New Braunfels Foundation Experts puts homeowners who need under-slab plumbing leak testing in New Braunfels, TX in touch with an independent local foundation company that can test or coordinate testing before a repair.
Drain and water lines run through the soil under a slab house. A leak can soak the clay for months before anyone notices, and soaked clay swells and lifts part of the slab. That is why many foundation repairs begin with a plumbing test.
Signs of an Under-Slab Leak
- Water bills rising without a change in use
- Running water sounds with everything turned off
- Warm spots on the floor from a hot water leak
- Damp flooring, cracked tile or musty odors in one area
- Part of the slab rising while the rest stays put
The Tests
- Hydrostatic test: a plumber plugs the drain system, fills it with water and watches the level. A drop indicates a drain leak.
- Pressure test: supply lines are pressurized and watched for loss of pressure.
- Camera inspection: when a drain test fails, a camera helps find the leak.
Plumbing work in Texas is generally performed by licensed plumbers, who are licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
Before and After Repair
- Before: if a leak is lifting part of the slab, the leak must be fixed first, and the repair plan may change.
- After: lifting can stress pipes; a follow-up test catches damage early.
Older and Newer Homes
Older homes may have original drain lines that have cracked, corroded or been invaded by roots. Newer homes can still leak at fittings or where lines were disturbed during construction or later landscaping. In both, a clean test is useful: it rules water out as the cause.
Water Is Precious Here
The Edwards Aquifer feeds Comal Springs and supplies water to much of the region. A hidden leak under a slab wastes water as well as damaging the foundation, which is one more reason to test when the signs are there.
Who Does the Test
In Texas, plumbers are licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. Some foundation companies employ a licensed plumber and some refer the test out. Either way, ask for the plumber's name and license number and a written report listing every line tested and the result for each.
If a Line Fails
The plumber then has to reach the leak. Options include cutting through the floor inside, tunneling under the slab from outside, or rerouting the line. Each affects your flooring, yard and budget differently. Get the plumber's recommendation and price in writing, and schedule it so the foundation lift and the plumbing repair are coordinated.
Watch the Water Bill
A sudden rise in your water bill with no change in use is one of the easiest early signs of a hidden supply leak. Compare recent bills before you call.
Common questions
Do I need a plumbing test before foundation repair?
It is often recommended, especially when one area of the slab is rising or the house is older.
Who performs the test?
Usually a licensed plumber. Ask whether the foundation company arranges it.
How long does a hydrostatic test take?
Often a few hours.
Who pays if a pipe breaks during leveling?
It depends on the contract. Ask before you sign.
Can a leak make my foundation rise?
Yes. Water swells clay soil, which can push part of a slab up.
Can tree roots get into drain lines?
Yes, especially in older lines with cracks. A camera inspection shows it.