How To Understand and Deal With a Potential Slab Leak

All About Slab Leaks

Many homes are built on what is known as a slab, which is a thick, flat, horizontal piece of concrete that acts as a building’s foundation. Underneath this slab is a network of copper pipes that convey water throughout the home. A slab leak may occur when these pipes get damaged for reasons ranging from corrosion and abrasion to ground shifting.

Most slab leaks on the pressure side of a home’s foundation can usually be detected quickly before they can cause lots of damage. This is because most of the outward signs of a slab leak are apparent when the leak is on this side. It can be trickier to detect a slab leak when it occurs on the drainage side of the foundation. Leaks on this site are usually more subtle and more difficult to spot. Either way, considerable damage can occur in the home if the leak isn’t caught early, so homeowners should know the most common signs of a slab leak.

Watch Out For These Slab Leak Signs

Most slab leaks will introduce themselves in some or all of these manifestations:

• Water damage - cracked floors and walls, soaked furniture, and damp, moldy carpets are a sign that water leaks from somewhere. This must be investigated to rule out a slab leak.
• High water bill, no visible leak - high water bills are a sure sign of a leak, and if there are none visible above ground, it’s possible that the leak may be occurring underneath it, specifically the pipes under the slab.
• Standing water - unusual pools indicate a slab leak, as water collects in strange areas in the home, including, but not limited to, the outside perimeter.
• Mold and mildew - mold and mildew indicate that water is coming from somewhere and being retained. 
• Poor water pressure - plumbing fixtures trickling instead of gushing can mean water is leaking somewhere, possibly from a slab leak.

Potential Dangers of a Slab Leak

Because slab leaks affect a home’s foundation, understanding what it is and its potential dangers becomes an advantage to every homeowner. Knowing what a slab leak is, what the signs are, and how it can damage a home will go a long way in detecting it early so that it can be fixed before it can wreak havoc in the home. 

Left unchecked, a slab leak will not only weaken a home’s foundation, causing it to shift, crack and eventually become unsafe for a living but also cause a slew of health problems ranging from mold and mildew inhalation to water damage. Slab leaks can also turn an otherwise safe home into a potential fire hazard, with the possibility of electrocution also becoming imminent if slab leaks are left unrepaired.

Leave Slab Leak Repair To The Pros

The good news is that homeowners don’t have to feel overwhelmed with the potential dangers of a slab leak at home. Professional plumbers are trained not just in slab leak detection but also in diagnosing and repairing these types of problems, which is why homeowners should contact a licensed plumber as soon as they observe any warning signs of a slab leak to nip the problem in the bud and prevent it from becoming the health and safety hazard that it can be.

Trust About Plumbing Inc.!

About Plumbing Inc. is a reliable plumbing solutions provider serving homes and businesses in Jefferson County, MO. The plumbers on their team are knowledgeable and experienced in their field, assuring satisfaction backed by a guarantee to come back and make anything right. With straightforward pricing and friendly yet professional service, About Plumbing Inc. offers effective solutions at affordable prices. Call them today for plumbing services in Jefferson County, MO. 

Contact Information:

About Plumbing Inc.

6756 Old State Route 21
Barnhart, MO 63012
United States

Gregory Glore
(314) 607-1126
https://aboutplumbinginc.com/