What to Know About Slab Leaks
April 24, 2023
What Are Slab Leaks?
A “slab” refers to the concrete foundation below a house or building, and slab leaks are leaks in the piping below the slab. Slab leaks can create devastating consequences for the home, so as soon as homeowners suspect they have a slab leak, they should reach out to a plumbing contractor immediately. This blog will share everything homeowners should know about slab leaks, including signs indicating a home has one, their dangers, and how they are found and repaired by professionals.
Signs of Slab Leaks and Common Causes
Slab leaks can cause significant damage to a home, often resulting in costly repairs. As such, it’s crucial homeowners recognize potential warning signs of slab leaks so they can be fixed quickly, preventing further damage. Common symptoms of a slab leak include wet spots on the floor or outside, cracked walls, inexplicable increases in water bills, the smell of mildew or mold in the home, and running water noises when no plumbing fixtures are in use.
Slab leaks can happen for several reasons, such as broken pipes due to age or damage from corrosion. Poorly installed pipes and shifting soil can also cause slab leaks to form over time. In some cases, extreme weather conditions like freezing temperatures can cause plumbing pipes to crack or break apart, resulting in a slab leak.
Dangers of Slab Leaks
Homeowners are urged never to ignore a slab leak because it can cause significant water damage. Left untreated, slab leaks can damage the foundation of a home, causing it to sink or crack over time. Slab leaks may also cause flood damage in their own right, either by flooding the affected area directly or through water seeping into the walls.
In some cases, slab leaks may even cause structural damage to a home, requiring much more expensive and invasive repairs than just the plumbing. Furthermore, slab leaks can create an environment perfect for mold and mildew growth, which can cause health issues if left untreated. Slab leaks also waste a ton of water, spiking the water bill and costing homeowners big.
How Slab Leaks Are Fixed
Professional slab leak detection and repair services are critical in addressing slab leaks. Plumbers can utilize advanced technologies such as acoustic listening devices, thermal imaging cameras, and video inspection to locate the exact source of the leak without needing to see it physically.
Once the leak’s location has been found, professionals can suggest the best course of action for fixing the problem. Based on the leak’s location or pipe condition, the best solution may include excavation, cutting and replacing sections of the damaged pipe, or using trenchless methods like epoxy pipe liners to seal the leak.
About Sewer Squad Plumbing & Drain Services
Sewer Squad Plumbing & Drain Services has over two decades of experience serving Oshawa, ON, and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, fast response, and no after-hour fees. Call them today for slab leak repair in Oshawa, ON.
