Don’t Take A Chance With Slab Leak Repair | Arlington, TX
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In many areas of the country, homes built on concrete slab foundations are common. There are benefits to owning a house with a slab foundation. Slab foundation homes cost less to build than those with crawl spaces. It is easy to build a walk-out patio or lanai. Few or no steps are necessary for entering the house. However, slab foundations can have some issues such as water leaks that can damage the slab and interior of the home since the plumbing is under the slab rather than in a crawl space. Slab leaks are common in areas where there are frequent earthquakes and in homes with old pipes. Homeowners familiar with slab leaks hope that there is never a need for slab leak repair, Arlington, TX.
Slab leaks can go unnoticed for a long time. When a water pipe breaks underneath the slab, water can seep into the ground and the foundation. If the leak causes the dwelling’s foundation to shift, damage such as cracks in the floors can happen over time. That is why it is essential to monitor the slab foundation to ensure that no leaks are present and to repair any issues promptly.
Signs of a Slab Leak
One of the telltale signs of needing a slab leak repair is a higher water bill. Some cracks in drywall may occur when a new foundation settles, but new or sudden cracks could be due to a slab leak after a few years. Another clue that the slab could be leaking is the sound of water running when the faucets or other water sources are off.
A water heater that continually runs can mean there is a slab leak. The water heater runs to keep the water supply going when hot water is leaking in the slab. A warm spot on the floor or high humidity in a room can result from a hot water leak. Warm areas may be easier to observe on a carpet or vinyl floor. Leaks can also cause mold or mildew on the floor covering.
A slab leak can change the shape of a floor. The homeowner might notice a dome or raised spot on the floor. A raised floor or foundation can also mean that there is a sewer leak under the slab. Heaving and a shifting foundation are signs that the slab leak has been going on for a long time. Standing water around or near the home’s foundation is another slab leak sign.
Detecting the Location of a Slab Leak: Not a Do-it-Yourself Project
Before slab leak repair can happen, it is vital to determine the source of the leak. Although the signs of a slab leak can be visible, that does not mean that the leak originated in that location or damage is limited to the area. That is why finding the source of a slab leak is not a project for the do-it-yourselfer or novice. Attempting to find the leak as a do-it-yourself project could result in damage to floors and pipes. There is also a risk of being exposed to contaminated sewage water if a sewer line causes the leak. Unless a homeowner has a background in plumbing and identifying slab leaks, it is best to leave the diagnosis to a professional. Rather than spending money to buy or rent equipment to detect a leak, a homeowner should hire a plumber with expertise in slab leak detection. The plumber will use the correct tools to pinpoint the leak’s location.
Tools and Techniques for Locating the Slab Leak
Sometimes a plumbing professional will use special equipment or techniques for a hard-to-find slab leak. The plumber might use sonar equipment to hear the water moving. Another way to detect a leak’s origin is to turn off the water and send air through the lines. The sound from the air can help determine where the leak is. The plumber can also identify the leak source by using special sensors that detect pressure and temperature variations in pipes. Video cameras let the plumber see inside the pipes to find leaks.
Local Slab Leak Repair
Once a slab leak is detected, the next step is to repair it. Removing a portion of the slab is necessary to access the leaky pipe. A plumber may need to use a jackhammer to break the concrete. The homeowner should clear any furniture and other belongings out of the space to keep them from getting soiled or damaged. In some cases, where there is excessive leaking or a damaged foundation, the repair may require removing the large portion of a slab rather than a small area. Once the repair person locates the leak, the slab leak repair begins.
One option is to use epoxy to repair small slab leaks. In other situations, slab leak repair may involve replacing or rerouting pipes to solve the program. In newer homes or buildings, slab leak repair tends to be less intrusive; however, in older structures, the repair may be extensive, especially with pipes constructed of rusty or corroded materials.
Knowing the signs of a slab leak and giving prompt attention to the problem can prevent extensive damage and save money. Homeowner’s insurance may cover slab leak repair. Homeowners should review their policies to determine under what circumstances the policy will cover a slab leak repair, Arlington, TX. Insurance may cover a portion of the cost, which may be true only after the homeowner satisfies a deductible. The insurance company may also have some say as to how the plumber must repair the slab leak.
When they discover a possible slab leak, local homeowners know that Slableak.com is the company to call for expert slab leak detection and repair. Arlington TX homeowners can visit the Slableak.com website to learn how easy it is to have a slab leak identified and repaired. If you think you have a slab leak, do not put off getting it fixed. The problem will only get worse. Visit our website today.