Identifying the Problem

Signs of a Leak

• Visible Water Damage: Inspect for wet spots, mold growth, or damage in flooring and walls, indicating potential leaks.
• Unexplained Water Bill Increase: Monitor your water bill for sudden, unexplained increases which can signal hidden leaks.
• Sounds of Running Water: Be attentive to the sound of running water when all taps are closed, often a telltale sign of a leak.

Discover and Investigate the Leak

• Notice and Investigate: Stay alert to any unusual noises or water issues. Thoroughly investigate to pinpoint the source, examining water supply lines, under sinks, and both inside and outside the house for any signs of leaking.

Locating the Leak Source

• Water Meter Test: Use your water meter to check for excessive flow, which can indicate a leak.
• Inspect Under Sinks and Appliances: Carefully inspect areas around fixtures, under sinks, and near appliances for potential leaks.
• Basement and Crawlspace Inspection: For homes with crawlspaces or basements, inspect these lower areas for evidence of leaking.

Initial Steps

Shutting Off the Water Supply

• Main Water Meter Shut-Off: Quickly locate and turn off the main water supply at the meter to prevent further water damage.
• Affected Area Shut-Off: If possible, use individual shut-off valves to isolate the specific leak area, reducing the impact on the rest of the house.

Turn Off the Water Supply and Inspect Nearby Systems

• Immediate Action: Act swiftly to shut off the water supply at the meter as a preventative measure against escalating damage.
• System Inspection: Conduct thorough checks of systems like sprinklers to rule out or confirm simpler issues before proceeding.

Evaluating and Planning

Assessing the Leak Severity

• Determine the Scope: Assess the complexity of the leak, particularly under-slab leaks, to understand the extent of necessary repairs.
• DIY vs Professional Repair: Evaluate the feasibility of a DIY repair versus professional intervention, taking into account the location and complexity of the leak.

Planning the Repair

• Obtain Professional Quotes: Reach out to licensed plumbers for cost estimates, considering both immediate repairs and potential re-piping.
• Insurance Considerations: Check with your homeowner’s insurance to understand what aspects of the repair may be covered.
• Decision Making: Based on quotes, insurance coverage, and personal skill level, decide whether to proceed with DIY repairs or enlist professional services.

Evaluating and Planning

Assessing the Leak Severity

• Leak Severity Determination: Evaluate the leak’s severity, ranging from a minor drip to a significant flow.
• DIY Feasibility Evaluation: Judge whether the under-slab leak repair is feasible as a DIY project or requires professional intervention, considering the complexity and location of the leak.

Planning the Repair

• Obtain Professional Quotes: Reach out to licensed plumbers for cost estimates to gauge the financial aspect of the repair.
• Insurance Inquiry: Check with your homeowner's insurance to understand the extent of coverage for such repairs.
• Decision Making: Decide whether to undertake the repair as a DIY project or engage professional services, based on your skills and the severity of the leak.

Gathering Materials

Selecting Pipes and Fittings

• Pipe Material Selection: Determine the suitable pipe material for your repair needs, such as PEX or PVC, considering factors like durability and compatibility.
• Fittings Selection: Choose the right fittings, including tees, elbows, and connectors, to ensure secure and efficient pipe connections.

Execution

Repiping with Selected Method

• Detailed Procedure: Implement the chosen repair method. This may involve tapping into the main water line and running new pipes, such as converting PVC to PEX within the home.
• Run PEX Pipes in Attic: Strategically distribute water to different areas of the house using a T-fitting to split the PEX line in the attic.
• Insulate and Secure Pipes: Appropriately insulate all new pipes to protect against temperature extremes and secure them using suitable straps, avoiding metal straps on PEX to prevent damage.

Finishing Up

Testing the System

• System Check: After completing the repairs, turn the water supply back on and thoroughly check the new piping for any leaks or issues.

Securing and Insulating Pipes

• Proper Insulation: Confirm that all new pipes are correctly insulated, particularly focusing on areas susceptible to extreme temperatures.
• Avoiding Metal Straps on PEX: Secure the PEX piping with appropriate non-metallic straps to prevent damage over time.

Post-Project Considerations

• Reflect on Experience: Take time to reflect on the challenges encountered, such as working in confined attic spaces or multiple trips to hardware stores, and consider how these were managed.
• Calculate Costs and Savings: Tally up the material costs and time spent on the project, and compare these to the quotes provided by professionals to understand the financial implications of the DIY approach.
• Share Experience and Seek Feedback: Share your re-piping journey with others, seeking feedback or tips from both the DIY community and professional plumbers.