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rjssr
Nov 12, 2006, 11:37 PM
Help I am at my wits end trying to avoid tearing up my slab to replace a ½” hot water line that runs from a wall manifold under my slab to an island that houses the kitchen sink and dishwasher.

I am the lucky recipient of this leak shortly after moving into a 7 year old home. Further, the leak was not discovered until after we installed a whole new tile floor!

You might be wondering why not just tear up the slab and repair it? I probably would have by now except that the leak detector tech could not accurately advise where the leak is and cautioned that there could be more than one leak later. Therefore, he suggested a full replacement at the manifold or at a different location. Either way this would still entail digging up the slab.

So as alternatives I tried running a new 3/8” copper line into it, but it was a no go. I next looked at installing a 12 gallon water heater but this was also a no go due to size constraints. Then I looked at installing a tank less unit, but was told I do not have enough power there, cannot get anymore there and there are no small units for such purposes.

Lastly, I heard about a trench less way of burrowing under the slab from the outside. I was all excited as this appeared to work, but further research revealed I would need to dig a pit inside to receive the cable, bit and new line. This of course would be back to tearing out the slab so I am back to square one.

Surely, there has to be a way to get a new line there without tearing up the slab?

Thanks for any and all advice.

speedball1
Nov 13, 2006, 05:32 AM
There is a way but you may not like it. Cut off the hot line at the manifold and loop a new line up through the attic. Install a 2" chrome pipe or a 2" piece of PVC, (painted or decorated to your choice) as a support column from the end of the counter top to the ceiling and drop the 1/2" hot water line through it to the island.
Would you like me to see if a 110 volt insta-hot is available since I'm sure you have 110 installed for a disposal ? Let me know your thoughts, Tom

rjssr
Nov 13, 2006, 01:39 PM
Absolutely on the 110 V insta hot as I have not been able to locate one.

Thanks.

speedball1
Nov 13, 2006, 04:49 PM
Why didn't you ask? http://www.houseneeds.com/shop/HeatingProducts/WaterHeating/stiebeleltron/stiebeleltronminitankmain.asp

Good luck, Tom