7 Signs You May Have a Slab Leak & What Causes Them
Worried you may have a slab leak and not sure what to do? Slab leaks are common in North Texas and can quickly become a serious issue if left unchecked. We are here to help you understand what to look for and how to address them before they get out of hand.
What is a Slab Leak?
A slab leak occurs when the pipes underneath your home’s concrete foundation develop a leak. These pipes are part of your home's water supply line and can include both hot and cold water pipes. Slab leaks can be particularly problematic because they can go unnoticed for a long time, causing extensive damage to your foundation, flooring and even your home's structure.
7 Common Signs You May Have a Slab Leak
Slab leaks can happen for various reasons and present themselves in multiple ways. Some common signs that you may have a slab leak include:
- A spike in your water bill
- Unusually low water pressure
- The sound of running water when no taps are on
- Warm or wet spots on your floor
- Cracks in the foundation, baseboards or walls
- Standing water around the perimeter of your house
- A moldy smell coming from the floor
What Causes Slab Leaks?
Several factors can contribute to the development of a slab leak, including:
Pipe Corrosion - Corrosion and breakdown over time from chemical reactions between the metal pipes and the surrounding soil or water. This is more common in homes with older plumbing systems.
Abrasion - Pipes can shift and rub against the concrete slab or other materials, leading to gradual wear and tear and eventually causing a leak. This can happen when temperatures cause the pipes to expand and contract, and things shift.
Poor Installation - If the pipes were not installed correctly (improper pipe laying, inadequate insulation, and substandard materials) during the construction of your home, they might be more prone to developing leaks.
Soil Shifts - Natural shifts in the soil beneath your home, which is very common in North Texas, can place pressure on the pipes, causing them to crack or burst.
High Water Pressure - Excessively high water pressure can stress your pipes, leading to leaks.
What to Do if You Expect You May Have a Slab Leak
Contact a professional plumber to evaluate your plumbing and determine if you have a leak. A slab leak, if left unchecked, can cause significant damage to your home and lead to costly plumbing and foundation repairs. Identifying the problem early can save you time, stress, and money.
At BillyGO, we offer free slab leak evaluations to quickly determine or confirm if you have a slab leak. Here is how we address a slab leak situation and what to expect:
Leak Evaluation: billyGO offers free slab leak evaluations to first determine or confirm if you have a leak. This process typically takes 15 – 30 minutes, depending on the size of your home and complexity of the issue.
Leak Location: If a slab leak is detected, our plumber will review the best options for pinpointing the exact location of the leak with our leak locating technology and process.
Solutions: Once the leak location is identified, the plumber will provide you with options to address the slab leak, tailored to your needs and preferences. Solutions could include:
- Rerouting / repiping the water line
- Breaking through the slab to access and repair the leak
- Tunneling under the foundation to access and repair the leak
If you suspect a slab leak in your home, it's essential to contact a professional plumber to accurately diagnose and repair the issue. Regular maintenance and plumbing inspections can also help prevent slab leaks and protect your home from costly damages.
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