Slab Leak Detection: 7 Reasons Why You May Be Experiencing Slab Leaks | Mansfield, Texas
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Over time, pipes fall victim to age, corrosion, weather, and rust. Although slab leaks may not fall under your everyday problem category, your home’s structural integrity will be compromised once these leaks start showing signs such as hot floor parts or rushing water sound under the floor. In most cases, the main water and sewer pipes are placed just beneath the concrete slab foundation. Once a pipe starts leaking due to damage or poor plumbing work, a slab leak occurs.
Since these pipes are underneath the concrete, a slab leak is hard to notice. If you notice any of these signs, the leak may have been around for some time.
- Mold and mildew
- Spiking water bills
- Hot floors and wet patches
- Wet spots
- Reduced water pressure
- Unexplained cracks on the floor
If you observe any of these signs, contact professional plumbers for slab leak detection. Thankfully, modern techniques have aided slab leak detection such that the leaking sources can be easily located and repaired. However, most homeowners still ponder the lingering question, ‘What causes this plumbing nightmare?’
In this piece, we discuss seven primary causes of slab leaks that necessitate early slab leak detection.
Expansive Soil
Some soil types contain a significant amount of minerals that can absorb a considerably high amount of water. When this happens, the soil expands and shrinks because it is drying out. This type of soil is referred to as expansive soil, or sometimes an “expansive clay.” The recurrent volume increase and shrinking property of this type of soil as conditions may cause severe damage to your home’s slab foundation and its piping system. To ensure your home is safe from this risk, contact your local building expert before construction commences. If you live in regions with this type of soil, it is advisable to have periodic detection.
Faulty Installation or Substandard Piping Materials
Although this may seem obvious, faulty installation is a significant cause of slab leaks. Poorly fitted joints will always give in to conditions such as high pressure and start leaking. You will experience the same problem if your preferred Mansfield, TX plumber uses low-quality materials. The only sure way to avoid this plumbing issue is by hiring a certified company for quality plumbing.
Excessive Water Pressure
Low water pressure can cause a slow down in your household. In contrast, this may be a nuisance, the opposite causes excessive strain on your home’s appliances and piping. If the water pressure in your home is too high, chances are the pipes underneath may burst, and over time a slab leak will occur. A slab leak caused by increased pressure is dangerous because it not only means that more water is being wasted, but also there is more damage to the foundation due to the higher volume of water involved. If you are continually experiencing high water pressure in your plumbing system, schedule slab leak detection.
pH Extremes or Chemicals
Too much acidic water in your home or from chemicals introduced into the piping system through the drains slowly corrodes the pipes and eventually weakens them. This increases the chances of a slab leak. On the other hand, hard water may cause scale buildup in the pipes, which hinders proper flow. If you notice any water pH inconsistencies, contact your plumber for professional assistance. It is also important to avoid emptying chemicals through the drains as some of them may corrode your pipes. By scheduling regular plumbing inspections, you will minimize the chances of pipes getting clogged and avoid more problems with already weakened pipes.
Natural Occurrences
Natural occurrences such as earthquakes have massive vibrations, which can cause the pipes running through the concrete slab to rattle or burst if the slab is damaged. Although natural catastrophes aren’t within your control, poor plumbing or substandard plumbing materials will likely leave you dealing with the dreaded slab leak.
Always ensure professionals handle your plumbing jobs to avoid unnecessary plumbing problems. After an earthquake, ensure that you schedule a plumbing system inspection and have the professionals undertake slab leak detection even if the house is seemingly undamaged. Taking this proactive step will prevent future plumbing problems that may result from a damaged piping system.
Old Homes
Naturally, old homes present a lot of areas that need regular inspection. The piping system in an old home is likely to be already eroded, especially if copper was used. Aging pipes are vulnerable to pressure or strain and will eventually cause a slab leak. This kind of leak may be a hazard in an old home since the foundation may have been damaged already by shifting soil. Replacement of old pipes is the best option, but if that is not possible, it is important to contact a plumbing service for maintenance during which a slab leak detection can be carried out.
Friction
Rattling caused by running water combined with the expansion and contraction of water pipes due to changing water temperature causes them to grate against the concrete. Over time, this friction wears out the pipes and may cause leaks at certain points. During slab leak detection, these leaking parts can be identified and repaired.
Get in Touch with the Mansfield, TX Experts
A slab leak is the last plumbing issue you need. Since it can run for a long time unnoticed, a slab leak detection must be done once any sign shows up. With several factors causing the problem, you need the help of professional plumbers to determine the cause and find how best to fix it. Early detection will save you from major repairs and extensive water damage.
At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing from Slableak.com, we are the leading plumbing service in Mansfield, TX. We have a skilled and experienced team ready to handle all your plumbing needs. Since slab leaks are often hard to detect, we offer comprehensive plumbing inspections to diagnose any problem and offer cost-effective solutions. Get in touch with us today for more information about slab leak detection.