It may start with you receiving a higher-than-normal water bill. Maybe you notice the floors or carpets are damp, or smell a musty odor. Before long, the problem is clear: your slab is leaking. A leaking slab is more than a nuisance; it can cause a variety of other issues if left untreated. What should be done if there’s slab leakage?
What causes slab leaks?
What causes the formation of slab leaks in the first place? When water pipes located underneath the home begin to leak, this water can seep up through the concrete slab. There are a variety of reasons these pipes might start to leak, including low-quality pipes, damage due to poor installation, corrosion, poor water quality, the wrong water pressure, and more. Buildings may also shift slightly during earthquakes and put pressure on the pipes.
Signs of slab leaks
There are a range of signs that may clue you in that there’s a slab leak. If you notice low water pressure or a sudden drop in water pressure, receive an unusually expensive water bill, see wet spots on the floor, find mold under the carpet or flooring, or notice hot areas on the floor, it’s important to have a professional come out to take a look.
What to do if there’s slab leakage
If water is leaking through the concrete slab into your home, you’ll need to call plumbing professionals to perform slab leak repair. Failing to fix the pipes can cause a wide range of problems, including warped hardwood floors, mold, and other water damage. It can also weaken your home’s foundation and cause structural damage if left untreated for an extended period of time.
There are a few different options to fix the slab leak, depending on the state of your pipes and your budget. A plumbing professional will assess the damage and inform you as to which solution is best for your specific circumstance.
Epoxy lining
If the damage to the leaking pipe is minor, such as pinholes rather than large cracks, epoxy lining may be an effective way to fix it. In this solution, epoxy is inserted into the pipe as a liner, then cured in place. This prevents the water inside the pipes from leaking.
Re-piping
If the leaking pipes are old or have more significant damage, the best option may be to add new piping. In this case, the old pipes will be left as-is and new pipes will be installed. The new piping may even be placed in locations that are more convenient should additional repairs need to be done in the future, such as through the attic or around the slab instead of underneath it.
Breaking the concrete
Another potential solution is to break through the concrete to reach and fix the pipe. This is typically only done if there is a small spot to repair, rather than damage throughout the pipe. However, breaking the concrete can be expensive, and it doesn’t address issues further down the pipe, such as wear and tear that may soon cause leaks.
Hire professional plumbers
If you’re in need of slab leak repair, it’s important to hire professional plumbers to assess the damage and do the repair work. American Plumbing Service is a team of dependable plumbing experts with the knowledge and experience to get the job done right the first time.
As slab leak repair experts, our trained professionals know how to detect and repair leaks using reliable tools and efficient service. We’re proud to serve homeowners in Menifee, Wildomar, Temecula, and Murrieta. Whether you need slab leak repair, tankless water heater installation or repair, or something else, book an appointment today.
