Homes built on a slab foundation can hide plumbing leaks, leading to hundreds or even thousands of dollars in utility bills and water damage. Slab leaks can occur due to a variety of reasons, including corrosion, abrasion, pressure, or improper plumbing installation, but once the damage is done it is important to correct it immediately. Learn more about slab leaks with this brief overview from Delta Plumbing of the Atlanta metro area:
How Much Damage They Cause
Expansive soils behave like sponges and will swell when wet. In slab leaks, this creates a “heaving” movement underneath your home and can cause serious foundation damage. Even a leaky faucet dripping at one drop per second can waste 250 gallons of water every month, so it’s not hard to imagine the kind of damage a hidden pipe leak can cause.
How to Spot Them
Because thick slab foundations can hide the apparent signs of underground plumbing leaks, you have to be on the lookout for less obvious symptoms. A sudden increase in your utility bill is a good indicator of a hidden slab leak. Water can penetrate concrete, so a damp patch of concrete flooring or sudden foundation cracks can also indicate slab leaks.
How to Fix Them
Because of their location, slab leaks can be a difficult plumbing repair. Professionals may penetrate the foundation with a jackhammer and dig underneath the home to repair the leak, or some may simply install a new water line to avoid damaging the floor. Repair options differ with individual circumstances, but rest assured that slab leaks can and will waste thousands of gallons of water until they’re repaired. Check with your insurance policy to see if they will cover the cost of slab leak repair.
Delta Plumbing is here to help you protect your investment with professional plumbing services. We started in 1974 and have since expanded throughout the greater Atlanta area as a leading plumbing service provider. Call ( 770) 474-5555 or contact us online today to receive your free estimate.
