Slab Leak FAQs Answered
Plumbing leaks are among the most frustrating and annoying problems homeowners have to deal with – and they're also one of the most common. It’s estimated that household water leaks waste around 1 trillion gallons of water annually in the US. Some homes can even lose close to 90 gallons per day to leaks. Now that’s a heck of a water bill!
Of course, plumbing leaks come in many forms, from dripping faucets to worn-out toilet flappers to damaged pipes. But none is more insidious than the slab leak, mainly because they’re difficult to detect and even more difficult to repair. Unfortunately, many homeowners are still in the dark about the dangers of slab leaks – and even what they are. So this article will explain what causes slab leaks, how to spot them, what dangers they pose, and how to fix them!
What Exactly Is a Slab Leak?
A slab leak is a leak in pipes beneath a home’s concrete slab foundation. It can occur in the water lines that feed the home’s faucets and fixtures or in the drain pipes carrying wastewater to the main sewer line. In either case, the results are never good.
Slab leaks can be caused by faulty pipe installation, shifting soil, corrosion (often due to highly acidic or hard water), freezing (in winter), or aging pipes. In many cases, a relatively small slab leak can cause the surrounding soil to erode or shift, which may, in turn, cause a shift that further damages the pipe and causes the leak to grow in magnitude.
What Are Some Signs and Possible Outcomes of a Slab Leak?
Although many slab leaks will cause water to seep up through the foundation (around the base of a toilet or through a crack in the floor, for example), most effects don’t show visible signs that can be identified easily. So aside from obvious visual clues like puddles, wet spots, or mold growth, homeowners can watch out for these signs of a slab leak:
- High water bill without any visible leak.
- Low water pressure.
- The sound of running water when no faucets or fixtures are in use.
- Cracks in the floors or walls (indicates a shifting foundation).
- Unusually warm spots on the floor (may indicate a hot water leak).
- Nasty odors in certain parts of the house (may indicate a sewage pipe leak).
Slab leaks can increase the water bill, cause serious water damage to wood and drywall, facilitate mold growth and vermin infestations, and cause the home’s foundation to shift and crack. So, if homeowners notice any of these signs or suspect that they might have a slab leak, it would be best to contact a plumber immediately for slab leak detection.
How Do Professionals Fix Slab Leaks?
Even for the handiest homeowners, fixing a slab leak can be challenging, so it’s usually best left to a professional plumber. Slab leaks are hard to find by nature, so a professional will utilize special tools like acoustic listening devices and video inspection equipment to pinpoint the leak and determine its root cause.
Professionals have a few methods for slab leak repair. Spot repair is often used when only a small section of pipe is damaged. It typically involves breaking through the foundation with a jackhammer, so it’s definitely not ideal.
If the pipe has a few minor pinhole leaks or a small crack, plumbers may use “pipelining". This process involves feeding a flexible lining into the existing pipe or coating its interior with epoxy to seal the leaks. If the pipes are aging or the damage is extensive, the best bet may be to reroute the pipe (install a new pipe) outside the edge of the foundation or through the attic.
Ultimately, the repair method will depend on the nature of the slab leak and the homeowners’ budget, so it’s important to hire a qualified, reputable plumber who doesn’t offer cookie-cutter solutions!
About City Plumbing
City Plumbing experts have been proudly serving the Odessa community for over 50 years. They offer competitive up-front pricing, financing, personalized solutions to fit virtually any budget, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Their trustworthy licensed technicians are available 24/7 for emergency service, so don’t wait to call City Plumbing for slab leak detection and repair in Odessa, TX!
