Handling Slab Leaks in Your Home

 

A slab leak is the result of a home’s plumbing leaking under the foundation. Some mistake the name “slab leak” as the foundation of the home leaking, but this is not the case. Slab leaks can have catastrophic results to a home if not quickly and properly taken care of.

What Causes Slab Leaks?

Slab leaks can be the result of several different issues. These issues include pressure, abrasion, and corrosion. Slab leaks from pressure result from pipes being squeezed or bent. Pipes that are squeezed or bent can restrict the flow through the pipe causing excess pressure to build up and the pipes to wear unevenly. Leaks can result from unevenly worn pipes.

Abrasion slab leaks can result from the constant flow of water through the pipes, expansion of the pipes from pressure or vibrations of the pipes leading to rubbing. Abrasion leaks can happen over time and start out very small and progressively grow if not fixed.

Corrosion slab leaks happen over time as a result of constant water running through the inside of the pipes and the constant contact of soil with the outside of the pipes. A charged ground coupled with water balance can cause corrosion from the inside or the outside of the home’s pipes.

How Do I Know If I Have A Slab Leak?

There are several different indicators to look for with a slab leak. One of the first things a homeowner will notice if there is a slab leak in the home is a constant hissing or splashing noise. Hissing or splashing noises (sounding as if there is water running even though there are no faucets turned on) is a sign of a slab leak.

A sudden warm spot in the home’s floor is another sign there may be a slab leak. It is much easier to discover hot water slab leaks because homeowner’s typically feel unusually warm spots on the home’s floor.

Unusually low water pressure is another sign that the home may have a slab leak. Most slab leaks tend to occur within the major water line to the home and can cause water pressure to decrease dramatically.

How Long Does A Slab Leak Repair Take?

On average, a slab leak repair takes several days to complete. Two days can be designated to the actual plumbing repair work while another day or two can be dedicated to finishing the repair (for example to replace flooring).

Slab leaks can be repaired in a direct manner where the floor is opened directly above the leak or an indirect manner where the plumbing is rerouted. Depending on which method of repair is used will determine exactly how long the repair will take.

Don’t let a Slab Leak take over your home! Call Allore’s Plumbing at (772) 288-0998 right away for the best services in the Stuart area.