A slab leak is basically nothing but the result of the leaking pipes underneath the slab foundations of the house. When a water pipe bursts beneath a concrete slab foundation, a slab leak occurs. Because the water lines are located beneath the house, you may not be aware that a severe plumbing problem is brewing. So, leakage detection becomes difficult sometimes if you don’t know how to spot it. In this article, we will guide you on how you can locate the slab leakage of your house to avoid unfavorable circumstances and after the detection what should be your next step. You must need an expert plumber to fix the slab leaks issue of your house once it is detected.
1. Expansion or contraction of the soil
When it comes to slab leaks, expansive soil shift is a common cause. When the ground temperature changes from dry to moist, the soil expands and contracts. Because the soil composition of Texas is predominantly cracked clay, sandy soil, and other ground types prone to vertical or lateral shifting, homes with slab foundations are especially vulnerable. Water pipes can be damaged by the movement of the soil beneath the foundation. Water from leaky lines can cause the ground to shift, even more, setting off a chain reaction that may go undiscovered for a long time.
2. Construction or plumbing materials that are not up to code
Improper pipe installation is another common cause of slab leaks. These damaged sections become weak if your pipes were bent, dented, or kinked during construction. When exposed to fluctuating water pressure and the abrasive properties of the surrounding earth, they are prone to bursting. Similarly, slab leaks can be caused by the materials used in the plumbing. In older homes, cast iron and galvanized pipes are widespread, and while these materials are robust, they are prone to rust and clogging as they age. Plastic pipes, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride pipe), CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride pipe), and PVC (polyvinyl chloride pipe), are now used in newer residences. These types of materials are suitable to resist corrosion and useful to work with.
3. Abrasion and other external forces
Water pipes are susceptible to friction throughout their use as they rub against surrounding pipes, concrete, soil, and other elements. When it comes to hot water pipes, you can add an expansion to the list of problems that might cause them to leak over time. Hot water pipes are more susceptible to leakage than pipelines in which water of normal temperature flows. Growing tree roots, earthquakes, soil erosion, or an underground stream are all possible causes of slab leaks.
4. Composition of the water
The chemistry of water also plays a role in pipe corrosion. Depending on the chemical composition of the water, water quality varies. Some water is overly acidic or alkaline, which can cause corrosion in pipes. High alkaline levels can be found in some types of soil and concrete, which can damage plumbing lines. Slab leaks are foundation killers that go unnoticed. You must be able to spot symptoms that a problem is developing beneath your home’s foundation.
These are the possible reasons for the leaking of the pipelines leading to slab leak in your house. Now before knowing how to fix it, let’s know how to identify the leaking pipes of your house.
The following are some of the physical symptoms of a slab leak:
- Your floor has wet streaks on it.
- Between your flooring and the wall, there will be gaps.
- It is difficult to open doors and windows.
- On your flooring, you detect soft areas, water stains, or bubbling.
- Mold and mildew have become more prevalent in specific parts of your home.
- You have a broken water heater or a broken water pump.
- The foundation has developed cracks.
How to fix a slab leak?
If you suspect you have a slab leak, the first thing you should do is contact a slab leak repair professional. Using contemporary equipment such as electronic listening instruments and line-tracing equipment, the plumbing specialists can swiftly diagnose the problem and determine the position of the leak. If necessary, water line video inspection is used by sub-slab leak repair services to pinpoint the exact position of the leak. After you have pinpointed the source of the slab leak, you have a few alternatives for fixing it. These can range from non-invasive repairs to substantial, intrusive fixes, just like hospital surgery.
1. Repairing a Trenchless Slab Leak
Minor demolition is required for trenchless
plumbing repair to cure a slab leak. To repair a slab leak, your plumber will just need to drill access holes. It is the least harmful procedure available, and it is less expensive than the standard ways for dealing with sub-slab leaks. To seal the broken pipe, the slab repair experts will utilize epoxy pipe liners. They will use a camera to determine the degree of the damage. If trenchless repair is possible, the pipe will be cleaned, the epoxy pipe liner will be installed and inflated, and the pipe will be allowed to cure. The entire procedure takes only a few hours to complete. They can also do pipe splitting if the water lines are substantially damaged. In that case, the slab repair specialists insert new pipes that are slightly larger than the existing pipes.
2. Rerouting or repiping of pipes
Plumbers frequently choose re-piping when several pipes are involved. To establish a leak-free system, this procedure includes the installation of new pipes. If you have pipes under your floors and inside your walls that need to be changed, rerouting them will necessitate destruction. If you simply need to replace a few pipes, this is the most cost-effective option. Pipe rerouting repairs could take several days, depending on your contractor’s efficiency and the quantity of work required. You may need to leave your home and stay someplace else while the work is being done because it may require breaking through the slab.
3. Under the Slab Tunneling
The majority of homeowners who want to save their expensive flooring choose tunneling as a repair procedure. The repair personnel will keep the mess out of your home, allowing you to stay in your home while the work is being done. The slab leak repair staff will excavate working tunnels beneath your home while ensuring that the house’s structural stability is not compromised. They will make the necessary repairs and then replace the soil that was taken away. So, you must contact an expert plumber to fix your issue effectively.
Hope now you are confident about what to do if sudden slab leakage is detected in your house and how to do it. But make sure that you check the condition of the water channels of your house regularly and keep them under maintenance. Otherwise, it may cost more if major damage is detected.
Author Bio:- Karl Brown
Karl, a marketing manager at EZ Leak Detection, loves to write about plumbing and HVAC services to make the life of the reader easier. Leakages in your property can be dangerous but not all the leaks are easily accessible. He has given extensive information about water leak and slab leak and tips to detect them quickly along with quick solutions to prevent you from inconveniences and health hazards.
Leakage problems and malfunction of appliances demand comprehensive solutions. Also, regular maintenance is not the thing to be missed for leading life with zero hassles. Read our recent post related to leakage detection and repair, alerts for HVAC shutdown and how to repair it, and installation of AC and water heater in San Diego.
