Tips on cutting a concrete floor for plumbing

If you've previously moved into a new home, or you're thinking of adjusting your plumbing pipes to connect a new line, then concrete cutting is a procedure that you may go through. Such plumbing renovations may improve your drainage or allow you to add more fixtures easily in the future. However, before getting your hands dirty, it's worth noting that any wrong move may cause more harm than good. When not done well, cutting through concrete may lead to a weakened structure. Here are some valuable tips for any DIYer to prevent any surprises.

Know what's underneath

You need to know where the existing plumbing is located. You can do so by examining your home's mechanical prints. You don't want to cut through radiant in-floor coils or electrical lines. This may not only destroy your home's system, but it's also dangerous. You could also head to your local housing authority to know what lines run through your home.

Get the right tools

If you are working on thinner slabs, then go for an electric clipping hammer. For thicker concrete use a pneumatic or demolition saw. However, if the concrete you're cutting is mixed with steel reinforcement, then you are going to have to use more powerful tools. A concrete saw fitted with diamond blades is one of the best tools for this. Also, go for wet saws as they will reduce the amount of dust produced during the cutting.

Determine the depth of the concrete

You first need to know how deep the concrete goes. This can be a really hard task, but it's important so that you can use the appropriate tools for the job. Some tools are not suitable for thick concrete.

You can estimate the depth by digging the softer ground at the edge of the concrete. Measure the side of the slab for a rough estimate. This is simply an estimate because the flooring may have been constructed with thicker walls at the edges or vice versa. However, it's a good enough technique to help with picking your tools.

Use the same grade concrete

Another good tip is to use the same grade of concrete once you're done with the plumbing repairs. The reason for this is simple; using a lesser quality grade would make the cut area weaker as compared to the other areas. This may cause more problems in future when the weak area of the slab is exposed to stress and damages the pipes underneath. Ground water may pour in and further damage the structure.

For more information, contact professionals like Robert Guy & Sons Pty Ltd.