Most Southern Californian homes built since the 1980s have copper water piping located underneath a concrete slab foundation. Even with solid construction, your home’s slab can be prone to leaks. This is because concrete is porous by nature with minute spaces or holes for fluid or air to escape from.
There are two types of slab leaks. A domestic or fresh water leak is the pressurized water (your drinking water) coming into your home. This is a constant leak. It is the most detectable because the sound of running water is often heard. Another indicator of a domestic slab leak is a higher than normal water bill.
Another type of slab leak is a sanitary sewer or drain line leak. This one is scary because it might not be noticed until there’s already significant property damage with little to no warning sign of a problem creeping up.
Now, let’s explore the causes of a slab leak, why these leaks are so dangerous and why you’ll need to turn to a professional to locate their source.
Causes of a Slab Leak
Slab leaks are most often caused by heaving and shifting soils below the slab and basic wear and tear on your home’s pipes. Shifting ground can put a massive amount of pressure on concrete. This will cause the concrete itself to shift and eventually crack. Since clay in the soil expands when it’s wet and then shrinks as it dries, the ground below your home is in constant movement. Your home’s underground plumbing system connects in places to the concrete slab. When this movement occurs, fittings will begin to loosen, cracks will form, and a leak will spring.
It’s important to locate a slab leak early on before more extensive (and expensive) damage occurs.
Signs of a Slab Leak
Here are some of the telltale signs that you might have a slab leak:
- Unexplained high water and/or gas bill
- Hot or warm spot on the floor
- Wet area on carpet
- Hardwood floor buckling
- Discoloration of linoleum flooring
- Constant sound of running water
- Wet patches in your drywall
SUSPECT YOU HAVE SLAB LEAK IN LOS ANGELES OR VENTURA? CALL ON US FOR EXPERT LEAK DETECTION & REPAIR
T-Top Plumbing has repaired hundreds and hundreds of slab leaks over the last 25 years. In most cases, you’ll need to have electronic leak detection performed to accurately locate and repair the leak. Some repairs require “direct access,” meaning we cut through the slab and excavate down to the leak. We then make a permanent repair on the leaky pipe and patch the concrete. Other times, it is best to reroute a new line and bypass the leak altogether.
Our team can expertly diagnose and recommend options so that you can make an informed decision. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to slab leaks. Most slab leaks are completed in just one day. We take great pride in minimizing disruption to you and your home when performing this type of repair.
What kind of problems can occur if I don’t get this fixed right away?
- high water & gas bills
- water damage of hardwood floors
- mold in the walls and floors
- undermining of the foundation
Contact us today at https://www.ttopplumbing.net/contact or call us at 805-527-8867 if you’re in need of Los Angeles or Ventura slab leak detection and repair.