you in advance of a delay? Were the knowledgeable? Were the experienced? Were they curtious and careful of previous customers needs? How much damage did they do? Did they clean up? 

Damage done is a very important concern. You may get someone who gives you a very low quote compared to the others. There is truth to the saying, "You get what you pay for". We strive to do as little damage as possible to our customers home. Sloppy and excessive drywall cuts can add up to expensive drywall repairs. So cheapest isn't always the best option in the long run and will probably end up costing you more, not to mention frustration and headace.


Read More
0 Comments

What Is Repiping?

8/10/2018

0 Comments

 
Repiping
If you have experienced a slab leak, then you have likely had a reroute. A reroute is the bypassing of a single failing line. So what then is repiping? Repiping could be losely applied to the rerouting of a single failing water line locate under the slab, but usually repiping is applied to all of the old water lines in the house being abandoned and new pipes being run.

You may wonder then, when would you need to consider repiping as opposed to rerouting. If you have had more than 2 water leaks in your plumbing pipes, whether due to a slab leak or a leak in the pipes running through your walls or ceilings, then it is probably time to start thinking about our repiping service for your home.


Read More
0 Comments

What To Expect During Slab Leak Repair Encinitas

5/21/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
So you’ve found a puddle on your floor or a damp spot in your yard outside, and you know that you need to hire a slab leak detection Encinitas professional.  If you’ve done a little searching on the internet, you may have run across old information that has you dreading the next step and imagining all sorts of damage to your home.  Let us walk you through the process and help set your mind at ease.
 
1. Where’s The Leak?
 
One of the biggest advantages of hiring a slab leak detection specialist is that they’ve got the tools and experience to find your leak quickly.  In the old days plumbers used to have to guess much more imprecisely, using things like location of the puddle and/or temperature of the floor.  Now we have sophisticated equipment and techniques that can help locate the leak.
 
2. What’s The Best Course Of Action?
 
When deciding what to do next, it matters that your plumber determine why the leak has occurred.  If, for instance, the leak was caused by pipes that corroded, repairing it might only be a temporary solution.  (This is also why we don’t recommend epoxy as a repair method: it’s difficult to get the epoxy evenly onto every surface of the pipe, and the corrosion often just occurs again in another location.)  If this is the case, we usually recommend repiping service.  While we’re happy to return and work for clients again, we really hope that most people will experience a slab leak repair no more than once in their lifetime--we’d rather get the work done right the first time.
 
3. Getting It Fixed    
 
This is where most people imagine that they will lose their hardwood flooring or have to tear up their carpeting.  The truth is that it’s almost never necessary for us to cut into the floor in order to fix your slab leak.  Often, the most we need to do is make a few small cuts in the drywall.  At all times, we work hard to use the solution that is most financially sensible and least disruptive for our customers.  In general, depending on the size of the house and water system, a repiping job only takes us about 3-4 days, during which time you can remain in your home.
 
We understand that finding a slab leak is stressful, and for many people it’s the worst plumbing disaster they will ever face.  That’s why we want to give you the benefit of our experience and knowledge.  If you suspect you have a slab leak, don’t let your hesitation stop you--give us a call and let us help you prevent the damage and expense that can result from waiting.  We promise to make it right and get you back to normal, as quickly as possible.
 


Sources:
What Are Symptoms Of A Slab Leak? - www.answers.com
How To Fix A Slab Leak - www.angieslist.com


0 Comments

Slab Leak Repair a True Story

5/11/2018

0 Comments

 
Slab leak repair Scripps Ranch access holes in kitchen ceiling
Imagine this. You finally have the kitchen of your dreams. Beautiful cabinets, tile work and the flooring you have always wanted. You barely have the oppurtunity to prepare those fabulous meals there, when you realize that the hot spot that has appeared under your new flooring is a hot water pipe under the concrete that is leaking so bad that it is heating up the floor and you need slab leak repair.

Your heart sinks at the thought of ripping into the floor with a jackhammer. Will repair take tearing out your beautiful new cabinets that you have barely even had the chance to completely pay for. This is a true story. 

Our customer was obviously distressed when they contacted us. It felt good to be able to answer their questions and alleviate so many of their fears. They were assured that tearing up the flooring in order to make the slab leak repair was an absoulte last resort. In fact it is so rare we haven't had to do it in years. We also assured them that we would do all we could to cause as little damage as absolutely necessary. First we needed to take a look.


Read More
0 Comments

Slab Leak Repair

3/5/2018

0 Comments

 
Slab Leak Repair
For a lay person, it's difficult to imagine how on earth on could make a slab leak repair without bringing in a jackhammer, tearing up your flooring and opening up an enormous hole in the floor of your living room or kitchen. Relax! Only under the most unusual of conditions is there ever a need to break open the floor.

If your plumber really knows what he is doing, then either a single line reroute is done or some times you may chose to just go ahead and just go for the repiping service.

Single Line Repiping

When would you chose a single line reroute over a complete repiping service? If this is the first ever plumbing leak you have experienced then a single line reroute might be the best option. Plumbing leaks will invariably happen over time. Multiple reasons couple be the cause. We have a flat rate of $1750 for a single line reroute. If we do the single line reroute and the leak detection, then your leak detection is free.


Read More
0 Comments

Epoxy Coating Is It the Right Choice

1/21/2018

0 Comments

 
Epoxy coating for plumbing failure
Epoxy coating is usually offered as the best solution for failing water pipes by the companies that provide this service. Promises are made that you will have a like new water system. In theory it might sound like a great solution and most of all, it will be so easy. But, epoxy coating, is it the right choice.

Why Epoxy Coating is Not The Best Idea

It is impossible to know how evenly the epoxy coating has been distributed on the inside of your corroding pipes. Have all of the tiny pinholes and weak joints been completely sealed with enough coating? There is no way of knowing withough cutting the pipe and then that would would only tell you what you can see from a visual of about 1 inch.

If you sustain a leak in the future, repairing the leak is very difficult because the epoxy resin used can not take heat. The heat from a torch and soder ruins the integrity of the epoxy coating leaving you vulnerable to future leaks in that area.

Other types of repairs used by epoxy companies called compression fittings or press fit connections can crack surrounding epoxy coating. 

The weak pipe is still there and the pressure used in the epoxy lining process can blow out these weak spots and joints.

When encountering these issues a full repipe is often the only solution. These types of issues have created several lawsuits against some epoxy coating companies.

Repiping San Diego

The cost of complete repiping San Diego homes is usually the same or less than epoxy coating. Do yourself a favor and give us a call and let us bid your repiping service at the same time you are getting a quote for epoxy coating.

Very often epoxy coating does not come with much of a warranty. With a full repiping all of your water lines will be brand new with a warranty. With this great investment you will have years of peace of mind.

Source:
http://sagewater.com/whats-new/the-problem-with-epoxy/

0 Comments

Repiping Nightmares

1/10/2018

0 Comments

 
PictureCorrosion on inside of copper plumbing pipe leading to water line leak
You know you need to repipe your house and you are having repiping nightmares. Visions of having to move all of your furniture out, floors, walls torn up and you living in a hotel....it doesn't have to happen if you hire the right plumbing company.

If a plumber trys to sell you a job like that then they are primarily looking to make a whole lot of money. Here at Leak Star for an average 3 bdrm, 2 bath, we can complete repiping Carlsbad homes in about 3-4 days and there is no need for you to move out unless you chose to do so. We will not tear massive holes in your drywall or tear out your kitchen cabinets or have you remove all your furniture.

So how is it that we can do this? We do not recommend copper pipe for repiping Encinitas or Carlsbad homes anymore. Why? Because the reason you need to repipe your home is because of the copper pipe on most occasions. Over time copper erodes, becomes pitted on the inside. That is very common in older homes, but we are seeing it even in very new homes. 


Read More
0 Comments
<<Previous
    760-458-8958
    Check out Leak Star Advanced Leak Detection on Yelp

    Categories

    All
    Leak Detection
    Mold Damage
    Pool Leak Detection
    Repiping
    Slab Leak Detection
    Slab Leak Repair
    Water Damage
    Water Heater
    Water Line Repairs

    RSS Feed

 Encinitas | San Diego |​ Carlsbad | Oceanside | Vista | Rancho Santa Fe | San Marcos | Fallbrook | Solana Beach | Escondido
Poway |
 Ladera Ranch | Del Mar | La Jolla | San Clemente | San Juan Capistrano | Laguna Niguel | Dana Point
www.LeakStar.com
​Copyright 2020 Leak Star. All Rights Reserved