What Is A Slab Leak?

As the name suggests, a slab leak refers to a leak that develops in the water lines running beneath the concrete foundation of a building, also known as the slab. A slab leak can be just a trickle, or it can be a major crack in your piping. Unlike plumbing leaks that develop in easy-to-reach areas such as in the shower, toilet, or below the kitchen sink, slab leaks may not always be immediately visible because the pipes are underneath the concrete slab, which means they are not visible to the naked eye. In addition to wasting water, a slab leak can cause serious problems, including foundation cracks, damaged flooring, peeling paint, and many more. If you suspect a slab leak in your home, do not hesitate to call a trusted plumber for slab leak repair.

Knowing the causes of slab leaks, how to recognize the signs of a slab leak, and what to do when you notice these signs will help you contain the damage before the situation gets out of hand. Here at Neighborhood Plumbing, we’ve put together the common causes of slab leaks and the signs to watch out for.

Causes of Slab Leaks

• Poor installation of plumbing pipes
• Corrosion of the pipes
• Shifting of the foundation
• Deterioration of pipes due to age
• High water pressure, which causes stress on the pipes, leading to cracks and leaks
• Abrasion—pipes can develop leaks if they come into contact with sharp rocks, gravel, or other abrasive materials

Common Signs of a Slab Leak

• A sudden increase in your water bill without any noticeable increase in usage
• The sound of running water when no fixtures are turned on
• Hot spots on the floor—this may indicate a hot water leak in the hot water line.
• Moisture or mold under the carpet or flooring
• Low water pressure
• Cracks in the foundation
• Soggy spots near the home’s foundation
• If you shut off all the water in your home and the water meter continues to spin, it may indicate a leak in the plumbing system.

If you notice any of these signs, call an experienced plumber to inspect your plumbing pipes, determine the source of the problem, and make the necessary repairs. A professional plumber will use advanced leak detection tools such as infrared cameras, acoustic equipment, pressure gauges, and electronic leak detection equipment to detect slab leaks and provide you with a long-lasting solution. Leaving a slab leak unrepaired could cause irreversible structural damage to your home, create a favorable environment for mold and mildew growth, and lead to higher water bills.

Trust the Experts at Neighborhood Plumbing for Professional Slab Leak Repair

If you suspect that you might have a slab leak in your property and need professional leak detection and slab leak repair, look no further than Neighborhood Plumbing. Here at Neighborhood Plumbing, we take great pride in offering fast, reliable, and cost-effective leak repair services in the areas we serve. Our knowledgeable and experienced plumbers have seen it all and fixed it all when it comes to plumbing leaks. Moreover, we are equipped with advanced leak detection tools to locate the source of the leak quickly and accurately.