Slab Leak Detection & Repair

What is a Slab or Foundation Leak?

A slab leak is one in which the leak has developed in the water lines that run below the foundation of your home. These leaks can be located either on the drainage side of your foundation or on the pressure side. When the slab leak is identified on the pressure side, it can usually be found quickly, but unfortunately, these leaks are usually quite destructive. Leaks on the drainage side are not as easy to locate, and this means that you may have a leak for quite some time before it is ever noticed. In either case, slab leaks can result in the collapse of your foundation.

What Causes a Slab Leak?

Most slab leaks are caused by one of the following situations:

• Poor construction – If your pipes were not installed properly, or the wrong types of pipes were used, not only could this potentially violate local building codes, but can mean that your pipes will more likely than not fail over time. Copper pipes especially are at risk, since they are softer and consequently more vulnerable to the outside elements. In some cases, a slab leak may require new pipes altogether versus a repair.
• Outdoor pressure – Earthquakes, underground streams, and soil erosion can lead to slab leaks over time.
• Poor water quality – Water that is extremely acidic (hard) or alkaline (soft) can corrode pipes. Acidic water can be identified by looking for blue or green stains in the bathtub, shower, or sink, and a chlorine-like smell.
• Time – Older homes, especially those with copper or galvanized steel pipes, are at greater risk for a slab leak.
• Abrasion – When pipes, during the regular course of their use, come in contact with concrete, gravel, etc., or other nearby pipes, the consistent friction can cause them to increasingly wear down and eventually spring a leak. Hot water pipes are at a higher risk of abrasion over cold pipes, as they expand as they heat up, and they brush against the concrete or gravel that surrounds them in the soil.

What to do if you suspect a Slab Leak

In almost all situations, a slab leak will need to be repaired by a licensed plumbing professional that has experience in slab leaks. If you notice one of the following signs, it is critical to give us a call so that we can help you prevent further damage, and unnecessary additional repair or replacement costs.

• Wet spots on the floor and carpet
• Mold under the flooring or carpet
• Moist spots near the home’s foundation
• Hot areas on the floor
• Higher-than-usual utility and water bills
• Low water pressure in your shower or sink (or both)
• Sounds of water running even when the water is turned off
• High readings from your water meter and an increase in your water bills