A Homeowner’s Guide to Slab Leaks | Slab Leaks in Mansfield, TX
A sign of a responsible homeowner is that they do their best to look out for the maintenance troubles that are brewing up around their house. While there are many maintenance issues that can be spotted with the help of quick inspections, there are also some that can develop out of sight. The most common among these hidden problems include slab leaks in Mansfield, TX.
These types of leaks tend to cause major damages to your home over a period of time. If you wish to avoid slab leaks in Mansfield, TX, then you should be aware of its symptoms. But first, let’s briefly discuss what a slab leak really is.
What is a Slab Leak?
Every modern home has concrete slabs in their foundation which are placed or layered over gravel or soil surfaces. Houses, therefore, are built over these slabs and any damage caused to them can undermine their whole structural integrity.
A slab leak in Mansfield, TX, tends to occur when your home’s plumbing system leaks into the concrete slabs in the foundation. As a result, a number of issues can arise, which only get worse if the problem isn’t addressed promptly.
So why do these slab leaks occur in the first place? Let’s have a look at some of the common causes of these problems:
Excess Pressures
The pipes situated beneath your home are often under heavy levels of pressure which causes them to corrode or crack over time. This tends to be a common problem in areas which have clay soils. These types of soil shrink when dry and expand when they are wet. As a result the ground beneath the foundation shifts and places pressure over the foundation slabs and pipes. The very same effect is also experienced after an earthquake or tremor.
Corrosion
Underground pipes are also in direct contact with the metals in the surrounding soil. This leads to galvanic corrosion and is a common factor which leads to slab leak in Mansfield, TX. Galvanic corrosion is caused because of contact between 2 different kinds of metal and results in eating away a hole in these pipes – eventually causing a leak.
Abrasion
When water flows through pipes it causes them to vibrate. When this happens, the pipe hits the hard surface it is next to such as gravel, rebar or concrete. When this occurs, the metal pipes begin to wear away while forming holes and eventually causing a slab leak in Mansfield, TX.
Symptoms of Slab Leaks You Shouldn’t Ignore
Symptoms of a slab leak in Mansfield, TX aren’t very obvious and can be easily mistaken for another issue. If you do notice the following issues, however, it will be good idea to conduct an inspection for a possible slab leak. This should also be done promptly, because once it gains inertia, slab leak in Mansfield, TX can cause immense damage in a relatively short period of time.
The following are some common symptoms you should be vigilant of:
1. The Unmistakable Sound Of Running Water
If you think you hear water running or dripping under the floor of your home, then you should first check whether any tap is left running. If you can still hear the sound, then there is good chance that you have a slab leak in Mansfield, TX.
2. When the Floor Seems Hot
Have you noticed the floor or some parts of it to be warm randomly? If so, this suggests that there is a leak in the hot water lines of your home. You can even try walking barefoot on your flooring from time to time, to inspect whether you have this problem.
3. Random Formation of Puddles
If you notice any puddles beside your home that seem to have no obvious origins, then they may as well be coming from potential cracks in your home’s foundation. The same reason causes you to see puddles indoor such as those coming from under your kitchen cabinets, from the bottom of walls or simply through the floor. This usually tends to happen in the bathroom or kitchen because they are closest to pipe fixtures.
4. Mold
Mildew and mold growth is encouraged because of continual moisture formations. This signifies that finding mold on your walls or under cabinets is being caused because of a potential slab leak under your home.
5. Abnormally High Utility Bills
The most obvious sign that you have a slab leak in Mansfield, TX is that your water meter has gone bonkers and indicating usage even though all the water taps in your home are closed. The very same can be seen in the measure of hot water usage as you will have your heater running constantly. As a result, your utility bill would have shot up quite immensely!
6. Cracks
If you find cracks in your slab foundations or walls, there is a huge probability this would have been because of water damages. This is why calling for a professional inspection and repair will save you from bigger and expensive problems.
Slab Leak Repair Options
There are commonly three approaches to repair slab leaks. The option varies in accordance to the extent of damage and the condition of your piping and plumbing systems.
1. Repairing the Damaged Section
Is cases of minor leaks, this is the most practical form of repair. Only the section that has leaks is replaced with a new fitting. Another option can also be to seal the leak with an interior lining of the existing pipe and wouldn’t require breaking the foundation.
2. Rerouting the Pipe
If the problematic pipe is in poor condition or is old, then the best form of repair is to shut it off and reroute with a new fitting. This is typically done above the ground.
3. Repiping the House
If the whole piping system is deteriorated – which is usually the case in old houses, then the whole system needs to be replaced. This may seem like hard work, but saves the homeowner from the extensive repairs and stress that would’ve been brought with the former.
Benjamin Franklin Slab Leak Repair Can Help You
If you have a slab leak in Mansfield, TX, then you can call our slab leak detectors today. Go ahead and call us on 817-405-0434 or visit our website or more information.