What Causes Slab Leaks?

A slab leak, as the name suggests, is a leak in the plumbing pipes that run underneath a home’s slab foundation. Once a pipe beneath the foundation of your home begins to leak, it can be extremely difficult to detect the leak. If left unattended, slab leaks can lead to significant structural damage, household water contamination, high water bills, and many other problems.

Let's take a look at the main causes of slab leaks.

• High Water Pressure

High water pressure puts a lot of strain on your water pipes, which often leads to loosened joints, worn seals, and deterioration of plumbing pipes. Normal water pressure tends to range between 40 and 80 PSI (pounds per square). Anything above 80 PSI is considered too high. You’ll know your water pressure is too high if you hear banging or clanging noises in pipes and leaking faucets.

• Foundation Shifting

The soil under your foundation can shift as a result of an earthquake or soil erosion, thereby causing displacement of water pipes. When pipes are displaced, they could break or become weak at the joints.

• Deteriorating Pipes

Plumbing pipes are bound to break down at some point due to normal wear and tear, corrosion, rapid temperature changes, and more. When plumbing pipes deteriorate, they tend to become more susceptible to leaks.

• Poor Installation

Slab leaks can occur as a result of poor installation of pipes. If the fittings and joints on plumbing pipes are not properly connected, or the pipes are dented in any way, the affected areas could cause pipes to leak. Improperly installed copper pipes are uniquely prone to leaks because they are softer and more susceptible to the elements. 

• Highly Acidic Water

Highly acidic water can dissolve metal pipes over time and lead to pinhole leaks. The pH of water ranges from 6.5 and 8.5. The best way to treat highly acidic water is to use acid neutralizers such as calcite to raise your water’s pH level before it enters your household plumbing.

• Poorly-Constructed Concrete Foundation

Some concrete contractors cut corners during concrete installation, causing conditions that can result in deterioration of plumbing pipes. For example, pouring insufficient concrete in some areas can cause subsidence issues.

Are There Any Tell-Tale Signs of Slab Leaks?

Here are some of the common signs that you may have a slab leak.

• Higher-than-usual water bills
• Warm floor spots
• You hear the sound of running water even when taps and plumbing appliances are off
• Constantly spinning meter dial
• Reduced water pressure
• Moisture or mildew under carpeting
• Standing water near your home’s foundation

If you notice any of these warning signs, be sure to call a nearby plumber to inspect your pipes and make repairs.

Need Slab Leak Repair in Your Property? Call Neighborhood Plumbing Today

Are you seeing signs of a slab leak in your property? There’s no time to waste when it comes to slab leaks. The longer you leave the problem unresolved, the more damage it will cause, putting the structural integrity of your home at risk. If you’re in need of slab leak repair, call Neighborhood Plumbing to help you out.