What the Heck Is a Slab Leak?

 

A wide variety of plumbing leaks can occur in a home. A slab leak is one of these issues. Since it refers to a leak beneath the base layer of the home, this type of leak is also referred to as a foundation or concrete slab leak. It can appear in the cold or the hot water line.

 

What Are the Signs of a Slab Leak?

 

If this type of plumbing problem exists, you’ll be able to tell by looking for the following signs:

.   Mold or mildew exists on any carpeting that has been paced on the foundation.

.   A wet spot exists on the foundation floor.

.   Unusually high water bills if you utilize a public supply. This issue could also indicate a leak somewhere else in the home.

.   Cracks are showing up in the floor or walls. However, cracks could also be the result of your house settling.

.   The base boards appear to be wet.

.   Cold spots continually show up on the foundation floor in the same spot.

.   It sounds as though the water is still turned on even though it isn’t.

.   Hot spots keep showing up in the same area of the foundation floor.

.   Water on the floor underneath the water heater, but no wetness on the heater itself.

 

What Can You Do if You Have a Slab Leak?

 

As soon as you discover the leak, you should move any furniture, area rugs, or other items that are kept near the wet spot. Next, you’ll need to call in an experienced plumber who can verify the leak exists and repair it.

 

How Are Slab Leaks Identified?

 

An experienced plumber uses specialized tools to search for and find the leak. Typically, he will conduct each of the following strategies:

.   An evaluation of the water meter attached to your usage

.   A visual check of the home’s foundation particularly the area where you believe a leak exists

.   A test and evaluation of the water pressure

.   A test to determine the leak’s location

 

How Are Slab Leaks Fixed?

 

An experienced plumber can identify the problem (the exact pipe) as well as the best way to repair it. Three options exist, and they include:

.   An epoxy restoration is used in many cases to repair the hole in the pipe so that it no longer leaks.

.   Re-piping is used when an epoxy repair won’t work and the pipe is large enough that it can simply be replaced.

.   Re-routing is used if an epoxy repair is not a suitable choice or the pipe involved is small with a large hole that covers the pipe extensively, preventing it to be repaired properly. Unfortunately, this type of repair often involves the installation of a new water line and expensive fees.

 

Unfortunately, a portion of the foundation might need to be torn up with a jackhammer. If this happens, you’ll need to replace that portion of the foundation, a repair that is going to be expensive. This strategy is never used near exterior walls, support walls, or permanent plumbing fixtures.

 

What Should You Do if You Have a Slab Leak?

 

If your home has a slab leak, you’ll probably notice wet spots on the floor/walls or mold on your carpets. Since this is a huge repair, you’ll want to call in a licensed plumber as soon as possible. The plumber will use special equipment to diagnose the problem and come up with a plan of action to fix it.