A Homeowner's Guide to Slab Leaks

The U.S. EPA estimates that on average, American households lost as much as 10,000 gallons of water due to hidden plumbing leaks every year—in fact, ten percent of homes have leaks that waste over 90 gallons of water or more per day. And worse, plumbing leaks under the home’s foundation may not be noticeable until the damage has already been done. Read on for a few tips about the causes and cures for slab foundation leaks:

 
Causes

• Older homes may have soft copper lines embedded in the concrete foundation itself, which makes them more susceptible to damage as the home and underlying soil shifts and settles. Even a small pinhole leak in the piping will leak constantly, causing your water bill to skyrocket. More modern homes embed the plumbing lines underground, but expansive soil shifting can cause similar damage to PVC sewage and water pipes.

Symptoms

• Aside from an unexplained increase in your water bill, water leaks can permeate the concrete foundation and cause water damage to the flooring. Additionally, water can leak into the expansive soil below the foundation and cause it to “heave” as it becomes saturated. This upward soil movement creates even more distortion in the foundation and plumbing lines and can cause foundation cracks. You may also notice warm spots on slab floors due to water leakage.

Cures

• Slab leaks by nature are not easy problems to fix. Plumbing professionals will likely have to dig under the supporting structure of your home to locate and repair the source of the leak. In some cases, professionals may have to create a hole inside your home with a jackhammer. Having a semiannual checkup from a licensed plumbing specialist can help you prevent hidden plumbing leaks and spot them in their infancy.

Beacon Plumbing, Heating, and Mechanical is a licensed, insured, and bonded plumbing contractor that has been serving Seattle and the surrounding areas for years. Contact our 24-hour emergency line at (206) 452-4363 to schedule reliable plumbing repairs today.
 

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