First, it is essential to know precisely what a slab leak is, so that you know if this even applies to your home. A slab water leak is a leak in any of the water pipes that are running under the concrete foundation of a slab style home. So if you have a basement or a crawl space under your home, then you are not going to have a slab leak. But anyone who has a house that is built on a slab foundation should read up on these leaks and how to identify when you need to call in the leak detection specialists from Action Air & Plumbing.
Causes Of A Slab Leak
- Poor Construction– No one wants to hear that their house was built poorly, but it does happen in some rare cases. And if you have a home that is built on a slab foundation, the installation of your plumbing was all laid before your foundation was poured. So there are places where the water lines run up through the concrete foundation. And while this might sound odd, it is perfectly acceptable when done correctly. The soil around the pipes and under the foundation must be compacted carefully and completely to be sure that it does not move or settle. If this step is not done right, then the soil will move. The result is a slight shift in your home’s foundation, which will cause your pipes to crack and begin to leak.
- Soil Movement– In some areas of the country, there are natural forces that can cause the soil under your foundation to shift. Things like an earthquake, underground stream, or even soil erosion due to heavy rain can move your home slightly. That movement is just enough to cause your plumbing pipes to crack and begin to leak.
- Poor Water Quality– Sadly, not all water is the same. In some areas, the water has either a high pH or a low pH. What this means is the water has either too much acidic content and is hard or too much alkaline content and is soft. Water that is in the 6.5 to 8.5 range on the pH scale is considered to be neutral and will not damage your plumbing pipes. But if your water is above or below that safe range, it will begin to corrode and eat away at the pipes that are under your home. And sooner or later, you will have a slab leak.
- Abrasion-When water pipes move and rub against things in the soil like rocks, debris, or even the concrete used to make your foundation; the pipe begins to wear down. High water pressure can also contribute added abrasion as it creates more movement in the water pipes when water faucets and other fixtures are turned off and on.
- Time– Nothing lasts forever, and unfortunately, that is very true of the pipes that are under your slab foundation. Corrosion, abrasion, and simple deterioration call have an impact on the pipes used to build your house. And at some point, these pipes will wear out and need to be replaced.
Signs Of A Slab Leak
Knowing the symptoms of a slab leak is the best way to know when you might have an issue and need to call in a leak detection specialist. Finding a slab leak quickly is the best way to eliminate water damage and expensive repair costs. Some of the most common signs of a slab leak include:
- Damp area on the floor
- Mold underneath your carpet or linoleum
- Warm or hot areas on the floor
- Increased water bill
- Low water pressure throughout your home
- Sound of moving water when all of the water fixtures are off
- Moist or soggy areas around your home’s foundation
A slab leak is not the only reason for all of these oddities, but it is one explanation for all of them. And it is also a very serious issue that should be inspected by a trained leak detection specialist. If you notice any of these issues and cannot explain them, call us to schedule a leak detection appointment. The Action Air Plumbing and Septic leak detection specialists use the latest technology to test for and locate hidden slab leaks without destroying your floors and foundation. Call us as soon as you think you have a slab leak and let us show you how a professional locates and repairs a leak under a slab foundation home.
