Dangers of Slab Leaks

Slab leaks often go unnoticed, producing dangers that can leave behind foundation destruction. These leaks occur under a home’s concrete foundation, frequently called the slab, making them challenging to detect and repair. The damages left behind can be severe. If you can detect the early signs of these issues, you may be able to catch and address slab issues before they lead to costly, extensive damage.

What Is a Slab Leak?

Slab leaks occur when the pipes under a home’s foundation leak. Older homes are more likely to develop these leaks because of aging plumbing components and shifting soil. New construction homes can also experience slab leaks due to improper plumbing installations and home settling.

There are two types of slab leaks: pressurized and drainage. Pressurized leaks occur in the lines that deliver water into your home. They are usually the most noticeable because they create signs like changes in water pressure and higher municipal water bills.

Drainage pipe leaks are much harder to detect because they involve the lines that drain wastewater from your home or the foundation drainage system around the outside of the building. These leaks are slower and may not cause immediate signs until significant damage occurs over a long time.

Pipe Corrosion

One of the leading causes of slab leaks is pipe corrosion. Older homes are especially at risk because they have galvanized steel or copper pipes. Over many years, these pipe materials can begin to break down due to contact with soil minerals. As the pipes break down, small leaks occur that worsen with time.

Foundation Shifts

Soil movement underneath the home can also lead to slab leaks. Movement can occur with soil’s natural expansion and contraction through various seasons, and earthquakes can lead to severe shifts. Shifting soil places pressure on vulnerable pipes and can damage them, leading to leaks.

Improper Water Pressure

Excessive water pressure can cause slab leaks because it stresses your pipes and can lead to damage. Although pressure regulators help prevent these issues, they can fail if not properly calibrated.

Pipe Abrasions

Pipe abrasions occur when pipes rub against ground materials, such as rocks and tree roots. Pipe expansion and contraction can cause slight movements that cause abrasive damage in rocky soil.

Understanding the Dangers of Slab Leaks

Slab leaks are one of the most damaging plumbing problems. If left untreated, they can lead to extensive home damage.

Structural Damage

Water leaks under your home’s foundation can cause structural damage. The leaks erode the soil, leaving gaps in foundation support. As the foundation settles into the soil openings caused by erosion, your home could experience the following damage:

• Doors and windows that will not open
• Stress cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings
• Buckling wood floors

Mold Growth

With increased moisture comes mold and mildew growth. Mold can quickly spread through your home, populating in areas beyond the leak. Mold actively eats away at the structural integrity of your home’s building materials. Long-term mold exposure can lead to respiratory problems and increased allergies in your family.

Increased Water Bills

Even the most minor leaks can waste hundreds of gallons of water daily. According to the EPA, homes with slab leaks can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water annually. The EPA warns around 10% of homes have a slab leak that wastes at least 90 gallons of water daily. A slab leak may be the culprit if you notice unexpected increases in your water bills.

Flooding

Severe slab leaks can lead to home flooding. Home flooding can occur without warning when the smallest foundation openings allow water to pour inside. Flooding impacts all porous materials, leading to catastrophic damage that becomes expensive to repair. Prompt leak detection services from Bill Metzger Plumbing can find slab leaks and prevent severe damage to the foundation and interior of your home.

Frost Heave

Frost heave is when water inside rock freezes and expands. This phenomenon can widen cracks and break off pieces of rock or concrete. If the flow of your slab leak is restricted due to the concrete around it and the freeze is deep enough to reach this area, the issue can compound during the winter weather.

Reduced Property Value

If slab leaks remain unchecked for years, they can cause significant damage that impacts your home’s value. Potential buyers look for a history of slab leaks and become wary of purchasing properties with issues.

Warning Signs of Slab Leaks

Slab leaks can occur without warning, but there are sometimes telltale signs they are present. If you notice warm or wet spots on the floor, the sounds of running water, or decreased water pressure, a slab leak may be the problem.

Slab Leak Detection and Repair

Early detection of slab leaks is critical to minimizing structural damage and repair expenses. If your Orange County home exhibits any of the above signs, seek slab leak detection services from a professional.

Plumbers use specialized equipment to detect slab leaks. These devices simplify the detection process without tearing into your home’s foundation.

Acoustic Devices

Acoustic listening devices amplify the sounds of running water, allowing plumbers to detect leaks through flooring. These devices are essential for early detection but primarily work to detect leaks in pressurized lines.

Thermal Cameras

Thermal cameras are also a tool for checking for slab leaks. They produce images that show temperature changes and can reveal wet or leaking areas.

Borescope Cameras

These flexible camera cables can fit into tight spaces, allowing plumbers to view hidden pipes and determine if there are leaks. Using these with thermal imaging and video equipment will enable us to pinpoint the leak, repair the damaged pipe, and prevent further structural damage.

Once an expert determines the slab leak’s position, several repair methods exist. Trenchless pipe repair involves cleaning the damaged pipe section and using an inflated epoxy liner to seal the damage and stop the leak.

When multiple pipes are involved, plumbers use re-piping or pipe re-routing. These repairs are more involved and may take several days due to the need to break through the concrete slab. When this occurs, the new pipe is typically lined to avoid future occurrences of the issue.

Protecting Your Home Against Slab Leak Dangers

Slab leaks can develop without warning and may exist unnoticed until significant damages occur. They pose serious risks to your home’s structural stability and expose your family to dangerous mold growth. Now that you understand the dangers of slab leaks and the potential signs, you can prepare to protect your home and family.

Bill Metzger Plumbing offers various plumbing services and solutions, including installation, maintenance, and repair. We provide services for damaged pipes, water pumps, water heaters, and gas lines.

Our plumbers also provide hydro jet cleaning, video camera inspections, trenchless sewer liner repair, and septic tank services. Our family-owned and operated business has served the Orange County community for over 50 years.

If you suspect a slab leak, call our expert plumbers at Bill Metzger Plumbing immediately!