Post-Tension Cables in Houston Homes: What You MUST Know Before Remodeling

When remodeling a bathroom in Houston, there’s one hidden risk that can turn a simple project into a structural disaster: post-tension cables.

These steel cables are buried within the concrete foundation to keep it stable. But if someone cuts into them—especially during tub-to-shower conversions or drain relocations—the damage can be severe.

As shared in the EZ Bath Podcast, this is why proper planning and expertise are critical.

“If they cut through that thing, man… it can cause serious problems.”

🔍 What Are Post-Tension Cables?

Post-tension cables are high-strength steel cables inside your concrete slab foundation. They’re designed to:
✅ Hold the foundation together under tension
✅ Reduce cracking caused by Houston’s shifting soil
✅ Support the weight of the home

But they also mean you can’t just jackhammer anywhere you want—especially in the bathroom, where plumbing changes are common.

💡 Why They’re a Big Deal in Bathroom Remodels

When remodeling a bathroom—especially moving or enlarging a shower—contractors often need to:

• Cut into the concrete to relocate drains
• Open parts of the slab to adjust plumbing

If someone cuts through a post-tension cable:
🚨 It can compromise the entire foundation
🚨 It may lead to expensive structural repairs
🚨 It can even be dangerous if the cable snaps under tension

📸 A Real Example From the Field

In this project, the EZ Bath team uncovered a post-tension cable running right along the existing drain location—a critical moment that could’ve gone wrong with an inexperienced contractor.

“What was crazy about this one is exactly what we always talk about. You can see right there—the post-tension cable. And yeah, it ran right along where the drain was.”

Without knowing what’s inside the slab, a contractor could’ve cut directly through it, causing damage that’s far beyond a simple bathroom repair.

✅ How EZ Bath Avoids Post-Tension Cable Damage

Here’s how a qualified Houston bathroom remodeler handles post-tension slabs safely:

✔ Use proper scanning tools – detect cables before cutting
✔ Plan around the slab layout – avoid unnecessary drain relocations
✔ Follow engineering best practices – sometimes consulting a structural engineer
✔ Educate homeowners – so they understand the risks & why proper planning matters

This is why experience matters. Not every contractor knows how to handle Houston foundations safely.

🏡 What Homeowners Should Ask Before Remodeling

If you’re considering a remodel, always ask your contractor:
✅ Do you know if my home has post-tension cables?
✅ How will you locate and avoid them?
✅ Do you have experience remodeling on post-tension slabs?

If they hesitate or don’t know, that’s a red flag.

💬 Memorable Quotes from the EZ Bath Podcast

“If they cut through that thing, man, it can cause serious damage.”
“This is why I really wanted to show it—because the cable ran right along the drain.”

🚀 The Takeaway: Don’t Risk It

Post-tension cables are hidden dangers in many Houston homes. Cutting them can cause thousands in damage—but with the right team, it’s completely avoidable.

✨ Remodel Safely with EZ Bath

At EZ Bath, we:
✅ Know how to remodel safely on post-tension slab foundations
✅ Avoid unnecessary risks with smart planning
✅ Ensure your remodel adds value—not hidden problems

📸 See more safe remodels: @EZBathRemodel
🌐 Learn more: EZBath.com

‍