All About Slab Leaks
Many buildings and homes are built on a concrete slab foundation. A slab leak is a leak in the water lines underneath the concrete slab. Because these leaks are not visible, big problems and damages can arise when they happen. This article is a quick guide to identifying and repairing slab leaks.
Potential Causes of Slab Leaks
Slab leaks can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as:
- Poor installation of the foundation or pipes
- Shifting soil under the foundation
- Old, corroded pipes
To help avoid slab leaks, always hire builders and plumbers who don’t cut corners. Also, homeowners should schedule routine plumbing maintenance and inspections that allow plumbers to check the condition of the piping and if pipe corrosion has occurred.
Signs of Slab Leaks
Spotting slab leaks quickly is very important to help prevent costly water damage and high water costs. Slab leaks can cause major damage when left unrepaired, so homeowners must know the signs of a slab leak to call for slab leak repair immediately. These signs include:
- Running water noises when no water is being used
- Wet or warm spots on the floor
- Damaged flooring or foundation
- High water bills
- Low water pressure
As with any water leak, there are serious consequences when slab leaks form. One concern is costly foundation damage and structural damage to the house. So, if signs of slab leaks are noticed, a plumber should be called right away.
Professional Slab Leak Detection and Repair
Locating and repairing slab leaks is a task best done by professionals. Plumbers have special equipment, such as thermal imaging and acoustic listening devices, to help them pinpoint the location of a leak, so they can repair it with as little damage and disturbance to the home as possible.
There are several methods that can be used for slab leak repair, depending on the situation. Plumbers may reroute the pipes, repair the pipes using pipelining, tunnel below the slab, or use a jackhammer to break through a section of the slab to access the pipe for repair.
About Plumb Perfect Plumbing
Plumb Perfect Plumbing is a local plumbing company serving the Culpeper area. They offer flat-rate pricing, financing, and neat and tidy service. Call them for slab leak repair services in Culpeper, VA.