What Are Slab Leaks?
Slab leaks are one of the more serious plumbing problems that can occur in a home's plumbing system. The slab of a home refers to the thick layer of concrete designed to function as a foundation for a house. During construction, the most convenient and effective way to get utilities into the home is to bury them where the slab will be poured. This allows power, water, and sewer services to be safe from the elements and accessible all around the home. The one major drawback of burying plumbing lines underneath the concrete is that they become difficult to access when there is a problem.
A slab leak is simply a leak that has formed in the piping underneath the slab. Slab leaks can be difficult to detect and wreak a lot of havoc on a home, so it’s essential to spot them immediately. Recognizing the signs of slab leaks is vital in ensuring homes stay safe. Here is a quick guide to slab leaks from local experts.
Signs of Slab Leaks
With pipes buried all over the place under a slab, it can be challenging to notice when leaks occur, but they must be dealt with promptly. Slab leaks are particularly difficult to detect because all the action is happening underneath a thick sheet of concrete. But when the warning signs are known to homeowners, they are less mysterious and easier to spot.
Common signs of slab leaks are:
- The sound of running water
- Moist floors
- Wet carpets or buckled and warped floors
- Wet spots or puddles on the lawn near the outer walls
- High humidity in certain rooms on the bottom floor of a home
- Mold problems and the associated musty smells
- Spike in the water bill
Complications From Slab Leaks
At first glance, it may not seem like slab leaks are that threatening. After all, much of the escaping water goes below the foundation and into the surrounding soil. How bad could that be? It can be pretty dangerous. Slab leaks pose a threat to the home's stability and foundation. As the water slowly seeps into the soil and the foundation, soil can shift, the slab can crack, and it can cause all kinds of problems for a home, such as being structurally compromised.
Even in more minor cases, water damage to the home can be severe. All that excess moisture can damage flooring, mold, and mildew can grow, and water bills will increase due to the leak’s water wastage. The resulting water damage to the foundation, flooring, or other parts of the home can also be costly to repair.
How Professionals Address Slab Leaks
The first step in dealing with slab leaks is recognizing them. After the homeowner recognizes the signs, they should immediately call a professional. Plumbers have advanced equipment allowing them to detect leaks easily and non-invasively to minimize damage. Once located, the plumber will determine the best way to fix the slab leak.
They may have to remove part of the slab or dig in the yard before they make repairs, so accurate detection is critical. Or the plumber may be able to make the repairs without excavation or disturbing the slab, floors, or landscaping using trenchless pipe repair methods. Once the pipe is repaired, the cost of water bills should return to normal, and homeowners can focus on fixing any effects of water damage.
About RupCoe Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
RupCoe Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is a family-owned and operated business serving South Plainfield and the surrounding areas since 1985. They offer upfront pricing, fast turnarounds, and attention to detail. Call them today for slab leak detection and repair services in South Plainfield, NJ.
