Why You Need Plumbers to Check Slab Leaks

Living in California means the risk of earthquakes is higher than for most other regions in America. Earthquakes, even minor ones, increase the likelihood of slab leaks occurring. For these types of leaks, you will want to find a plumber in Rancho Cucamonga that you know you can trust and rely on. What makes this problem even more serious, is that many homes in this area sit on top of concrete slabs, so when a leak occurs, major damage can spread throughout your home.

In order to be prepared for a slab leak, we’ll discuss exactly what a slab leak is, the tell-tale signs you might have one, and how a Rancho Cucamonga plumber can help detect a leak and repair it before the damage gets serious.

What is a Slab Leak?

Essentially, a slab leak is an underground leak that usually occurs when copper water lines installed beneath the concrete foundations of a house are damaged. They can be the result of the copper piping eroding over time or from a natural event like an earthquake which sufficiently disturbs the ground.

If left unchecked for too long, the damage can become so pervasive that the foundation of the house collapses. In other cases, the water damage can lead to extensive mold growth in your home or even a termite infestation.

This is why it is so important to know what a slab leak looks like and what to do if you suspect you might have one.

Here are the three most common causes of a slab leak:

Improper Installation

Unfortunately, not all building projects are completed to the highest standard and some homes are left with improperly installed pipes. This can lead to long-term damage. You might be able to tell early on if something is wrong with the home’s water supply or flow and it is worth investigating the matter before it becomes a bigger problem.

Corrosion

As mentioned before, copper pipes are susceptible to corrosion. While they might work great for a while, over time the integrity of the copper will diminish, and leaks are almost inevitable. People are now opting to have their copper piping replaced throughout their homes to ensure their homes are safe from slab leaks and other damage.

Foundation Shifts or Earthquakes

Whenever the earth beneath your home shifts or moves, there is a good chance that pipes beneath the home will also be moved or damaged. This can occur from earthquakes, floods, or mudslides in especially hilly locations. Too much pressure placed on pipes will lead to eventual damage and leaks.

Warning Signs of a Slab Leak

Once you understand exactly what a slab leak is and where they come from, it’s important to know what the warning signs of a slab leak are. Because the nature of these leaks is that they take place underground, it can be tricky to know what to look for. Read more about slab leak repairs in rancho cucamonga.

These are the most common signs there is a slab leak in your home:

Read More: How To Detect Hidden Water Leaks And What You Should Do About It

High water bill

One of the most common signs of a slab leak is an unexpected spike in your water bill. When you receive a water bill that is much higher than normal, it could be due to a leak in your pipes that is letting water escape into your home’s foundation.

Lingering smell of mold

If you can smell or see mold or mildew in or around your home, it may be caused by a slab leak. Slab leaks lead to a build up moisture throughout your home, which will usually cause mold to spread. If you can’t seem to pinpoint a cause for where the mold came from, it could be time to call your plumber so they can determine the source.

Read More: What Mold In Your Home Is Telling You

Constant sound of running water

Perhaps the most obvious sign of a slab leak is the sound of running water that never goes away even when all the taps are shut off. When you lose water through a slab leak, your water heater might try to replace the lost water by constantly running. Not only can this point toward a leak, but it also puts too much pressure on your water heater to always be performing.

Other things to look out for are decreased water pressure or damp spots that never seem to dry on your carpets or the corners of walls.

Detection and Repairs

If you are worried that your home might be suffering from a slab leak, you should have your plumber visit your home and survey the site. They will be able to determine where the leak is and the best way to handle the repairs.

Sometimes, only the leaking part of the pipe will have to be replaced, but if you live in an older home you should be prepared for the need to replace the home’s entire piping system. This might seem too costly a solution, but it is better to fix the entire problem than leave old pipes to spring new leaks every year.

It is best to leave these types of complicated repairs to professional plumbers who will have experience with excavation and replacements. You also shouldn’t risk your health because these leaks can sometimes involve human waste and fungi. Even more important, an experienced plumber will give you the best advice on how to handle the slab leak and will take steps to ensure your home is left in the best possible condition.