Owning a home is a dream many Americans hope to accomplish in their lifetime, but as most homeowners will tell you, it often comes at an exorbitant price.
One of the most expensive issues we see in the plumbing industry is slab leaks. According to Home Advisor, the average slab leak costs $2,280 to repair, including detection. However, the cost of repair is often dependent upon the location and extensiveness of the damage, so finding the leak sooner rather than later can often help reduce the cost of repair. Unfortunately, a slab leak can go undetected for months or even years before you begin to see signs that a leak is damaging your property. Below we cover everything you need to know about slab leaks.
What Are Slab Leaks?
A slab leak occurs when the ground around your pipes shifts, leading to leaks and breaks. Over time, weather and foundation shifts can cause dramatic yet unassuming changes to your home. The term “slab leak” is used to explain any non-visible leak in the pipes or drains installed throughout the concrete foundation of your home. These slab leaks can happen on any drain line with cold or hot water. Because slab leaks are not immediately visible, they often go undetected for long periods, leading to devastating consequences such as the collapse of the foundation, the growth of mold, and more. If you have a slab leak, you might be able to see patches of bright, green grass or unusual pools of water.
What Causes A Slab Leak?
Installation Issues
Slab leaks can occur in your home if your pipes in your foundation weren’t installed properly or were damaged before or during installation. This makes it harder for your foundation’s pipes to function properly over time.
Shifting Ground or Foundation
When your house shifts on its foundation from environmental impact or general aging of the home, this puts pressure on your foundation’s pipes. Too much pressure can cause your pipes to burst.
Wear From Age
The older the pipes, the more prone they are to leaks.
Abrasion
As water flows through your pipes, the pipes naturally expand and contract. The piping material can wear down over time if there is not enough room for the pipes to expand.
Corrosion
The underground environment can also cause pipes to wear down over time, especially if the pipes are made of copper.
Signs of a Slab Leak
Have you noticed odd signs in your plumbing but are unsure what the cause is? You may have a slab leak.
Look For These Common Signs:
- A Sudden And Unexplained Spike In Your Monthly Water Bill
- Mildew Or Moisture Buildup Under Floors Or Carpeting
- Running Water Sounds Even When The Taps Aren’t Turned On
- Puddles Of Standing Water Around Your Home
- Unusually Low Water Pressure
- Sudden Cracks In Your Walls Or Baseboards
- Moldy Or Mildew Smells
A slab leak is no joke. If you notice any of the above signs, contact Bacon Plumbing for fast, friendly solutions from our expert technicians. If we detect a slab leak, we’ll be able to stop the leak and provide solutions for rerouting your pipe.
