May 17/2023
Beginner’s Guide to Detecting Slab Leaks
As the name implies, slab leaks refer to leaks that occur in the plumbing pipes that run below the concrete foundation beneath a house. The pipes running beneath the slab can leak as a result of normal wear and tear, pipe corrosion, shifting soil, faulty pipe installation, and many other reasons. It can be challenging to detect slab leaks because the pipes are buried deep in the ground. Luckily, there are warning signs that can help you tell if you have a slab leak.
How to Tell You Have a Slab Leak
Perform a water meter check: This is one of the simplest ways to tell if you have a hidden leak in your home. Simply turn off water-using appliances and faucets in your home and note the reading on the water meter. Wait for 2 -3 hours and check the reading on the meter. If the meter reading changes during this time, it means there’s a hidden leak somewhere within your plumbing system, possibly a slab leak.
Monitor your water bills: Your monthly water bills are fairly predictable. If you notice a sudden spike in your water bills without an apparent reason, you could have a slab leak. Make sure you call in a skilled plumber to perform leak detection and determine if there’s a plumbing leak in your property.
Below are other warning signs of a slab leak:
- Constantly wet ground near your home’s foundation
- Your water pressure has reduced
- Soft spots, water stains or bubbling on your flooring
- Foundation cracks
- Hot spots on the floor—this usually indicates a leak in hot water lines
- Damp or moldy carpet or flooring
- You hear the sound of running water, but your taps and plumbing fixtures are off
Ways to Fix a Slab Leak
This slab leak repair option entails installing new pipes instead of repairing the old pipes. This option is recommended if the pipes are old and deteriorating. It is a low-cost alternative to other slab leak repair options.
This method involves pulling a new pipe through the damaged one, while simultaneously fracturing the old pipe outward. The bursting head breaks the old pipe while the new pipe is seamlessly installed in its place.
This is one of the trenchless slab leak repair options that plumbers use to fix slab leaks. It involves lining the leaking pipe with an epoxy coating to seal up any leaks and holes.
Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Professional Slab Leak Repair
If you suspect any kind of plumbing leak in your home or business, it’s important to call leak detection and leak repair experts to help you fix the leak. Leaving plumbing leaks unaddressed can lead to costly water bills, water damage, and even electrical hazards. Here at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we pride ourselves on offering dependable and cost-effective leak repair services in the area we serve. Whether you’re having a slab leak, a toilet leak, or a basement leak, our skilled plumbers have the expertise and specialized tools to find the source of the leak and make efficient repairs.
