Do you think you have a Slab leak or think you need leak detection or slab leak repair? Do you have a high water bill this month? Or do you hear this hissing sound of water all the time? All these can be a sign of one if you have a slab foundation leak. Finding and fixing these leaks is a challenge because they’re not easily accessible.
This article goes through the different warning signs you may see and the ways you can fix it.
What is a slab leak?
Some leaks are easy to spot and can be fixed within no time. Unfortunately, there are some other leaks that are hard to detect. Most modern homes involve the concrete slab foundation, which consists of the concrete poured onto the ground or sand. These houses are then built on these slabs.
A “Slab Leak” is a situation in which any pipe or plumbing system leaks under the slab foundation. This situation leads to several complex issues that will get worse with the passage of time.
Slab Leak detection
These are most common in circumstances where there is some sort of outside pressure or improper construction. Outside pressure can be an earthquake, land sliding, underground stream, erosion, etc. If you live in an area vulnerable to these outside pressures, kindly consult with your local plumber.
The other possible reasons you having can be poor water chemistry, abrasion, and, the most prominent, time!
Here is a list of warning signs that indicate you have an issue on your property:
Hot Spots on the floor
If the hot water supply line in your home leaks, it will become easier for you to locate the leak as it will cause to form abnormal hot spots on the floor that you can use to find the leak. It is much harder to find out the leaks with carpeted floor. But if it is a tiled floor, it can be easier to locate the damage.
Suppose the leak is severe, and it caused water to rose up between the tiles’ adhesive run into space. In such a case, you might be able to follow the water .
Leak detection
Even a difference of a few dollars is an indication of abnormality in your water system. Pay close attention to your water bills. When you feel a sudden spike in your water bills whereas the household chores are done as they were used to before, that can be an early indication of a severe slab leak.
Foundation Rising
When the issues reach an extreme condition, it can slightly lift your building. If your property concrete is rising because of a leak underneath, it’s important that you seek some professional help.
When it goes on the peak, a sudden shift in the building can cause major irreparable damage to your house. This damage can be in the form of cracks on the walls or the slab its elf.
Slab leaks Damages the Floor
When the leaks are left unchecked for a long time, it damages the floor heavily. It can cause the flooring to rise in some areas forming cracks or other type structures. These cracks are a clear indication of a severe slab leak.
Mold
We all know moisture fosters the growth of molds and mildew. If you find mold growth at places in your flooring or under your carpet, moisture may be coming from a slab leak.
Cracks
The cracks formed into your walls or flooring can be due to the leak underneath the foundation. The major visual indication of these cracks alarms you about the leaks underneath your slab.
Sound of Rushing Water
If you hear the hissing sound of running water when no faucet is on in your home, you may suspect a problem. Turn off all the water sources such as dishwasher, washing machine, faucet, etc., and go to the first floor to carefully listen to the rushing sound.
If you still hear the hissing sound, this is a surefire sign that you have a slab leak.
Slab Leak Repair
Generally, it takes a bit to repair the leak. And of course, this time depends upon the severity of your problem. The plumbing solutions for the issue can be resolved. However, flooring and painting take time. Make sure that you choose the right professional plumber for this job.
For fixing a leaks, there are three options to the plumbers;
- Reroute the pipe – if the leaking pipe is worn-out or old, it’s better to replace it with a new one to avoid future disturbances. In this case, the water connection to the pipe is shut off and re-route, which will be rerouted above the ground.
- Repair the damaged area – if the pipe is in good condition and there is a minor leak, it’s good to repair it. Replace and repair where needed. Epoxy pipe lining can sometimes be another possible solution. It in small occasions seals the leak. But not likely.
- Re pipe the house – if your home is old, the piping system might have been poorly deteriorated. So, it’s better to re pipe the whole place to prevent future leaks and damages.
Many different companies offer slab leak detection and repair, so you must select a good and professional plumber. In some cases, homeowner’s insurance may cover the cost of repair and replacement. However, in most cases, insurance policies do not offer this, and you have to bear the price yourself.
Conclusion
You will find many professional plumbers to fix your leak. But it all depends on the severity of leakage. A leak is not something that anyone can fix. So, it’s better to contact a professional Plumber Piedmont, Ok Plumbing & Repair Contractor before it’s too late. Most of the time, reroute is the best option to deal with this situation. But jack hammering, tunneling, sleaving are other methods. A professional will use to fix slab leaks.