As a homeowner, few repairs are more costly than slab leak repairs.
Slab leaks occur when the pipes in the foundation or walls of your home break. The water then collects under your house, and if left untreated, it can cause major damage to your home and the people living in it.
As you can probably tell, slab leaks can be a nightmare to repair if you don’t catch them early enough.
Some of the signs of a slab leak include:
- A higher-than-normal water bill
- Damp spots on your flooring or carpet
- Odor coming from your floors or walls
- Mold growth
- The sound of running water, even when all the faucets are turned off
Keep reading to learn what causes slab leaks and what you should do if you think your home has one.
What causes slab leaks?
Improper pipe installation
If your water pipes were damaged or installed incorrectly during the construction of your home, they can spring a leak. Even the slightest imperfections are cause for concern because the pipes may not be able to withstand the weight of the house and regular water use.
Although many improperly-installed pipes break within the first few years of living in a house, leaks can also take place further down the road as the damage accumulates over time.
Shifting soil
Earthquakes are an inescapable part of life in southern California. The ground shifts that come with it can put a lot of pressure on your pipes — and sometimes, more pressure than they can withstand.
Soil shifting can also be compounded by the effects of a slow slab leak. The soil underneath your home expands as it absorbs water, putting pressure on your pipes. Alternatively, wet soil can cause your house to sink into the ground instead. Both of these scenarios result in uneven, unaccounted-for pressure on your pipes that can cause slab leaks.
Water corrosion
Water quality can also increase your home’s chances of slab leaks. Water that is too acidic or too alkaline corrodes the pipes in your home over time.
This kind of damage usually takes place in piping systems that aren’t regularly maintained or inspected. You’ll also find this in older homes, as pipes collect cumulative damage. Many older homes are built with copper or galvanized steel pipes, which are more affected by the corrosive effects of water than modern piping options.
What to do if you suspect a slab leak in your home
The best repairs are the ones you don’t have to do at all. Regular inspections and maintenance are vital to prevent slab leaks from happening in the first place. However, in the case of earthquakes and other natural disasters, you can’t prevent them completely.
If your home shows signs of a slab leak, you’ll want to call a professional to confirm your suspicions and make the appropriate repairs. Otherwise, you risk flooding, mold damage, termite infestations, and even a collapsed foundation.
As you can imagine, it will take a lot of manpower, time, and money to repair widespread damage from a slab leak. The earlier you catch the problem, the better (and cheaper) it will be for you.
Contact American Plumbing Service for slab leak repairs
If you believe your home has a slab leak, American Plumbing Service is here to help. We help homeowners in the Riverside and San Bernardino counties with efficient, reliable plumbing repairs at an affordable price.
Give us a call to learn more about the services we offer or to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help you 24/7 for all your plumbing emergencies and offer same-day visits.
