Irving Foundation Repair Pros connects homeowners who need under-slab plumbing leak testing in Irving, TX with an independent local foundation company that can test or coordinate testing before a repair.
In a slab house, the drain and water lines run through the soil under the concrete. A leak there can soak clay soil for months before anyone notices, and soaked clay swells and moves the slab. That is why plumbing tests are part of many foundation repairs around Irving.
Signs of an Under-Slab Leak
- A water bill that is higher than usual with no change in use
- The sound of running water when everything is off
- Warm spots on the floor, which can point to a hot water line leak
- Damp carpet, cracked tile or a musty smell in one area
- Foundation movement in one spot, often a heave rather than a drop
The Two Main Tests
- Hydrostatic test (drain lines): a plumber blocks the sewer line, fills the drains with water and watches the level. If it drops, there is a leak somewhere in the drain system.
- Pressure test (supply lines): the water supply lines are pressurized and monitored for loss of pressure.
If a test fails, a camera inspection or leak detection equipment can locate the leak. Testing on drain and supply lines is generally done by a licensed plumber; Texas licenses plumbers through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
Before and After Foundation Repair
- Before: finding and fixing a leak first matters, because a repair plan for a slab that is heaving from water looks different from one for a slab that is dropping.
- After: lifting a slab can stress old pipes. A second test after the lift catches anything that broke.
Ask whether the foundation company includes testing, uses its own plumber, or expects you to arrange it.
Older Pipes, Higher Risk
Older Irving houses may still have original drain lines from when they were built. Cast iron drains in older homes can crack and corrode over time. If your house is older, ask the plumber about a camera inspection of the main drain along with the test.
Who Runs the Test
Plumbing in Texas is licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, and leak testing is plumbing work. Some foundation companies have a licensed plumber on staff; others refer you to one. Either way, ask for the plumber's name and license number on the report, and ask for the results in writing, including which lines were tested and whether each one held.
Common questions
Do I need a plumbing test before foundation repair?
Many contractors recommend one, especially if there are signs of a leak or the slab is heaving in one area. It also gives you a record of the plumbing's condition before the lift.
Who pays if a pipe breaks during leveling?
That depends on the contract. Ask before you sign whether plumbing damage during the lift is covered.
How long does a hydrostatic test take?
Often a few hours, depending on the house and whether the plumber needs to isolate sections of the drain system.
Does a failed hydrostatic test always mean a big repair?
No. A failed test means there is a leak somewhere in the drain system. The next step is finding where. Some leaks are at fixtures or easy-to-reach spots; others are under the slab. A camera inspection narrows it down.
Will my water be shut off during testing?
Often for part of the test. Ask the plumber how long, and plan not to use drains or fixtures while the test is running.