Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    opinion seeker's Avatar
    opinion seeker Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Oct 25, 2008, 12:36 PM
    Slab leak
    I have had 2 plumbers tell me that I have a leak in a hot water line in the slab.

    The 1st says he would remove the dry wall behind the water heater to locate the first loop or manifold, then he would try to determine which line was leaking and reroute it. I have 3lines, washing machine (across the room from the water heater), back to back bathrooms, and the kitchen. He could reroute the washing machine line or the bathroom line through adjacent walls, but if the kitchen line was leaking, he would have to reroute through the attic.

    The 2nd guy says he would reroute the whole hot water system because experience has shown that if you have one leak that you will have another in the future, especially in a near 40 year old house. This would save on future costs.

    The house is located near New Orleans, LA.

    Both plumbers said that insurance may cover some of the cost.

    What is the best way to go?
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #2

    Oct 25, 2008, 04:02 PM
    Of course a repipe job's better then a repair job. Now the cost becomes a factor. How much percentage of the total cost will the insurance pay? Being in a warmer climate sure helps when you have to run the pipes in the attic. Find out what the insurance company will pay and get three estimates before you let the contract out. Good luck, Tom
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #3

    Oct 25, 2008, 04:49 PM

    My opinion: reroute one loop. If you get another leak within a year, replumb. This way, the problem is fixed with minimum expense.

    Additionally, you have pin hole leak. Pin holes are foreing objects other than copper present in pipe. There are not all over the pipe. Therefore, the overall deterioration theory - as it may be true in gavanized pipe - doesn't apply here.

    First plumber based his suggestion on years of experience. The other plumber offered "easy way out" creating lots of work for himself, scaring his customer in process.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #4

    Oct 25, 2008, 04:57 PM
    My opinion: reroute one loop. If you get another leak within a year, replumb. This way, the problem is fixed with minimum expense.
    Except you end up with two bills instead of just one. Just my two cents worth. Tom
    opinion seeker's Avatar
    opinion seeker Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #5

    Oct 26, 2008, 08:37 AM

    Thanks to both of you. I will get a 3rd estimate and contact my insurance co to check on coverage.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Slab leak [ 6 Answers ]

How do I pinpoint a leak in a slab foundation?

Slab leak [ 5 Answers ]

Hello I am bill. I would like to know a good method for locating water leak under my concret slab. Water is pouring out of one hole outside of the washer and dryer area. The sound appears to comining from the cold water side of the washer. It seem to change when I apply a slight preasure to...

Slab leak [ 2 Answers ]

Had an earthquake the other day and now I have a hot water leak under my slab, tile real warm, No sign of water, but it's galvanized pipe and the house is 50yers old. The neighbors have replumbed and figure I'll have to too... we have a tankless wter heater so have turned the valve to turn hot...

Slab leak? [ 6 Answers ]

Pressure at kitchen sink is very low. The bathroom sink, some distance in another part of the house is also very low. Hot water is fine, no prob. Cold water pressure at hose bib outside is fine. Inspected all visible pipe. No leaks found. Meter runs about .5 to 1 gal. per min when all valves...

Leak under carpeted slab by bathroom door - does slab have to be ripped up? [ 2 Answers ]

Could the leak be caused from something else? There is no water on bathroom floor, but could it be the toilet seal? Or a clogged vent backing up water or sewer? Help, we don't have much money and need answers fast.

View more questions Search