Water leaks under concrete slabs can lead to significant problems if left unchecked. These hidden leaks often go unnoticed until they cause serious damage, such as weakened foundations, mould growth, or structural deterioration.
In Australian homes and businesses, where concrete foundations are common, detecting these leaks early can save thousands of dollars in repairs. Identifying the warning signs, understanding the best methods for locating leaks, and knowing what to do once a leak is detected are vital steps for property owners.
This guide will explain the key techniques for finding and addressing water leaks beneath concrete, helping you prevent extensive damage and costly repairs.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Water leaks under concrete can cause severe damage if left untreated. Detect leaks using water meter tests, thermal imaging, or acoustic devices.
Once confirmed, contact a plumber for repairs, which may involve pipe rerouting or trenchless repair techniques. Turn off the water supply immediately to minimise damage.
After repairs, address any water damage and take preventative measures such as regular inspections and proper drainage to avoid future leaks.
Methods For Detecting Water Leaks Under Concrete
Once you suspect a leak beneath your concrete floor, it’s essential to confirm its presence and locate it accurately. Several methods and tools are available to help detect water leaks under concrete.
1. Water Meter Test
The water meter test is a simple yet effective method for detecting leaks under concrete. It involves using your home’s water meter to check for unexplained water usage.
To perform this test, turn off all water-using appliances and fixtures inside and outside the home. Then, take a reading of your water meter and wait for about an hour without using any water.
Afterwards, check the meter again. If the reading changes, it suggests water escaping somewhere, indicating a potential leak.
2. Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging is a noninvasive method for detecting water leaks under concrete. This technique uses specialised cameras to capture infrared images, identifying areas of heat variation.
Since water can cause temperature differences when it flows beneath concrete, thermal imaging can detect these variations, revealing the leak’s location. This method is highly effective for detecting leaks in hot water lines or areas where the leak might alter the surface temperature. It allows plumbers to pinpoint the issue without breaking open the floor.
3. Acoustic Listening Devices
Acoustic listening devices offer a high-tech solution for locating water leaks beneath concrete. These tools amplify the sounds of water moving through pipes, allowing technicians to detect the specific noise caused by a leak.
By placing these devices at different points along the suspected leak area, professionals can accurately isolate and identify the problem’s source. This method is particularly helpful for locating small leaks that are not easily visible but still cause water loss or damage.
4. Hydrostatic Pressure Testing
Hydrostatic pressure testing is a more advanced leak detection method that involves pressurising the water system to identify leaks. A licensed plumber seals off certain sections of the plumbing system and increases the water pressure.
If the pressure drops over time, it indicates that water is escaping somewhere in the system, confirming the presence of a leak. Once identified, additional testing and observation can help narrow down the leak’s location under the concrete slab.
5. Moisture Detection Tools
Moisture detection tools measure the floor’s moisture content to identify hidden water leaks beneath concrete. These devices can detect high levels of moisture that may not be visible to the naked eye.
A technician can use these tools to scan the surface and identify areas with abnormal moisture, which may indicate a leak. By finding these damp spots early, homeowners can address leaks before they cause significant structural damage or mould growth.
Steps To Take After Detecting A Leak
Once you’ve confirmed the presence of a water leak under the concrete, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent further damage.
1. Contact A Professional Plumber
After detecting a leak under the concrete, the next step is to contact a licensed and experienced plumber. Handling slab leaks requires specialised tools and knowledge to diagnose and repair the issue correctly.
A professional plumber will assess the leak’s extent, identify its location, and determine the most appropriate repair method. Attempting to fix a slab leak without proper expertise can lead to further damage or incomplete repairs, which may result in ongoing water damage and increased repair costs.
2. Turn Off The Water Supply
Once a leak under the concrete is confirmed, turning off the main water supply is crucial to prevent further damage. This step is especially important if the leak is significant or if you notice a large amount of water pooling or spreading.
Shutting off the water supply stops the continuous water flow, minimising the risk of additional structural damage, such as weakening the foundation, damaging walls, or saturating flooring. It also prevents the escalation of water bills due to unchecked water loss.
3. Repairing The Leak
Repairing a water leak under concrete involves selecting the most effective method based on the severity and location of the leak. In some cases, pipe rerouting is the best option, particularly when the damaged pipe is difficult to access or would cause extensive disruption to repair directly.
For more serious leaks, jackhammering through the concrete may be necessary to reach the damaged area. Alternatively, trenchless repair technologies provide a less invasive option by inserting a liner to seal the leak inside the pipe without extensive digging.
- Pipe Rerouting: In some cases, rerouting the damaged pipe may be more practical than directly accessing the leak. This method is common if the pipe is difficult to reach.
- Jackhammering The Concrete: In cases where the leak needs to be accessed directly, professionals may need to break through the concrete to reach the pipe and make the necessary repairs.
- Trenchless Repair: Newer technologies like trenchless repair allow plumbers to fix pipes without extensive digging. This method involves inserting a new lining into the damaged pipe to seal the leak from the inside.
4. Addressing Water Damage
Once the leak is fixed, it is essential to assess and address any water damage to your property. Water can seep into the foundation, walls, or flooring, leading to long-term structural issues if not properly managed.
Dry out the affected areas using fans or dehumidifiers to prevent mould growth. Damaged flooring may need to be replaced, and cracks in the concrete should be repaired to ensure the foundation remains stable. Ignoring water damage can result in more costly repairs later.
Preventing Future Water Leaks
Preventing water leaks under concrete requires regular maintenance and monitoring of your plumbing system. Here are some tips to help reduce the likelihood of future leaks:
1. Regular Inspections
Have your plumbing system inspected by a professional plumber regularly. This can help detect potential issues before they turn into major problems.
2. Maintain Proper Drainage
Ensure that water is directed away from your property’s foundation through proper drainage systems. This can prevent water from pooling around the foundation and causing leaks.
3. Monitor Water Pressure
High water pressure can strain pipes, leading to leaks over time. Installing a pressure regulator can help maintain optimal water pressure throughout your plumbing system.
4. Replace Old Pipes
Pipes deteriorate over time, especially if made from materials prone to corrosion. To avoid leaks, consider replacing old or worn-out pipes.
Conclusion
Detecting water leaks under concrete is crucial to prevent significant structural damage and costly repairs. Various methods, such as water meter tests, thermal imaging, acoustic devices, and hydrostatic pressure testing, help locate leaks accurately.
Once detected, it’s essential to contact a professional plumber for proper diagnosis and repair. Immediate steps like turning off the water supply can minimise damage, while repair methods range from pipe rerouting to trenchless technology.
After repairs, addressing water damage and taking preventive measures, such as regular inspections and proper drainage, can help protect your property from future leaks.
FAQs About Leak Under Concrete
Is There A Tool To Find A Water Leak Underground?
ROTO-ROOTER is equipped with specialist underground leak detection technology, which enables service technicians to locate the precise site of the leak in subterranean pipes. The most up-to-date underground water leak detectors are sensitive and accurate, enabling our crew to fix your pipe in the shortest amount of time and with the least effort possible.
How Do You Know If You Have A Water Leak Underground?
Water Meter Test
- Keep an eye on your water meter, which is often located at the front of the property, for at least half an hour. At the beginning of each time period, note the number displayed on each dial.
- If the metre is still turning, this indicates that a leak in the pressure pipe is hidden from view.
- Always ensure the water is turned off at all the taps and hoses. Look for faucets that are leaking water.
How Can You Stop A Water Leak Under the Ground?
Fixit Coal Tar Epoxy protects external walls from dirt and groundwater. This solution’s water-resistant chemical eliminates wall seepage.
What Do Plumbers Use To Detect Leaks?
When trying to determine the source of a leak, plumbers rely on various equipment, including ground microphones and listening discs. Sound technology allows them to detect the sound of water exiting and dripping, even through a layer of concrete.
How Common Are Slab Leaks?
Unfortunately, slab leaks are more common than you might think. They happen when pipes under your concrete foundation leak, often due to corrosion, shifting ground, or poor installation. These leaks can be difficult to detect and cause significant damage to your home, making regular inspections and preventative maintenance crucial.
