Tag: leaks

Everything Homeowners Should Know about Slab Leaks

everything homeowners should know about slab leaks

Understand the Essentials of a Slab Leak

A slab leak is one of a house's most troublesome and difficult-to-repair plumbing problems. Still, with a reputable professional who looks out for the homeowner, it can be a more manageable experience. Today’s technology makes fixing a leak beneath the home’s foundation easier. This article will discuss some frequently asked questions about slab leaks, their detection, and the methods of slab leak repair.

Slab Leaks: What Are They?

Cracked concrete slab foundation indicating potential slab leak issues, relevant to plumbing and repair concerns.Slab leaks are breakages in one or more pipes found beneath the “slab.” The slab is the concrete foundation or support layer of the house. Most houses without basements are built with a slab foundation. This means getting to the pipes can be difficult because the plumbing professional is either going through the slab or under it, neither of which is without collateral damage. 

But what causes a slab leak in the first place? There are many causes, but a few of the primary culprits are listed below.

  • Abrasion or Corrosion of Pipes: If pipes are installed incorrectly or come in contact with corrosive chemicals, this may cause a pipe weakness and lead to a leak. A pipe that has a scrape can also burst at that narrow point.
  • Shifting Foundation: As the home ages, it moves a little on the ground. This occurrence is often called settling or foundation shift, which can stress pipes and cause leaks.
  • Hard Water: Water full of dissolved minerals, or hard water, can cause mineral buildup on pipes, leading to the corrosion and abrasion listed above. 
  • Water Pressure: If there is an unexpected increase in a home’s water pressure, this can lead to a broken pipe. This can happen anywhere within a home’s plumbing system but is more difficult to reach if it happens under the slab.

What Problems Indicate a Slab Leak?

Hand holding a thermal imaging device, detecting potential leaks in a wall, relevant to slab leak detection services and plumbing maintenance.A slab leak is not only difficult to reach but also difficult to detect. Some telltale signs can help homeowners know they may need to call in professionals for leak detection. Homeowners should look into leak detection services once they see any of the following signs:

  • The water bill suddenly skyrockets without any increase in usage. 
  • Water damage is occurring without a clear source of water.
  • Mold is present in the walls.
  • Puddles of water are appearing outside without rain or other obvious source.

A high water bill with no visible leak is usually a clear indicator that something is up, even if there are no other signs.

Professional Slab Leak Detection and Repair

Plumbing technicians can use several leak detection methods, including sewer video cameras that can be fed directly into a drain or other pipe. Likewise, ultrasound equipment can be used as a radar to pinpoint the location of a leak. Repair has traditionally been done by either breaking the slab as precisely as possible to reach the leak or digging underneath the slab. New techniques for repiping may be successful and less invasive, depending on the leak's extent.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating proudly serves the Colorado Springs, CO, community and the surrounding areas for all their household comfort needs. They are veteran-owned and provide tailored solutions for each household. Call the experts today for foundation leak detection and slab repair service in Colorado Springs, CO, for no after-hours fees. 

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Frequently Asked Questions About Slab Leaks

frequently asked questions about slab leaks

What Exactly Is a Slab Leak?nbsp;

Picture a single-story house. Red door, four-paned windows––nothing special. The house itself rests on a slab, a piece of concrete that usually serves as the ground floor. Many homeowners can live in a house for decades and never give the foundation a second thought. Yet, if they experience high water bills, low water pressure, and other plumbing issues, there could be a slab leak. 

Some reasons for slab leaks include root intrusion, shifting soil from rainstorms, and other things completely out of homeowners' control. Yet, while this situation may seem overwhelming, one has options if they suspect a slab leak. For instance, they could consult a plumber in their area. They can identify the source of the problem and get to work repairing it. 

What Are Some Slab Leak Signs?nbsp;

Money being poured into a toilet, symbolizing wasted resources and high water bills due to potential slab leaks.A slab leak can fester for months before it shows apparent signs. That's why knowing the symptoms of such a leak is so important. The sooner a homeowner gets a professional's help, the more damage they can mitigate. Some signs of a slab leak include: 

  • Warm spots on the floor. A homeowner's bare feet may sense warmer tiles, planks, and flooring than usual. That could mean a hot water leak, and the homeowner feels the water's warmth pooling beneath the floorboards. 
  • High water bills, no visible leak. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that most homeowners spend about $100 a month on their water bill. Yet, with an undetected leak, one could pay even more. 
  • Cracks in the floors or walls. The home's foundation may shift as a slab leak worsens, causing walls and floors to splinter. 

Are Slab Leaks Dangerous?nbsp;

A slab leak is no laughing matter. Some dangers of unaddressed slab leaks include: 

  • Mold and mildew growth. Where there's a leak, mold growth isn't far behind. Healthline notes that this substance can cause respiratory problems, such as coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. It also can eat away at a home's drywall and structure. 
  • A weakened foundation. If a home doesn't have a solid foundation, the county may deem it unsafe to inhabit. A weak foundation can lead to structural collapse, electrical fires, and other dangers. 
  • Slips and falls. A slab leak can cause water to seep through the home's floorboards. These puddles can put homeowners (especially seniors) at risk of serious fall accidents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that slips can cause spinal cord trauma and traumatic brain injuries. 

How Can a Professional Fix a Slab Leak?nbsp;

Hand holding a thermal imaging camera displaying heat signatures, used by professionals to detect slab leaks and assess water damage beneath flooring.Some things in life have a way of fixing themselves. Unfortunately, slab leaks are not one of them. They need immediate attention, or else the issue risks worsening. A professional may fix a slab leak by: 

  • Locating the leak's location
  • Isolating the area
  • Removing a section of flooring
  • Replacing or repairing the leaking pipe
  • Repaving over the area

A plumber can also offer special insight into how to prevent future slab leaks. 

About B&L Plumbing and Heating 

A slab leak can quickly lead to water damage, property destruction, and other headaches. That's why B&L Plumbing and Heating offers prompt, same-day service to its friends and neighbors in Colorado Springs, CO. Relying on their specialized training and unique skill set, these professionals know how to get jobs done quickly. Call now for slab leak services! 

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