Slab Leaks Can Go Years Without Being Detected

4/15/2021 (Permalink)

Slab Leaks and Water Damage Repair

Slab leaks are a very common reality of life in places where soils are very unstable. Most homes are constructed on concrete slabs or with brick reinforced stone pier and foundation construction as basement walls often can crack and break during changing soil pressure. Drainage pipes are typically run under the slab; however, underground plumbing connections are usually harder to find and more costly to repair. This article briefly discusses what causes slab leaks, how SERVPRO of Highland Village's drainage pipe repair services can fix them, and how the average cost of slab leak repair varies depending on the leak's severity.

The causes of slab leaks are numerous and varied. In addition to the factors mentioned earlier that can cause drainage problems below ground level, the stresses of structural design, settling, and soil pressure can also lead to leaks. Regardless of the cause, the problem is usually caused by a mechanical flaw in the design of the home or building or a combination of factors that weaken the building's structural integrity.

Installing new basement walls may be an effective solution to stop slab leaks, but the damage is already done in most cases. Due to the stress of the soil beneath your foundation, older concrete slabs will generally settle unevenly, while new concrete slabs will settle pretty quickly. As a result, newly built homes may seem structurally sound but are not very structurally sound. These "snowplowing" conditions under new concrete slabs can promote both structural weakening and leaks.

Another main cause of slab leaks is a lack of proper waterproofing. Sewer and drain line maintenance is vital to prevent both structural integrity issues and water damage. Since sloped floors allow liquid to travel underneath the foundation due to differences in slope, it is imperative to address drainage issues before any problems arise. If your plumbing system contains improper pipe lengths or bends at joints, there is a good chance that the plumbing will leak. Other issues that can cause liquid to seep into your flooring beneath your foundation include insufficient water pressure in your household plumbing system, standing water in pipes that connect to the sewage system, or a faulty float valve in your household toilet or drain pipe.

Since slab leaks often occur in places where there is no flooring, such as crawlspaces, around walls, and around window and skylights, repairing this type of leak presents a daunting task. Even if you have fixed a few small leaks in the plumbing system of your home, you may still require professional plumbing help to fix major structural damage, such as those found with collapsed ceilings and other roofing problems. In most cases, leaking drains and sinks require slab leak repair, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Another primary source for slab leaks is shifting soils, such as when you build a new house. As your new home settles, the concrete slab it rests on will eventually warp in response to natural forces, such as gravitational shifts, weather changes, and other factors.

• This unnatural movement can expose your plumbing to leaking underneath your house.
• Moreover, soil movement is likely to increase with time, causing more problems for future repairs.

Finally, older homes frequently develop soil pockets in between floors and around plumbing pipes. The presence of soil between copper pipes on your sewer line, for example, can make it vulnerable to water leaks from your kitchen sink. Also, older homes frequently have wooden frames surrounded by concrete slab foundations. These can also lead to issues with water leakage.

Slab leaks may go years without being detected since water can move beneath the slab foundation without showing up on an inspection. Moreover, it is easy to misdiagnose slab foundation problems, so homeowners should be on the lookout for anything they may see that seems out of place. For instance, if you find a crack in your slab but no corresponding void in your floor slab, your basement may be the culprit. A faulty drain line may also cause water to leak through, especially if the soil is cracked around the pipe.

Slab Leak Repair Company

Were you looking for the best slab leak repair company? Slab leak repair is a costly and challenging repair for any home or business. But don't worry! We've got you covered. 

If you've recently noticed your water bill shooting up and your water pressure is low, you may be experiencing a slab leak. This type of leak is a plumbing issue that requires the expertise of a professional to fix. Slab leaks are often a result of corrosion, which causes them to be challenging to detect. They typically occur near the water meter, pipes, or appliances. If you suspect you have a slab leak, contact the best slab leak repair company in your area to schedule an inspection.

Our technicians are all highly trained and will be able to provide you with the best slab leak repair service.