Homes across the country have different types of foundations. The two most common are a pier and beam construction or a slab. Slabs are made of concrete poured 4 to 6 inches thick in the center. The slab must be placed in a level location and have a layer of sand for proper drainage. Homes with a slab do not have crawl spaces and generally there is no room below the floor. This makes access under the home nearly impossible.
Although lack of accessibility may seem like a disadvantage, there are many reasons why homeowners prefer slab foundations over other foundations. For example, slab foundations are incredibly durable and impervious to pest problems, just like pier and beam foundations. However, there is one problem that slabs can have that pier and beam foundations do not. This includes a slab leak. What exactly is it, and what should you know if your home has this type of foundation? In this article, you'll learn everything you want to know about slab leaks, from identifying a leak in your home to how a plumber can fix the problem.
Signs homeowners should look out for
Step One: Do you have a slab foundation? If so, then you'll want to know what signs to look for that indicate there's a leak under your slab. When a professional refers to a slab leak, it simply means that a plumbing pipe under the foundation of the home has burst and is now leaking. This can be either a complete rupture or a crack in the pipe. Detecting and repairing can often be difficult, but it's not impossible. As a homeowner, watch for these potential signs that you have a leak.
-Peaks in your water bill
-Low water pressure
-Hot spots on your floor
-Cracks or shifts in the foundation
-Moisture on your walls or floors
Any of these signs can be cause for alarm. Take action by contacting a plumber immediately to determine if there is indeed a leak. Another thing you may notice is the sound of dripping or running water even though no faucet is turned on. If you listen at night, this symptom is much easier to detect. Wait until it is completely quiet in your house and take a few minutes to listen for running water.
Best practices for plumbers to identify a slab leak
Tell your plumber that there is a potential leak under your home. What will happen? How will they find out if the problem is actually a slab leak or if a pipe in your home is leaking? Plumbers have many methods of leak detection. The first is a listening device. A plumber's job is very simply to listen to areas of your home for water leaking from the pipes. A further development of this is a thermal imaging test. Infrared cameras can detect temperature changes in the floor or walls. Any changes that appear significant indicate a leak.
The final test that can be performed is a pressure test. If there is a loss of pressure, it means that water is leaking. Although your plumber can perform one or more tests to determine if there is a slab leak, any positive identification is a sign of an accurate diagnosis.
How to repair plate leaks
Let's say your plumber has discovered a leak under your slab. What happens next? What repair options are available? There are four common repairs a plumber can perform to fix slab leaks. The first is a spot repair. If the damage is small enough, your plumber can fix the leak with a small patch.
In cases where the leak is larger, the plumbing pipe can be rerouted underneath your home. This will prevent further damage. Next, your plumber might coat the inside of the pipe with epoxy. This will seal any cracks or leaks and create a new shell inside the old pipe. This is incredibly handy for pipes that you can't easily access and for pipes that are corroded in some way.
If the plumbing is old or damaged, the plumber may recommend re-routing. This is an extensive job and may involve re-routing your plumbing, but re-routing is often one of the most effective and long-term solutions to slab leaks.
Can a leak in the floor slab be prevented?
We've discussed how to identify a slab leak and how your Charlotte plumber can fix the problem. But is there a way to prevent one of these incidents in your home? Since the cost of foundation repairs is high, there are several reasons why a homeowner would want to know if they can prevent a slab leak.
The best way to avoid these problems is to have regular inspections by your local plumber. They can determine if the pipes are weak or corroded and need to be repaired. Symptoms such as foundation cracks and shifting soil can contribute to a plumbing pipe becoming damaged. Anytime you see foundation cracks, you should stop and take action.
Maintaining your plumbing system is also crucial. We recommend that you avoid chemical drain cleaners at all costs. These can slowly break down plumbing pipes, which can lead to corrosion and leaks. Should you find a blockage in your plumbing system, it is best to contact your plumber to clear the blockage.
Our final prevention tip is to make sure your soil is protected from erosion. This may include building a retaining wall. Retaining walls are great for keeping structures in place and preventing slippage.
To prevent major damage, early detection of leaks in the home is paramount. Mold from water damage is also a problem. Knowing whether a water leak is coming from underneath your home or from inside your home is ultimately key to preventing major foundation problems.
