How do I fix a broken water pipe that is in my slab foundation?

Question

I have a hot water line that has develeoped a leak but the pipe runs into my kitchen in the slab floor. I do not have a basement that would allow me to run a new pipe. Any suggestions???

Answer 1

Either cut the concrete and repair the broken pipe or reroute the pipe and tie it back in somewhere that is accesible - bypass the leak. Slabs can be a real problem. If you know the exact area where the leak is, half your job is already done.

Answer 2

Oooh. We had a similar problem. The pipe went under the garage slab. The slab was only about 3-4 inches deep, and then the pipes laid on "dirt". They had to jack hammer the cement and fix a PIN HOLE size leak. Then they refilled the hole carefully. In our case two pipes crossed each other so they wrapped them so the would not bang each other.

Be careful doing it yourself, but if you do have someone else do it, be cautious claming anything on insurance. Insurance companies can really "black list" you if you claim mold etc...

Answer 3

You could run a new line up the wall thru the attic then down to the sink area. However if in cold weather country you will have to insulate and take precautions due to freezing.

Answer 4

I'm out of my league here, but won't let that stop me!

If this line only serviced the kitchen, is it big enough for a PEX plastic line to be run inside of it? You lnow, like a liner? (If it services other parts of your house, this would be too restrictive.)

Answer 5

Jack hammer time! Or hammer and chisle time.
There is no way to avoid it. You have to break the slab to repair the pipe... Good luck

Answer 6

Unfortunately with a lot of money. Sorry.