Underslab Tunneling
Expert Solutions for Safe and Efficient Underslab Tunneling
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Underslab Tunneling for Pipe Repairs
Warning Signs of a Slab Leak
- Changes in water pressure
- Spike in your water bill
- Warm spots in your flooring
- Water sounds like it is always running
- Cracked walls or floors that buckle or bulge
- Wet patches in your yard that never seem to dry
- Mold spots on your drywall close to the floor
Our Process for Underslab Tunneling
- Gather Data – We’ll ask about the frequency of the issues, video inspect your pipes, and determine the type of pipes (cast iron, terra cotta, PVC)
- Game Plan – Since we know the location of the damage from the video pipe inspection, we create a diagram showing the shortest tunnel needed to safely access the broken pipe and what tools are needed.
- Proposal & Insurance – We review the game plan and cost with you, and work with your insurance company to determine what they will cover.
- Dig the Tunnel – We trench a 3’x3’ tunnel directly to the problem area.
- Fix the Problem – We replace the broken pipe and test your pipes to ensure everything flows well with no leaks.
- Close Up the Hole – We backfill the dirt we removed for the trench, add any additional dirt as needed, seal the hole, and clean up the area.
Although tunneling underneath your home may sound like a big ordeal, it beats the alternative of busting through your flooring and making your house uninhabitable for a few weeks.
By utilizing underslab tunneling (also known as under-slab tunneling), the work is done outside, and you can live inside your house throughout the entire project. You do not need to damage your home’s slab, replace flooring, move furniture, move out of your home, or expose your home to mold or gases found under your slab.
Plumbing issues occur over time due to aging pipes, freezing weather, natural disasters, ground settling, shifting soil, and root intrusion from tree growth. The longer the leak exists, the more damage it causes to your home and its foundation. That is why it is important to identify issues quickly and make repairs to your sub-surface plumbing system as soon as possible.
How Much Does Underslab Tunneling Cost
The cost is determined by the length of the trench needed to reach the broken pipes, that’s why we try to find the shortest route possible. Our tunneling crews dig about 15 to 30 feet per day and most projects require a 10-15 foot trench.
Do not attempt an under-slab plumbing repair yourself or hire an untrained day laborer. Not all plumbers are experienced in underslab tunneling so please do your due diligence. Fixing your home’s foundation is much more expensive than a professional underground pipe repair.
The Blue Skies Difference with Underslab Tunneling
- Expertise – We’ve successfully completed hundreds of underslab tunneling projects on homes across the New Orleans area.
- Start Small – We recommend doing a video pipe inspection and “snaking” your pipes before considering underslab tunneling.
- Communicate with Owner – Our owner, Philip, will estimate and oversee your home’s underslab tunneling project from start to finish.