Slab Leaks – What Are They?

Family house insurance protection concept
5 Essential Tips for Dealing with Insurance Companies and Disasters
August 30, 2019
White horse farm American house during fall with green grass
Fall Weather Prep – 5 Ways to Protect the Interior of Your Home
September 12, 2019
Family house insurance protection concept
5 Essential Tips for Dealing with Insurance Companies and Disasters
August 30, 2019
White horse farm American house during fall with green grass
Fall Weather Prep – 5 Ways to Protect the Interior of Your Home
September 12, 2019

worker applies bitumen mastic on the foundation

Slab leaks are a type of leak that stems from pipes underneath your home’s foundation. If pipes break or begin to leak beneath your foundation, you will soon have massive damage and costly repairs. Slab leaks can quickly saturate the soil under your home’s foundation, causing erosion that will damage the foundation and structure of your home. Luckily, there are ways to determine if you have a slab leak and several ways to repair them. Below we will discuss reasons that slab leaks occur and how to spot them.

Foundation Pressure

Foundation pressure can happen from erosion, earthquakes, underground streams, roots, and a variety of other reasons. If your foundation puts too much pressure on your pipes, they will eventually burst or begin to leak. This can cause devastating damages to your home.

Corrosion

Corrosion usually happens because the water is very acidic or alkaline. Corrosion occurs over time and is hard to spot unless you are looking for it. If you notice greenish stains or a chlorine smell, have your water checked. It could save you from a slab leak and the need for pipe replacements.

Faulty Construction

If the pipes installed were of poor quality, bent, or dented, it could cause the pipes to leak over time. If the pipes burst beneath your foundation from faulty construction, you could end up with a lot of damages.

Wear and Tear

If you own an older home, it will likely have worn pipes. It is important to check your pipes if you own an older home. It is easier to replace older pipes before they cause significant water damages to your property.

How Do You Spot a Slab Leak?

Keeping an eye out for the following could help you spot a slab leak before it turns into a major disaster.
• Mold Under your Carpet and Floor
• Damp Spots on Your Floor
• Floor Areas that Seem Hot
• Higher Water Bills
• Lower Water Pressure than Normal
• Water Sounds When No Water Is Running
• Soggy Areas near Your Foundation

If you have any of the following, you should contact a Disaster Cleanup Company to have your property checked for slab leaks. They will have the proper equipment to detect leaks beneath your foundation without disturbing the soil or the base of your home.