You may not give your concrete floor slab much thought until it has a problem, especially a leak. If you suspect that you have a slab leak, a hired professional can help you solve the issue right away. Expert plumbers will identify the causes of leaks and set a plan to fix them. Here are some causes and solutions to a slab leak:
Causes of Slab Leak
Homes built on concrete foundations (slabs) feature plumbing water lines located within or underneath the slab. These water lines or pipes can crack or break, leading to water leakage. With time, you may start to notice the following warning signs:
Water spots on your concrete floor
Water stains on your flooring
Increase in mold in certain parts of your flooring or walls
Higher water bills
Sudden low water pressure
Identifying the cause and fixing a slab leak early could save you on repair costs and help prevent further structural damage. Plumbers with the skills and necessary equipment can work to fix the issues and eliminate this problem. Here are a few causes of slab leaks in homes:
Faulty Pipe Installation
Combining dissimilar materials and overtightening installation fixtures are among the common installation mistakes that can cause slab leaks. Improperly installed water pipes are prone to cracking or bursting, especially when subjected to high water pressure. This problem will likely occur if your pipe has any dented, kinked, or bent parts.
Soil Shifts
Regions with expansive clay soil are more prone to soil shifts (expansion and contraction of soil). These kinds of soil tend to swell when wet and shrink when dry. This change in soil condition causes the ground under your foundation to shift vertically or laterally. It puts additional pressure on the pipes, which may eventually crack and start to leak water.
Abrasion
Another possible cause of leaky water pipes underneath your concrete foundation is abrasion. Over time, these pipes rub against your concrete slab, tree roots, or other material. This is a typical issue in hot water pipes that expand and contract while in use. The friction generated causes gradual wear on your pipes and might result in leaks.
Aging Water Pipes
Older homes with galvanized pipes could also experience slab leaks. Although such pipes are solid and durable, they’re sometimes prone to rust as they age. With time, these pipes react with the water or surrounding soil. This results in corrosion that weakens them, making the pipes susceptible to leaks.
How Plumbers Fix Slab Leaks
A professional plumber’s first step is to pinpoint the location of the leak. They may use special equipment, like a line locating device or video inspection, to locate the leaking part. Diagnosing the problem using such modern equipment eliminates the need to break the slab to access the pipes.
After locating the leak, your plumber assesses the extent of damage to determine the most effective repair option. They may dig into the slab to repair the defective pipe or use more non-invasive repairs. Here are several ways your plumber may repair a slab leak:
Spot Repair
This method requires technicians to dig down to access the leaking part of the pipe. It can be ideal if you’re dealing with a single leak. Your plumber will then patch the leaking part.
Pipelining
If you prefer a minimally invasive repair option, the pipelining method is frequently a faster and cheaper alternative to traditional repair options. Your plumber will use an epoxy pipe liner to seal the leaking pipes. The epoxy-coated liner will harden inside the old pipe, covering its interior surface.
Re-Piping or Re-Routing
If you have older galvanized water pipes, you might want to replace them with new options. Re-piping or re-routing helps you fix slab leaks by installing new pipes under your foundation. Professionals will install the new water lines to bypass the damaged parts or replace entire lines.
Read also: The Benefits of Hiring a Licensed Plumber
Let Plumbing Experts Fix Leaks Under Your Slab
When it comes to fixing slab leaks in your home, trust professionals with proven experience. Plumbing experts will locate the exact leaking part and attempt to repair it as soon as possible. Contact expert plumbers today to examine your plumbing system and fix any slab leaks.
