How to Fix Leaky Pipes Leading Into Cement Floors
Water and drainage pipes run through the dirt underneath concrete slabs. These pipes can develop leaks. These leaks often percolate up through the soil and into the concrete. Any carpet, tile or wood flooring laying on the concrete becomes saturated with water. Accessing pipes underneath concrete is a daunting task. However, paying an professional to repair these leaking pipes is too costly for some. Repair the leak yourself with several common tools. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Masking tape
- Utility knife, chisel or pry bar
- Goggles
- Long-sleeve shirt
- Pants
- Steel-toed boots
- Ear protection
- Gloves
- Electric jackhammer with a spade bit
- Shovel
- Epoxy putty
- Pipe wrap
- Resin
- Bag of concrete
- Wooden hand float
Instructions
-
-
1
Locate the leak. Under concrete, the location of the leak may be hard to pinpoint. Walk around with bare feet to feel for a warm spot or call an expert to find the leak location. Mark the location with masking tape.
-
2
Pull up any carpet, tile or wood flooring. Cut away the piece of carpet directly over the leak with a utility knife, chisel away tiles or pry up wood planks. Remove the least amount of flooring possible.
-
-
3
Put on safety goggles, long-sleeve shirt, pants, ear protection, steel-toe boots and gloves.
-
4
Plug the jackhammer to the power outlet. Insert the bit into the jackhammer’s mouth with your hands. Center the tool between your legs, and then place a hand on each handle. Depress the power tab underneath the handle and hold the jackhammer steady as it chisels away at small bits of concrete at time.
-
5
Clean up chunks of chiseled concrete with a shovel.
-
6
Reach into the hole and feel for water. When you feel water, touch the closet pipe, this is most likely the leak’s source.
-
7
Turn off the water at the main. The main is often located in your front or side yard.
-
8
Cover the pipe’s cracked area with epoxy putty. Epoxy putty is included in pipe-wrap kits, which are available at home-improvement stores.
-
9
Soak pipe wrap in cold water for 30 seconds, and then wrap the pipe’s leaky portion with the pipe wrap. Smooth the included resin into the wrap until the resin hardens.
-
10
Repeat the process sealing up any other leaky pipes under the concrete.
-
11
Mix a bag of concrete with water according to the manufacturer's directions. Then pour the wet concrete into the hole. Smooth the concrete with a wooden hand level. Let it cure for several days before replacing the flooring.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
When using a jackhammer, keep it straight at all times. Don't allow it to lean toward or away from you.
