Any plumbers on DU?

[hamsterjill]

2. Thank you for responding.

I've been through two plumbers, both of whom didn't seem to know what the heck was going on.

I will try to answer your questions, and please know that I'm not savvy about this stuff, so I may not know. Please don't get frustrated with me if I don't answer your questions fully. Just ask again, and I'll try to be more clear.

The duplex is 32 years old, so it wouldn't be a surprise that the plumbing is worn. But the other side of the duplex has shown no issue at all.

Yes, numerous pressure tests have been done. They've all been right at the readings just under what would be considered "high" but within acceptable levels.

The plumbing enters the duplex from the street, a line goes to the hot water heater and then to the hub of the home. The hub actually backs up to the pantry, and during all of this, parts of the sheetrock into the pantry were cut out to be able to access the hub. Within this hub, there are two bathrooms that join up at a 90 degree angle. This is also very near the sink, dishwasher and laundry area. I've just left those sheetrock areas cut out because I know the problem hasn't been fixed.

The first leak was at the point where the line enters the house. The plumber dug into the ground and fixed that one. No problem.

But then, I started getting a "water hammer" issue on the very back faucet that goes into the back yard. To better explain, this would be the only line that goes from the hub through a pipe in the slab to the hose bib in the backyard. THEN...I got a leak in that line (i.e., the line running to the outdoor faucet). This was a leak in the slab and the plumber dug up the slab and fixed the leak.

At this point, we determined that the cold lines were not leaking, but there was still a leak somewhere in the hot water lines. We did this by watching the "triangle" that is on the water meter. It would totally stop moving when the hot water line was turned off.

I was about out of money, so I've lived the last couple of months by just turning off the hot water line when it is not in use.

But THEN a week ago, I noticed some water ponding in the pantry area again. This was under the floor away from the actual hub part of the plumbing. I looked into the area and I can see some water standing, but I cannot see anything leaking from a pipe, a joint, etc. So I'm assuming this is another slab leak. I looked at the water meter and the triangle moves even with the hot water line turned off.

That makes FOUR leaks. So at this point, I would assume that the best course of action is to have the house replumbed. I know NOTHING about doing that and was hoping to get some advice, education, etc. before I try to locate a better plumber who would do the actual work.

I appreciate any thoughts, suggestions and ideas that you might have.