Leaks Below the Foundation
A slab leak can develop in the waterline. It is below the foundation of a building. Slab leaks can cause much damage to your home’s foundation. It can be the cause of a termite infestation and it can produce mold too. This type of leak is found under a piece of concrete. Slab leaks cannot be ignored because if they are left unattended, big problems will be the result. You will be glad to know that professionals can use a slab leak detector and various other methods to locate a slab leak and help to resolve the problem. Slab leaks are considered to be very big plumbing problems. It ought to be known that many homeowners have never heard of this type of issue before. The average pipe leak is noticed easily by homeowners. The slab leak may not be noticed by a homeowner and it is important to know what the signs are.
Signs of a Slab Leak
There are some signs that will alert you that you may have a slab leak. The following signs will let you know that a professional plumber may be needed because you may have a slab leak:
* your water pressure seems low
* your floors appear and feel damp
* you notice water around your house
* your water bill has increased for no apparent reason
* you may hear water running even when nothing is being used
A slab leak detector is a tool that plumbers use. This type of tool can hear sounds through the layers and will have the ability to determine the location of the water. If you have noticed any of the above signs, it will be important to contact a professional to determine if you have a slab leak.
What Causes Slab Leaks?
It is common for corrosion to cause a slab leak in many cases. Rust forms on metal and turns into corrosion on the metal. This can cause your pipes to deteriorate and the pipes can even break apart. When the pipes deteriorate, this can lead to underground leaks. Copper pipes are known to be prone to these issues. Another cause can be from the initial installation process in terms of the foundation. The pipes can become damaged during the installation process. This can be viewed as poor construction. Small cracks in the pipes can lead to bigger problems. Sometimes the foundation will shift and cause an increase in pressure on the pipes.
The pressure may even cause the pipes to burst. The soil can become flooded. Sometimes slab leaks are caused by the pH level in the water. If the water is acidic or “hard,” it because of this type of leak. Another cause can come with an aging house. The older house may be at higher risk for developing slab leaks because they may have galvanized steel or copper pipes and the corrosion, pressure, and stress tend to wear on the pipes. It is a good idea to watch for any uncommon happenings in and around your home in terms of your plumbing and water because you may be able to prevent slab leaks when you are aware and when you know what to look for. These are some of the causes of slab leaks.
Repair: Access the Pipe
When a slab leak occurs, the foundation will need to be opened up. This is necessary in order to access the pipe below the foundation. There may be some other expenses because the area may need to be refilled and the floor may need to be replaced. A jackhammer is used to open the concrete. The pipe will be cut and the damaged portion will be removed. A new piece of pipe will be fitted. Then the water will be removed from the hole. Professionals have the right equipment and skills to repair a slab leak properly.
Leaks Below the Foundation
A slab leak can develop in the waterline. It is below the foundation of a building. Slab leaks can cause much damage to your home’s foundation. It can be the cause of a termite infestation and it can produce mold too. This type of leak is found under a piece of concrete. Slab leaks cannot be ignored because if they are left unattended, big problems will be the result. You will be glad to know that professionals can use a slab leak detector and various other methods to locate a slab leak and help to resolve the problem. Slab leaks are considered to be very big plumbing problems. It ought to be known that many homeowners have never heard of this type of issue before. The average pipe leak is noticed easily by homeowners. The slab leak may not be noticed by a homeowner and it is important to know what the signs are.
Signs of a Slab Leak
There are some signs that will alert you that you may have a slab leak. The following signs will let you know that a professional plumber may be needed because you may have a slab leak:
* your water pressure seems low
* your floors appear and feel damp
* you notice water around your house
* your water bill has increased for no apparent reason
* you may hear water running even when nothing is being used
A slab leak detector is a tool that plumbers use. This type of tool can hear sounds through the layers and will have the ability to determine the location of the water. If you have noticed any of the above signs, it will be important to contact a professional to determine if you have a slab leak.
What Causes Slab Leaks?
It is common for corrosion to cause a slab leak in many cases. Rust forms on metal and turns into corrosion on the metal. This can cause your pipes to deteriorate and the pipes can even break apart. When the pipes deteriorate, this can lead to underground leaks. Copper pipes are known to be prone to these issues. Another cause can be from the initial installation process in terms of the foundation. The pipes can become damaged during the installation process. This can be viewed as poor construction. Small cracks in the pipes can lead to bigger problems. Sometimes the foundation will shift and cause an increase in pressure on the pipes.
The pressure may even cause the pipes to burst. The soil can become flooded. Sometimes slab leaks are caused by the pH level in the water. If the water is acidic or “hard,” it because of this type of leak. Another cause can come with an aging house. The older house may be at higher risk for developing slab leaks because they may have galvanized steel or copper pipes and the corrosion, pressure, and stress tend to wear on the pipes. It is a good idea to watch for any uncommon happenings in and around your home in terms of your plumbing and water because you may be able to prevent slab leaks when you are aware and when you know what to look for. These are some of the causes of slab leaks.
Repair: Access the Pipe
When a slab leak occurs, the foundation will need to be opened up. This is necessary in order to access the pipe below the foundation. There may be some other expenses because the area may need to be refilled and the floor may need to be replaced. A jackhammer is used to open the concrete. The pipe will be cut and the damaged portion will be removed. A new piece of pipe will be fitted. Then the water will be removed from the hole. Professionals have the right equipment and skills to repair a slab leak properly.