Do You Need Slab Leak Repair? | Arlington, TX
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Leaks of any kind are a hassle for a homeowner. But a slab leak can cause severe damage to your home. At best, the necessary slab leak repair will be pricey. At its worst, your home or business foundation can incur tremendous damage.
The reason slab leak repair costs more is because of the difficulty in reaching the problem under the concrete. The longer the leak remains, the more damage can happen.
For something as serious as a slab leak, you need an experienced professional in charge of the repairs. Slableak.com provides a comprehensive list of services for residential and commercial buildings in Arlington, TX.
What Is a Slab Leak?
A slab leak happens when water leaks under the concrete slab. It happens when the water lines develop tiny holes. These leaks can occur in the pressurized supply pipes and in drain lines and sewer lines that are under low pressure. You may not even know it is happening for some time. Since the pipes are under the concrete foundation, leaks can be difficult to find.
Dangers of a Slab Leak
Any water leak can damage your home. But when they occur in pipes above the ground, you can see the problem immediately. You can call for help as soon as the water starts to pour and get the problem fixed quickly.
However, a slab leak can happen silently, slowly. The problem can already be serious by the time you find out about it. As the leak continuously builds, mold can begin to grow inside the walls and flooring.
Mold can cause serious health problems for anyone living around it. Some people have a mold sensitivity, causing symptoms such as wheezing, stuffy nose, and itchy or red eyes or skin. Others with asthma or allergies may experience more serious symptoms, including shortness of breath and fever.
Once mold has taken control of a home, it will have to be professionally removed before the house can be considered safe. The sooner you can discover a slab leak, the less repair your house will need. Let your slab leak repair professional know the instant you think you have a slab leak for best results.
What Causes a Slab Leak?
Your slab leak could be caused by several problems. Your slab leak repair professional can determine where the problem is and what is causing the leak.
Improper installation of copper pipes in older homes can cause a slab leak. If the copper piping was bent or dented, those areas will be the most vulnerable to damage. As the pipes age, small holes can appear on the weakened piping walls.
Another problem found in older homes is the use of the wrong pipe materials. Galvanized steel pipes were commonly used. They are expected to last about forty years. After that, galvanized steel piping begins to leak from corrosion.
As a home settles, the foundation can shift, putting pressure on the pipes under the concrete. Earthquakes can add to the stress on the piping under the slab. The stress weakens the pipes, creating breaking points where leaks occur.
Signs of a Slab Leak
It is impossible to prevent a slab leak. But you can be on the lookout for problems. Slab leaks often show signs, if you know what to look for. Contact your slab leak repair specialist if you notice any of the following:
- Your laminate flooring is buckling.
- There is moisture on your exposed concrete.
- You notice sewer odor coming from your slab.
- There is mold growing up your walls.
- You have wet areas on your lawn.
If your slab leak is caught early, the walls and floors may not have to be replaced because of the water damage. Plus, early detection can save your foundation from expensive damage. Get in touch with your slab leak repair specialist as soon as you see any signs of a leak.
Professional Slab Leak Detection
After you inform your repair professional about seeing signs of a slab leak, they will perform a professional detection. Using specialized equipment, they will pinpoint the exact location of the leak. Once the leak is found, your plumber can get to work hammering through the concrete to access the pipes.
Then the actual repair work begins. After the pipe leak has been resolved, the hole is repaired and then you can have your flooring replaced.
Options for Slab Leak Repair
Slab leaks can be repaired right in the foundation. They are first located, then the concrete is cleared away to access the pipes. The concrete is repaired afterward, leaving the new section of pipe in pristine shape.
However, if you have an older home, chances are you may have another slab leak in a new location. If you don’t want to have to have the expense and inconvenience of a direct slab leak repair every time it happens, you might want to consider rerouting the leaking line.
Your plumber will start by eliminating the water piping under your slab. The pipes will then be routed on the outside of your home, through your garage, or into the walls. The water supply line is then connected to your home’s fixtures.
Repiping is the only way to completely avoid any slab leaks in the future. In this case, the water lines under the foundation are eradicated. They are then repiped through the home. This is a very costly endeavor, however. Make sure it is worth the time and money before you get involved at this level.
Generally, direct repair for a slab leak is sufficient for most homeowners. Talk to your repair technician about what is best for your specific situation. You can learn a lot from their years of experience with slab leaks and save money, as well.
Contact the Repair Specialists at Slableak.com
Contact Slableak.com for more information about our slab leak repair services for Arlington, TX. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff can help you determine the repair services you will need to keep your home safe.