Do You Need To Arrange For Slab Leak Repair? | Arlington, TX
Your plumbing system has probably served you well over the years with only occasional, easy-to-fix issues. However, when you start to get comfortable, you notice a sudden upsurge in your water bills. You look under your sink and inside the walls, but there are no leaking pipes. That’s when you realize that your plumbing system has thrown you a curveball. You most likely have a slab leak and require immediate slab leak repair. A slab leak occurs when the water pipes under your concrete foundation. They are harder to fix and require prompt attention before they get out of control.
In this piece, we discuss why you should arrange for slab leak repair in Arlington, TX the moment these leaks occur.
Prevent Cracks in Your Foundation
Did you know that a slab leak can lead to cracks and breakages in the foundation? The foundation holds your house together, so any issues with the foundation mean trouble for the entire house.
As the water from the pipes leaks into the slab, it slowly compromises its structural integrity. Small cracks start to form, and these cracks grow larger the more they’re exposed to water. Eventually, the cracks will widen enough to break the foundation completely.
A broken foundation doesn’t automatically mean your house will crumble to the ground. You’ll first notice subtle signs, like your floors becoming uneven. You’ll also notice that some windows don’t close like they used to, and you have trouble opening some doors. If this happens, you’re a few months away from your house collapsing.
You can avoid this by arranging for slab leak repair when you notice any of the above signs. A certified plumber should be able to locate the source of the leak and use epoxy pipe liners to seal it.
If the damage to your foundation is too much, a civil engineer will step in to patch things up. Remember, the longer you wait, the more the water spreads into your foundation. Soon, you’ll be left to pick up the pieces with nowhere to call home.
Prevent the Growth and Proliferation of Mold and Mildew
Both mold and mildew can do a number on your house if you let them get out of hand. The warm and humid climate of Arlington, TX presents the ideal conditions for mold and mildew to grow. Remember, these fungi don’t need sunlight, so they have no problem thriving in your home’s underbelly. Before you know it, mold and mildew will take over your entire home.
It’s worth noting that the pipes underneath your home don’t need to leak that much to promote mold growth. Even a tiny leak can provide enough water to trigger a full-blown mold infestation. Mold and mildew have root-like structures called hyphae that actively seek out water. These hyphae grow and expand, widening the cracks in the pipes and exacerbating the leak.
Slime mold is the most common type of “mold” associated with slab leaks. This eukaryotic organism thrives in humid, dark environments and continues growing, provided it has all the necessary nutrients. Although not technically a mold, slime mold gets the “mold” tag because it creeps up on walls just like mold. This black and brownish slime will appear in the basement and make its way to the top floors.
Ignoring a slab leak means you’re giving mold and mildew the green light to invade your home. Arrange for slab leak repair when you notice any mold or mildew in your basement. Remember that mold species such as black mold can cause serious health problems. Don’t take chances with your family’s health.
Avoid a Change in Soil Conditions Beneath Your Home
Civil engineers do a great deal of analysis to ensure the optimum conditions for your home’s stability. Part of this includes establishing the bearing capacity of your home’s soil. The soil’s moisture content is one factor influencing its bearing capacity.
The change in moisture content could lead to a decrease in the soil’s bearing capacity. This could lead to an excessive settlement or complete shear failure of the soil supporting the house. Both mean disaster for the house in question. Unless you want to build a new house, you’d best arrange for slab leak repair if you suspect one in your home. It’s a small price to pay for the safety of your house and its occupants.
Prevent Erosion of the Ground Beneath Your Home
Your home sits above a layer of soil that can hold up the weight of your entire home and its occupants. A water leak in the slab can erode the soil beneath your foundation. This erosion may cause your floor to slant on one side and destabilize the building.
If you don’t act fast, the uneven weight distribution may cause the building to crumble. If you suspect a slab leak underneath your home, call an experienced plumber for a slab leak repair before it’s too late.
Common Signs That You Have Slab Leaks
Despite the potential danger of these slab leaks, they may not be so apparent to homeowners. That’s because the pipes are deep in the foundation, far beyond the reach of the average homeowner. That said, here are a few telltale signs that you have a slab leak:
- Wet floors or carpets with no clear source of water
- Mold and mold spores underneath the carpet
- A much higher water bill than usual despite normal usage
- Unusual warm spots on the floor
- Low water pressure in your showers and faucets
It’s worth noting that these signs don’t always indicate a slab leak. But if you notice two or more signs, then you likely have a leak in your foundation slab. However, only a certified plumber can know what you’re dealing with and conduct a proper slab leak repair if necessary.
Don’t Overlook Slab Leaks
Ignoring slab leaks in your home or business in Arlington, TX could eventually be a costly affair. If you notice any sign of a slab leak, arrange for slab leak repair before it gets out of your hand.
Our team of licensed and experienced plumbers is ready and equipped to take on any slab leak repair job you may have. Contact SlabLeak.com if you suspect the pipes in your foundation are leaking.