All About Slab Leaks
Building a home on a giant slab of concrete has proven to be one of the biggest advancements in home design in history. By pouring a giant monolithic slab, the foundation for the home can adequately support the weight of the home on top of it while also resisting the elements like shifting soils and weather. One disadvantage of homes built on slabs is that the plumbing has to come up through the slab to protect the piping from freezing. This means a significant portion of a home’s piping is under a thick concrete layer. While plumbers do their best to ensure these pipes are protected, leaks are common in the pipes. When this happens, it is called a “slab leak”.
What Is a Slab Leak?
Slab leaks can occur in any portion of buried pipes, including freshwater and sewer pipes. When pipes are installed, codes dictate that they be protected from punctures by bedding them in clean sand. The major reason for this is to prevent the gradual wear and tear on pipes that occur as pipes vibrate over the years. These constant vibrations eventually cause pinhole leaks to form, leading to a slab leak.
Other causes of slab leaks can be:
- Corrosion
- Shifting soils
- Mechanical damage
- Old age
Signs and Consequences of Slab Leaks
Slab leaks are serious plumbing problems that need immediate attention because they can cause secondary damage. Water flowing underneath the slab can undermine the soil and leave the concrete unsupported, leading to major structural issues. In addition to undermining the slab, water that wicks upward into the living space can damage the wood or metal studs that support the home's roof, requiring expensive rehabilitation.
To prevent these disastrous scenarios, homeowners should know the signs of slab leaks so they can respond quickly. Some of the signs to watch for are:
- Water Flowing From Near the Foundation: When water leaks underneath the slab, it has to go somewhere. The path of least resistance is often towards the slab's edges.
- Insect Problems: The high moisture levels caused by slab leaks attract moisture-loving insects like termites, pill bugs, and centipedes.
- High Water Bills: Leaking water isn’t free; a constant drip adds to monthly bills. If bills have unexpectedly gone up, a slab leak may be to blame.
- Faint Dripping or Hissing Noises: Slab leaks can create noise, usually silenced by the slap. Try listening to these noises when the home is quiet.
Homeowners can stop wasting money on high water bills and secondary damage repairs by calling for professionals early.
Professional Slab Leak Detection and Repair
Slab leaks are difficult to repair because they require removing the slab to expose the pipes. Since the repairs are invasive, the leak must be pinpointed so less damage is done. With professional slab leak detection and repair, experts can target the source of a leak exactly so they can make precise repairs. After the repairs are made, the slab is repoured, and homeowners can return to normal life.
About Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air
Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air has provided local plumbing solutions for over 20 years. They offer straightforward pricing and satisfaction-guarantee services available 24/7. Call our licensed technicians today for slab leak repairs and service in St. George, UT.
