Common Questions About Slab Leaks
Most homes and businesses in the US are built on a structure called a slab. A slab is a special technique of pouring concrete that provides a stable and strong foundation for the structure above. While slabs are the best way to support a home or building, they come with a few drawbacks—one of the chief downsides being slab leaks.
Slab leaks are a problem because they waste water and require extensive repairs. The process of identifying and repairing a slab leak can be intimidating for homeowners who have no reference for this problem. Here is a quick guide to understanding slab leaks, why they are serious, and how professionals deal with them:
Understanding Slab Leaks
For protection and safety, the plumbing that serves a structure is located in the ground. When the slab is poured over the freshwater and sewer pipes, they are locked away and difficult to access. When these pipes start to leak, they are referred to as ‘slab leaks’ because of the special considerations that have to be taken regarding repairs.
Slab leak repairs are generally invasive because they require jackhammering the slab and digging in the soil to access the faulty pipe. This process makes a mess, and since it is labor-intensive, it can be expensive. To mitigate the headache, homeowners should strive to know the signs of slab leaks and how to respond so they can minimize the potential damage that may occur due to slab leaks.
Dangers and Signs of Slab Leaks
Slab leaks can be hard to spot because they occur underneath at least 18 inches of soil and concrete. That being said, they always give signs as soon as they start to arise, which can tip the owners off that they already need professional leak detection services. The most common signs of slab leaks are:
- Cool or moist spots on bare concrete or tile
- Buckled wood-based flooring or a squishy sound coming from laminate or LVP floors
- Inexplicably high water bills
- Wet spots around the edge of the foundation
- Dripping or hissing noises coming from below the slab
If the signs are not noticed and repairs are not made immediately, complications can arise. Some of the common dangers of slab leaks are:
- The movement of water can undermine the foundation and cause serious issues
- The excess moisture can cause mold growth or attract insects
- Water seeping into living spaces can ruin flooring or degrade wooden structural members in the home
- High water bills from wasted water
Slab Leak Detection and Repair
To avoid these problems, homeowners should call a professional as soon as they notice the signs. A professional plumber has the skills and tools necessary for accurate slab leak detection, so they can make precise repairs without having to cause unnecessary damage to the slab of the home. Once they have exposed the pipe, they can make repairs and treat the underlying problem that caused the leak so that it is less likely to happen again in the future. In some cases, plumbers may even decide to reroute the piping to mitigate the damage that can occur during repairs.
About Zing Plumbing
Zing Plumbing handles slab leak repair for homes and businesses. As a contractor who values long-term relationships, they focus on extreme satisfaction and customer service. Call today for slab leak repairs in Tucson, AZ!
