Most homes are built on a concrete foundation to keep them securely in place as the ground settles.Plumbing is run beneath this foundation in order to keep it out of sight. If any of these pipes start leaking, you will have what is known as a slab leak.
What Are the Signs of a Slab Leak?
Because concrete does not completely stop these leaks, you'll notice a number of telltale signs if you have one. These include:
- Hearing water running when all of the faucets are turned off
- Feeling a hot spot on the floor
- Mold and mildew under your flooring
- Unexplained wet spots on your floor
- A spike in your water bill
- An overly wet and mushy yard
What Causes Slab Leaks?
There are many different things that can cause a slab leak. These include:
- Metal piping which can corrode over time and eventually develop a leak
- Ground that shifts as your home settles, putting undue pressure on your concrete foundation and water lines
- Copper pipes reacting with minerals in the ground below your home, causing them to eventually erode and leak
The only way to know for sure what has caused your slab leak is to hire an experienced professional to examine the issue. Only then can the problem be properly fixed and contained.
What Repairs Are Necessary to Fix Slab Leaks?
Repairing a slab leak is necessary if you want to keep your home and your family safe. If left unchecked, you might be exposed to hazardous mold which could cause respiratory issues. Additionally, the supporting structures of your home might begin to rot, leading to unsafe conditions.
Luckily, there are several ways to troubleshoot these leaks, all of which must be performed by a certified expert. These include:
- Complete re-piping, in which new pipes will be installed in the walls and ceiling of your home. This is the most extensive fix, but it is on the only permanent one.
- Point repair. It is possible to break a hole in the slab above the location of the leak and repair it. However, this damages the flooring of the home and is extremely disruptive. It also only address the existing old piping at one location. The rest of the system will still be prone to leaks.
If you're not sure which method is right for you, David Gray Plumbing, Inc. is here to help. We can investigate your leak situation, recommend the best course of action, and then complete all repairs in a cost-effective and timely manner. To get started, just call us at (904) 605-8190 or email us now.