All About Slab Leaks!

Press Services
Friday, April 28, 2023 at 2:00pm UTC

Plumbing experts in Falls Church, VA, talk about what slab leaks are and their effects.

Falls Church, United States - April 28, 2023 / The Plumbing Dr /

Slab Leaks 101

Leaks can occur in a home’s plumbing system occasionally, but what happens when the leak comes from a location underneath the house that could undermine the integrity of its foundations? This is precisely what a slab leak brings to the table, making it not only a dangerous kind of leak but also a problem that needs an immediate professional solution. This blog post will discuss what slab leaks are, their consequences, and how plumbers can find and fix them

Understanding Slab Leaks

A slab leak occurs when the piping running underneath the concrete foundation of a home begins to leak. This type of leak is especially problematic as it can go undetected for long periods, causing extensive damage to the structure before its presence is discovered. However, some signs can alert homeowners to a slab leak. 

Signs that a home may have a slab leak include increased water bills, low water pressure, pooled or standing water around the house, warm or moist areas on floors, walls, or ceilings, foundation cracks, and mold growth. If someone suspects a slab leak may be present in their home, it is essential to contact a professional plumber right away, as they can identify and repair the leak before more extensive damage occurs.

Potential Dangers of a Slab Leak

saveA slab leak isn’t a minor issue. It’s a significant problem that needs immediate repair. Not only can slab leak weaken the foundation of a home, but it can also cause the following issues:

  • Extensive property damage: The most devastating effects of a slab leak have to do with water damage. All the water leaking from the pipes can seep into the walls, floors, a home’s foundation, and even the soil surrounding the house, weakening the home’s structural integrity and requiring costly home repairs. Professionals should be called in immediately if there is any suspicion of a slab leak. The earlier it is caught and repaired, the less damaging and costly it will be.
  • Mold and mildew growth: All the water from a slab leak encourages the presence and growth of mold and mildew, especially in the walls, carpeting, and furniture inside a home, posing a threat to the health of all who live there.
  • Skyrocketing water bills: Aside from the obvious costs of fixing a slab leak and the damage it causes, there are also the costs associated with high water bills because of the leak. This is especially difficult when the source of the leak is difficult to get to, and therefore, the water bill will continue rising until the leak is found and resolved.

Getting Help From Professionals

detectionEven homeowners who are pretty handy with repairs have to sit out this one. Because slab leaks occur deep in the foundations of a home and are not easily accessible, professionals should perform slab leak repairs. Even before repairing or replacing the pipes commences, plumbers must determine where the leak is located through slab leak detection. This task requires technical know-how and specialized equipment to detect leaks, such as electronic sound detection devices, scanners, or line tracing equipment. 

Once a professional has determined the presence and location of the leak, repairing or replacing the pipes may require removing some flooring, excavating part of the yard, or drilling through the concrete slab for access or, depending on the severity of the problem, rerouting the affected section through a different location in the home. Once the leak has been fixed, the damage will stop, and water bills will return to normal.

About The Plumbing Dr 

The Plumbing Dr has over four decades of experience serving Falls Church, VA, and the surrounding areas. They provide 24/7 emergency support, same-day service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for leak detection and repair services in Falls Church, VA.

Contact Information:

The Plumbing Dr

1063 West Broad Street
Falls Church, VA 22046
United States

Tracy Bennett
(703) 525-9280
https://www.theplumbingdr.com/

Original Source: https://www.theplumbingdr.com/press-releases