Slab Leaks – What is it and how can I repair it?
Even with the most diligent homeowner, leaks are inevitable the older your home gets. The good news is most leaks are easily detected and fixed. There are, however, some leaks that are not as easy to detect or fix.
What is a slab leak?
There are many different pipes that run below the concrete of your foundation, most of which are made of copper. Over the years these pipes can corrode which can result in a slab leak. This can happen in either your water or sewer line on either the pressure side or the drainage side. If the leak happens to be on the pressure side, the good news is you most likely will be able to dig it up and have it fixed before any more damage happens. Unfortunately, leaks on the drainage side are harder to spot which can cause considerable damage if left unchecked. These hidden leaks can cause a possible foundation collapse.
What causes a slab leak?
- Poor installation. If pipes are installed incorrectly and a house is placed on top of them, there is a good chance that they will have more and more problems as time goes on. The materials can also be placed already damaged which can cause future leakage.
- Corrosion. It is natural for an underground pipe to come into contact with soil. Unfortunately, soil can cause copper pipes to corrode over time.
- Abrasion. When water flows through pipes, they tend to expand and contract. Depending on how your foundation was built, the pipes can start to rub against their surroundings which can cause them to wear down if the space is too small for them to expand.
What are the signs of a slab leak?
- Increase in your water bill. If your water bill suddenly spikes without any sign of increased water consumption, this can be an easy indication of a leak.
- Hearing running water when no pipes are in use.
- Warm spots on your floor. If the slab leak is located in your hot water line, you may be able to feel the warmth in your floor depending on what type of floor you have. Carpeted or linoleum can be pretty easy to detect a temperature change. Tile floor may be a bit more difficult unless the leak is so extensive that it causes water to go in between the tiles and adhesive.
- Seeing a raised “bulge” in the floor. As time goes on and these leaks go unchecked, you may start to notice that the floor is beginning to warp and there is a raised bulge. This is a strong indication that a leak is occurring in your house’s foundation.
What to do if you think you have a slab leak?
If you believe you might have a slab leak, contact a professional plumber immediately. They can provide special slab leak detection equipment that can help determine if and where you have the leak. They will drain the water from your home’s water lines and pump air to find any leaks. They can also use special sound equipment to help in the process. It is best to leave a leak such as this to the professionals since the fix may include breaking/tunneling through the slab to do the pipe repair.
We provide professional plumbing services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients throughout Southern Florida. We provide fast response time, competitive rates, and reliable service. Need A Plumber? Schedule an appointment today and call us at 954-445-6443 or use our contact form.
