Causes of a Slab Leak
A slab leak occurs when water lines under the foundation of your house break, corrode, or develop small holes or cracks. If a slab leak occurs, the running water can create serious problems since the water has a clear path to your flooring and walls.
A primary reason for slab leaks is the corrosion of pipes under the foundation. If you have cast iron, galvanized steel, or copper pipes, the chances increase tremendously for slab leaks. These materials will rust and minerals will start building up in the pipe. Eventually the pipes become more likely to clog, which continues to damage the pipes. Using drain cleaners purchased in stores also contribute to the problem by corroding your pipes, leading to leaks.
Another reason for slab leaks includes shifting soil by settlement of the house or poor drainage around the house. Eventually the soil will be unable to support the slab and the additional pressure will cause the pipes to crack and break. The movement of the soil will also shift pipes so that the pipes rub against each other. This constant rubbing will create soft spots that develop into leaks.
Signs of a Slab Leak
Below are the physical signs that you may have a slab leak.
1. Water spots on your floor
2. Spikes in your water bill
3. Standing water around the perimeter of your house
4. Gaps appear between your flooring and wall
5. You notice warped floors, soft spots, water stains, or bubbling on your flooring
6. There is an increase in mold and mildew in certain areas of your home
Fixing a Slab Leak
If you have a slab leak, you have some decisions to make. The age, material, and condition of the plumbing system will dictate the decision whether to repair, replace, or just re-pipe the plumbing under your house. Angel Plumbing has many years of experience in diagnosing slab leaks and providing the best options for you to repair the leak.
Re-piping or Re-Routing Pipes
If the location of the leak can be determined and a short-fix will take care of the leak, installation of the pipe outside your house to re-route your water is a less disruptive repair. However, if the pipes are encased in concrete and there is no way to reach it without destroying the slab, you will need to re-pipe your whole house. Re-piping includes routing your plumbing system around the slab. Angel Plumbing's extensive experience in both re-routing a short-fix or re-piping the entire house provides peace of mind that the job will be performed correctly and up to code.
Break Through the Slab
This repair is expensive and disruptive to your family and household. This is not an option that is to be taken lightly. Angel Plumbing will not recommend this option unless our master plumber has no other option.
Tips to Prevent Slab Leaks
Be careful what you put down the drain. Chemical drain cleaners and other household cleaners are harsh and can damage plumbing lines. You should test the pH of your water. Water that is too acidic can have the same effect as harsh chemicals. Your home's water pressure puts additional stress on your pipes, so maintaining water pressure of 40-day Psi can help prevent leaks. Angel Plumbing can inspect all of your pipes to ensure that your pipes are in good shape and the water pressure is at the proper setting. An annual inspection is advised to maintain the integrity of your pipes.
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