Over millions of years, a small drip of water can wear away a mountain. Water appears gentle, but it can cause significant damage when it ends up in unwanted locations.
As a homeowner, it’s essential to watch out for signs of a slab leak. Left unrepaired, this issue can quickly cause thousands of dollars in damage. By being proactive, you can catch the leak and repair the problem before it leads to expensive repairs.
Quick Takeaways
- Inexplicably high water bills, the sound of running water, damp flooring, and low water pressure are potential signs of a slab leak.
- By using a moisture meter and thermal camera, you can detect slab leaks.
- If you are unable to detect the slab leak on your own, professional plumbers have advanced tools that can help.
- Slab leaks can lead to extensive damage and expensive repairs, so they should be fixed promptly.
- Trenchless replacement, pipe relining, rerouting, and spot repairs are generally the best methods for dealing with slab leaks.
What Causes Water Leaks Under Concrete Slabs?
Slab leaks occur when a pipe starts to leak underneath your foundation. Often, this happens due to wear or mechanical failure. High water pressure, shifting soil, and corrosion can make this issue more likely. In addition, chemical reactions between the metal pipe and soil can lead to premature failure.
Common Signs of a Slab Leak
To avoid serious water damage and costly repairs, watch out for the following signs of a potential leak.
An Unexplained Increase in Water Bills
If your water bills increase significantly, it indicates that water is being lost somewhere in your plumbing system.
Warm or Damp Spots on Floors
Warm spots can occur if a hot water line is leaking. Similarly, damp spots mean that something is leaking beneath the flooring.
The Sound of Running Water When Taps Are Off
You should never hear the sound of running water if you aren’t using water. If you do, you should investigate the cause.
Cracks in the Walls or Flooring
When water starts to leak, it can cause the foundation to shift. Eventually, this results in cracks forming in your walls and flooring.
Low Water Pressure Throughout Your Home
If water pressure suddenly drops, it may be due to a leak reducing the pressure. To diagnose the source, reach out to one of our experienced plumbers.
How To Detect a Water Leak Under a Slab Yourself
While finding and treating a leak often necessitates advanced equipment, there are a few things you can do to find the leak on your own.
1. Check the Water Meter for Continuous Flow
To determine if there is a leak in your home, shut off every faucet. Then, check your water meter. If it shows that water is still being used, you have a leak somewhere.
2. Use a Moisture Meter or Thermal Camera
While a moisture meter is effective for finding spots of moisture under your floor, thermal cameras can help you spot temperature changes from a hidden leak.
3. Inspect for Musty Odors or Mold Growth
When leaks occur, the added water can cause mold and mildew to grow.
Professional Methods for Detecting Slab Leaks
While it is possible to detect a slab leak on your own, our expert plumbers possess special diagnostic tools that we can use to find leaks.
4. Acoustic Leak Detection
With the help of acoustic devices, we can hear where a leak is occurring below the ground.
5. Infrared Thermography
Infrared thermography allows us to map out different temperatures under the ground, so we can easily see any existing leaks.
6. Camera or Line Inspections
Through this kind of inspection, we thread a camera through your pipes to visually inspect for indications of a leak.
7. Pressure Testing and Isolation Techniques
Finally, our plumbers can spot slab leaks by isolating and testing different plumbing zones to make sure the pressure levels are correct.
How To Repair a Water Leak Under a Slab
Once a water leak is detected, there are a few steps we can take to repair the issue.
Spot Repairs and Pipe Relining
If the leak is small, the plumber can do a spot repair. Minor repairs can also be fixed through pipe relining, which is when an epoxy lining is slid into the pipe as a reinforcement.
Rerouting or Trenchless Replacement
For major damage, we can either reroute the pipe around the slab or use trenchless replacement. With trenchless replacement, you can avoid property disruption and enjoy a faster repair process.
How To Prevent Future Slab Leaks
To prevent future leaks, it’s essential to schedule routine maintenance appointments. Our plumbers can treat minor problems before they escalate into major disasters, so you are less likely to have leaks in the future.
Additionally, you should avoid chemical drain cleaners and replace older pipes.
FAQs
Over the years, we’ve fielded a few common questions about slab leaks in Birmingham homes.
Are slab leaks dangerous for my home?
Absolutely. If the slab leak is allowed to continue, it can lead to significant mold damage, structural issues, and wasted water.
Will my insurance cover the slab leak?
It all depends on the insurer. Many insurers will cover the resulting damage, but they won’t repair the initial leak. You should check with your insurance provider to see what they’re willing to cover.
How long will it take to repair a slab leak?
The repair can take anywhere between a few hours and a few days. Our plumbers will walk you through the process and give you a time estimate before we begin.
Schedule Expert Slab Leak Detection Before Damage Spreads
Whenever a slab leak is suspected, it pays to be proactive because these leaks can quickly become worse. They can result in significant water damage and mold growth, which is why it’s so important to get professional leak detection right away.
For emergency services, call the punctual plumbers today!