How is a Slab Leak Detected?
Many homes in this area are built on a slab foundation or a pier and beam. With the pier and beam, the house will have crawl space. If slab foundation, no crawl space or basement. So, a slab foundation, means the plumbing runs through the slab. If the plumbing busts within that slab, a slab leak can become a big issue, even a nightmare.
Emergency plumbing service is expensive, and the panic of trying to find a contractor in an emergency is frustrating. The longer you let a leak go, the more chance of mildew and mold growth, so the sooner you notice a leak and have it taken care of, the better.
- Water Bill Surges Up. If you notice a sudden upward surge in your water bill that can’t be blamed on visitors or a change in your household routine, check your water meter with all the water turned off inside the house. If the meter isn’t moving, you have a plumbing leak somewhere.
- Hotspots On the Floors. If there are hotspots on the floor of your home, in one room or several areas, that is a critical indicator that you have a slab leak from a hot water line.
- Exterior Areas Wet. Walk around the exterior of your home, and if you notice standing water in areas near the house, there could be a slab leak there.
- Ceilings and Walls Cracking. Houses will settle over time only from settling. However, the hairline cracks that keep appearing on the ceiling and walls usually indicate a slab leak.
- Constant Running Water. If you are hearing water running when there isn’t any turned on, that is probably plumbing in the slab leaking.
Slab leaks can have other symptoms not listed here, but the bottom line is, that where there is a symptom, there is a problem. A phone call to your local plumber is the best way to find out what’s going on.
What Causes a Slab Leak?
Slab leaks are the result of a plumbing failure. That failure could be a problem with the installation, water lines weakened, chemical reactions of metals, shifting soil, tree roots, critters that live underground, and more.
Older homes tend to be water lines weakened, or tree roots have busted through the water lines. Sometimes requires the tree to be cut down and a tree stump and root removal service to get the offending tree up and out.
If the tree has been cut down, why tree stump removal? Because if the stump isn’t removed or killed out, the roots will continue to grow. Roots that continue to grow can hit the water line again and cause the same problem, maybe worse.
Is a Slab Leak Dangerous?
If you suspect you have a possible slab leak, ignoring it or putting it off can be problematic. The supporting structure will begin rotting, and the slab will begin to buckle, crack, and shift, affecting the supporting structure, including the roof. The moisture will create mildew, and mold will begin to grow, affecting everyone’s health living in your home.
A slab leak means there is a crack somewhere where the water is leaking. That hole is inviting for critters, insects, and rodents. Once they make their way into the slab, it is just a matter of time before they chew their way into your home. Having those critters, insects, and rodents will bring bacteria and diseases into your home.
How do you Stop Slab Leaks?
If you notice indications of a slab leak, don’t despair. It may not be a slab leak, or it may not be as bad as it sounds. The best way to find out is to call a professional plumber to inspect the situation. Once they have found the leak, it could be fixed with an epoxy filling, long-lasting and straightforward. Or your entire house may need to be re-piped. As we mentioned earlier, it could be tree roots that require the tree to be cut down and the stump removed. Regardless of where the slab leak is from, it would be best if you acted quickly in getting it inspected and repaired. The longer the leak goes, the damage could be significant and expensive.
How do you Fix a Leak Under a Slab?
Once the plumber has identified the slab leak and evaluated the situation, they will make their recommendation. Hopefully, it is where they can repair it easily. Unfortunately, it is sometimes replumbing the entire house. If there is galvanized plumbing there now, repairing it is a waste of money. The remaining pipes will bust as they age too.
After the leak is located, it may require the plumber to jackhammer the floor where the leak is to gain access. Once they have repaired the plumbing, the plumber will replace the fundamental part of the floor, but any refinishing or replacing of the floor covering will be up to you. Get started on your expert slab leak repair in Mesquite, TX by dialing 214-918-6109.
