When a slab leak is noticed, it is critical to contact a professional plumber without delay. Repairs to your home's foundation could be quite pricey if a leaky water main causes structural damage. If you've been trying to figure out where the water is coming from in your house, you may have discovered that it's only coming in through one or more of the doors or windows. Because of this, you might be thinking that an external factor is to blame for the trouble.
Possibly a slab leak is to blame; if so, it needs to be looked into as quickly as feasible. When we arrive for the inspection, one of the things we'll do is look for indications that point to the spot where the leak is happening. We'll accomplish this by inspecting the areas around the doors and windows to determine if there's any evidence of pipe installation.
Slab leaks are a common occurrence in areas with shaky ground. Changing soil pressures can cause basement walls to crack and crumble, so most modern homes are built either on concrete slabs or with a pier and beam foundation instead.
The worst possible scenario is a slab leak, which occurs when water seeps through leaking plumbing joints or cracks in pipes hidden beneath a concrete slab.
Streams of water are eroding the soil around the house. This eliminates the slab's support, increases the strain on it, and raises the risk that it will crack at a hairline or wider scale. As soon as that is done, there will be no stopping the flow of water entering your house.
There may be extensive damage to your home's flooring, walls, furniture, appliances, and other possessions if the leak is severe enough. Plumbing a leak that's a ton of concrete thick isn't as easy as it sounds, especially if the leak is underground.
Slab Leaks Could Be the Result of Faulty Pipes or Fittings.
Slab leaks occur when one or more parts of a house's plumbing system fail. Possible causes of the breakdown include shoddy workmanship, aging water lines, chemical reactions between earth and plumbing metals, or — wait for it — shifting soil beneath the slab.
In a second, we'll return to that ultimate purpose. Now, let's consider the parts of the pipes themselves. The age of the plumbing system is usually the first clue as to the answer. It's possible that the materials themselves will eventually prove problematic. You can't get a good idea of the plumbing system's layout, quality of materials used, or installation accuracy without seeing how it was done when the building was first erected.
Before the 1960s, cast iron was the standard material for plumbing pipes, but plastic has since taken its place. Cast iron plumbing pipes installed above ground have several advantages. Water running through pipes made of cast iron is less likely to annoy you than water running through pipes made of plastic. Aside from being highly wear-resistant, it also won't burn in the event of an emergency.
But, unprotected cast iron underground service lines can deteriorate from contact with water and soil minerals. Some of the cast iron pipes produced now have an extra layer of protective coating to prevent this problem. Compare them to the pipes most people used in the 1960s, and it's clear that they are a huge step forward.
During the '50s, galvanized steel pipes were frequently employed in home construction. Like cast iron, galvanized steel has both high strength and a high susceptibility to corrosion. In addition, galvanized pipe obstructions are more common. With time, the pipes' internal coating deteriorates, exposing them to rust and mineral buildup, both of which can eventually clog the pipes completely. A galvanized steel plumbing pipe can be used for up to 50 years without deteriorating.
Rigid copper pipe is still widely used today, especially for carrying hot and cold water to various locations. In most cases, ice makers and dishwashers use flexible copper tubing as their water supply lines because of its durability and corrosion resistance.
Copper is durable and won't rust or corrode. The copper pipe is offered with a variety of wall thicknesses. While laying subterranean lines, the thickest-walled copper tubing possible should be used. Yet, the installation process still requires careful attention. Eventually, if a dent in a water line is not fixed, the constant flow of water could cause the dent to wear thin and open a small hole in the pipe. Plastic pipes can be laid either above or below ground, and they won't rust or corrode. In addition to being lightweight and simple to work with, plastic also has excellent corrosion resistance. Here are some of the most common:
- The first plastic pipe used for residential plumbing was ABS, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The color black best describes this pipe. Some municipalities have outlawed the use of ABS joints in new construction due to problems with their durability. An expensive slab leak might occur if a joint fails beneath the slab. Furthermore, ABS can get deformed when exposed to strong sunlight, rendering it unsuitable for some installations located above ground.
- The most popular type of plastic plumbing pipe nowadays is PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, pipe. To distinguish between their intended purposes, pipes are typically colored white for drainage and irrigation, blue for potable water, green for wastewater, purple for recycled water, and gray for electrical wiring.
- Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride piping, or CPVC, is very similar to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. Chlorination alters the properties of CPVC, making it distinct from PVC. Compared to PVC, which melts at lower temperatures, CPVC is a better option for use in hot water pipes since it can withstand higher temperatures without deteriorating.
- Cross-linked polythene (abbreviated as "PEX") is the most recent development in plumbing plastic piping. You can use it in place of CPVC, PVC, or copper. Because to its malleability, simplicity of cutting, and the use of compression fittings, PEX is a relatively easy material to install. There are some drawbacks to it as well. Making secure connections takes practice, and the material's malleability can trigger vibration and movement problems if not carefully managed. If not properly secured, PEX might become irritated by movement over building components like floor joists and rafters. It's possible that this could lead to water damage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slab Leak
Leaks can happen in any age home for numerous reasons. Sometimes new homeowners think they're immune from water leak problems. This makes it risky and expensive. Water leaks are caused by factors and situations. Corrosion, pipe deterioration, pipe movement, increasing water pressure, poor installation or quality, soil condition, and accidents should concern every homeowner. These situations cause water leaks.
Unfortunately, you cannot be assured unless you have been adequately trained or have the right equipment. But there are ways to tell whether you have a water leak and act accordingly.
When you suspect a water leak:
- Pooling of water on the ground surface;
- Potholes, heaving, or cracking of concrete;
- Damp or peculiar colouration of the soil;
- A abrupt decline in water pressure or volume;
- Abnormally green grass or landscaping;
- Steady and inexplicable growth in water consumption and billing;
- Dirty or rusty water supply; andsThey are operating a water metre even when all plumbing fixtures and water appliances are turned off.
To help in the proper detection and repair of the water leak, it would be of great help to provide pertinent information to the plumbing service while on the phone. This ensures better success in detecting and repairing the problem. Some of the things you need to be aware of should include:
- Possible location of the pipe;
- Type of pipe you have;
- Size of the pipe;
- Location of the shutoff valve;
- Access to the valves; and
- Availability of utility maps.
You may not have some or all of this information, but there is no need to worry. The lack of information does not mean impossible water leak detection.
Certain factors can worsen the plumbing condition in your home to the point that it becomes difficult to detect water leaks. This is why the services of a professional plumber become extremely important in times like these. Factors that can affect proper leak detection are:
- Current water usage;
- Traffic and environmental noise;
- Machinery; and
- Use of other nearby utilities.
Regardless of whether a water leak is causing harm or not, it is never a wise decision to ignore it. Remember that water leaks are problems, and the only way to address a problem is to solve it. Keep in mind that these small leaks will eventually turn into something bigger, more destructive, and substantially more expensive if left unattended. So, deal with the water leaks while they are small and manageable to save yourself from a lot of aggravation.
What to Look For in Possible Slab Leak Signs
Certain holes can be easily detected. If water is spilling out from under your sink, for instance, it may be because of a broken pipe. But slab leaks are a very separate issue. Such leaks could be lurking beneath the poured concrete that makes up your house.
The fact that they are often disguised makes them all the more frustrating. Fortunately, these obstacles are not insurmountable. If you know what to look for, you can take care of the issue right away and maybe even prevent further damage from happening. If you notice any of these seven signs, it's time to call in the experts in slab leak detection.
The price of your monthly water bill has gone up.
A leak causes water to flow continuously, not just when the tap is turned on. Be prepared for an increase in your water bill if you continue to leave the water running constantly. If your water bill has increased without any apparent reason, a leak could be to blame. The presence of guests who consume more water than normal could be one such reason. If you have looked for leaks in your home and found none, a slab leak may be to blame.
Water pressure dropping
Any leak, including a slab leak, reduces the flow of water through your pipes and to its intended destinations. This is because water is escaping from the broken pipe in an unexpected place. With a slab leak, your water pressure will drop, and your water bill will rise. Thus, a drop in water pressure that can't be explained by the use of multiple plumbing fixtures at once may be an indication of a slab leak.
Certain Areas of Your Floor Might Be Overheating As much as 80% of all slab leaks originate at the hot water pipe. When the water heats the soil below, it rises and eventually begins to warm the concrete right above it. Your flooring will get hotter when the concrete in your home heats up. Hard floors like hardwood, tile, or linoleum usually make these stains more obvious. These may be harder to locate, though, if they are buried under carpeting. If you notice that some parts of your floor are particularly hot, you may have a leak in your hot water line.
Wet or ruined floor
In many cases, after water has escaped through a slab leak, it can only go one direction: up. This will cause the water to seep through your subfloor and perhaps cause extensive damage. Depending on the type of flooring you have, the amount of the damage may vary. Even if no one has spilled anything on the carpet, you may find that a small section of it feels damp to the touch and seems darker than the rest of the carpet. Homes with hardwood floors are at risk of having their floorboards warp if a slab leak occurs. Any damage to the flooring may necessitate costly repairs or even replacement.
Disgusting Smell
Other issues will surface when water rises through the floorboards of your home. Due of the dampness, mold and mildew may start to grow in the subfloor or carpet. Some of the moisture could be absorbed by your walls, leading to the development of mold on the drywall. Mold and mildew may be invisible to the naked eye, but they'll be easily detectable to the nose. It is important to look for other signs of a slab leak if you detect a musty odor coming from the floors or walls of your home.
There is the sound of water trickling or running.
You should pay closer attention to the sound of running water if you hear it even though there is none in the house. Start by turning off everything that can be turned off, including the water heater. The next step is to examine the flooring in the basement or cellar. Your water supply may have been turned off, but if you still hear water dripping, it may be coming from a leak in your foundation; you should have slab leak detection services performed.
Convergence of Waters
Due to a leak in the slab, water will collect under the structure until it can find an alternative route. Both the exterior and the interior of a house could be affected by a slab leak. From the outside, it may appear as though water is gushing through the slab foundation of your home. Indeed, this is a widespread issue. If there is no readily apparent source of water, such as a hose, a slab leak is probably to blame. Inside your home, water may pool and become visible on the floor. Look into the possibility that a neighboring appliance is the source of the water problem. Water rising from a slab leak could be the problem if all of the home's appliances are operating normally.
Several Solutions Exist for Fixing Slab Leaks
You can pick from a few different solutions if you need to fix a slab leak. When considering the potential for property damage that may cost tens of thousands of dollars or more, the question of whether or not to fix it shouldn't be one of those choices.
The task at hand may involve making repairs to the existing plumbing, replacing a section of the existing plumbing, or re-piping the entire plumbing system beneath the home, depending on the age, materials, and condition of the existing plumbing. It's also possible that the plumbing in the basement will need to be re-piped in its entirety as part of this project.
The single most consequential option you will make is which company to hire to complete the task. Slab leak repair is a sizable project, so it's a good idea to shop around for quotes. Inquire for references and make sure you follow up on them thoroughly.
The confidence you have in the applicants competing for the job will play a major influence in your final decision. Another factor is the approach they hope to take. The vast majority of contractors, however, have a preferred method. Get an explanation of their leak detection methodology to ensure that they won't have to dig in the wrong place or waste time looking for it.
In order to fix slab leaks, our plumbers will either reroute the pipes, burrow underneath the concrete, or break through the slab from above. The fourth strategy involves penetrating the slab from below. The advise we give comes after a thorough examination of the problem and any pertinent aggravating factors.
Regardless of the strategy used, this job should only be attempted by a licensed plumber. Have a look at how they stack up against one another.
Repiping, or the Redirection of Existing Pipes
Digging might be avoided, and the plumbing could be redirected above ground, saving money. As an illustration, rerouting may provide a quicker and less harmful solution if the problematic section of pipe is relatively small and can be worked around by constructing new plumbing lines.
In cases when the plumbing lines are encased in concrete and cannot be accessed without breaking the slab, it may be in the best interest of the homeowner to re-pipe the entire house. However, this may not always be required. Instead of running water lines beneath the slab, they can be run above or alongside it. The plumber will determine the most secure and unobtrusive locations for new pipe installation, such as behind walls, in the ceiling, or inside of cabinets. The plumber may elect to run new pipes through the roof. Pipes can be hidden with a bit of ingenuity and innovation in the form of an additional feature to the woodworking, such crown moulding.
The old plumbing will still be able to carry water even after the new lines have been connected, so you won't have to find somewhere else to stay during the renovation. Then, the old lines are cut off and the new ones are turned on.
Separate the stony ground
The problem could be underneath the concrete floor, and the only way to get at it would be to cut a hole in it, which would be both expensive and time-consuming. In certain cases where other options are either not viable or less desirable, we resort to breaking through the slab. Thus, there is no universal solution.
When attempting to remove a slab, homeowners encounter numerous formidable obstacles. The water will be shut off, the jackhammers and saws will be incredibly loud, and the dust in the air will require you to cover everything, so it's imperative that you find somewhere else to stay while the work is being done.
Also, during the process, the excavated dirt will either be wheelbarrowed outside or piled in a massive heap inside your home. Your housing and food costs will likely increase, and it may be difficult or impossible to find flooring that is a perfect match for the affected areas. It should come as no surprise that repairing a slab leak by bursting through the slab can be an expensive endeavor.
Looking Under the Slab
As far as we can tell, there are a few key advantages for homeowners when tunneling beneath the slab:
- Although there will be construction, you are welcome to stay in your current residence.
- That way, the clutter can be contained outside, and
- It usually has the lowest total price.
With high-end flooring, most homeowners opt for the tunneling process. A large section of flooring, if not the entire room, could be destroyed if the slab were broken through from above.
While some plumbers opt to dig their own tunnels, others prefer to hire engineers to do the work and provide final approval. It is crucial for a plumber to keep the tunnel's structural integrity when working in a tunnel that stretches far below a house; we've worked in tunnels that were as long as 100 feet. Worker safety requires that tunnels be dug to a minimum of 3 feet by 3 feet in size.
Correctly replacing the excavated soil is a must. After the new pipes have been installed and tested, we'll put the dirt back in the tunnel where we found it. When we've moved some soil around, we keep it damp and pack it back down with metal stamps.
The trenchless pipe repair techniques include pipe lining and pipe bursting.
Pipelining, also known as cured in place pipe (CIPP), is a popular option since it eliminates the need for trenching and requires only minimal excavation to obtain access to the issue area. The concept is simple: after applying an epoxy coating to the inside of a broken pipe and letting it dry and harden, the old pipe may be utilized as the basis for a new pipe that can be used to repair existing water lines that have become compromised.
Underground pipes that have developed corrosion and now have holes or breaks are perfect candidates for this form of repair. The line is first cut to remove the garbage and buildup, and then washed. After that, an inflatable tube and a resin-coated liner are put into the pipe. The liner is pushed against the inside of the pipe using air pressure and an inflatable tube. After only a few hours, a new plastic pipe has formed inside the broken pipe.
Even if the approach seems promising, it is not without flaws. Some service providers don't feel confident enough in their job to back it up with a guarantee. Picture provided by business specializing in repiping apartment buildings; issues can develop if epoxy doesn't stick to pipe wall or coating isn't sprayed evenly. A clog in the pipe can occur in either of these situations. Constriction in the pipe from unequal distribution and pitting in the liner indicate that it has been in use for two years (in this case).
To prevent further leaks, heat cannot be applied during the repair process. Repiping, which might have been avoided if done initially but is now necessary, may be the only option left at that point, resulting in more costs to address the same problem.
When water pipes are severely damaged, a process called pipe bursting (or pipe splitting) is occasionally employed to restore water service. Similarly, this trenchless method involves replacing the broken section of pipe with a new one that features a "bursting head" that is slightly larger in diameter than the damaged section. As with the previously mentioned technique, this one is also rather straightforward. If an older pipe is used to transport it, it will be destroyed as it is pushed or pulled through.
What Are the Steps to Fixing a Cracked Slab?
A plumber will be able to analyze the situation and locate the leak after the cause has been identified. At this point, the plan is refined and put into effect. New pipe may be necessary across the entire structure, while in other cases it may be sufficient to simply re-plumb the affected region. Attempting to repair galvanized pipes that are well past their useful life span is usually a waste of money.
Getting in or Gaining Access
Identifying the leak's origin necessitates jackhammering a hole through the floor to reach the pipe below. The first step is to remove the completed flooring and reveal the concrete slab below. In order to protect your furniture and other belongings from the dust that will be generated when cutting into a slab, you need take the required steps beforehand. After a hole is created in the wall, the dirt around the pipe that is leaking is dug out.
Repairing Broken Water Pipes
By a wide margin, copper pipe is the material of choice for water line installation below slab foundations. However, ancient copper pipes often start leaking because they have worn down and become brittle. Since re-piping is the more permanent alternative, it should be considered before initiating the repairs on the section of pipe that is located beneath a concrete slab.
You are free to repair the copper pipe instead of replacing it. Both a hacksaw and a tube cutter will do the job of removing the damaged segment. Next, you'll need to disconnect it, replace it with new tubing and copper couplings, and then solder it back together to restore proper flow. When the pipe is buried, the concrete is fixed, and the floors are replaced, life will go back to normal for you.
Sewer Line Maintenance
It is possible to repair a water pipe on your own, but repairing a sewage line would certainly require the services of a professional plumber. Please consider the pipes that will be used and the potential risks to your health from being exposed to human waste before deciding to take on a job of this sort on your own.
Cast iron, clay, or even plasticized polyvinyl chloride sewer pipes are common in older residences (PVC). While special rubber couplings are great for joining different pipes, it is advised that they not be used beneath concrete slabs. However, the rubber boots deteriorate over time, especially if they are worn outside and subjected to the elements. Dealing directly with a plumber will allow you to learn about the problem and choose the solution that is appropriate for your house.
Conclusion
Slab leaks occur when one or more parts of a house's plumbing system fail, and can be caused by shoddy workmanship, aging water lines, chemical reactions between earth and plumbing metals, or shifting soil beneath the slab. Cast iron was the standard material for plumbing pipes before the 1960s, but plastic has since taken its place, and galvanized steel and rigid copper are still widely used today due to their durability and corrosion resistance. PVC is the most popular type of plastic plumbing pipe, but cross-linked polythene is the most recent development. Slab leaks are often disguised and difficult to detect, but if you know what to look for, you can take care of the issue right away and prevent further damage. Seven signs of a slab leak include water pressure dropping, overheating, wet or ruined floor, and increased water bill. If you notice any of these signs, it is time to call in the experts in slab leak detection.
Content Summary
- When a slab leak is noticed, it is critical to contact a professional plumber without delay.
- Repairs to your home's foundation could be quite pricey if a leaky water main causes structural damage.
- If you've been trying to figure out where the water is coming from in your house, you may have discovered that it's only coming in through one or more of the doors or windows.
- Because of this, you might be thinking that an external factor is to blame for the trouble.
- Possibly a slab leak is to blame; if so, it needs to be looked into as quickly as feasible.
- We'll accomplish this by inspecting the areas around the doors and windows to determine if there's any evidence of pipe installation.
- Slab leaks are a common occurrence in areas with shaky ground.
- The worst possible scenario is a slab leak, which occurs when water seeps through leaking plumbing joints or cracks in pipes hidden beneath a concrete slab.
- There may be extensive damage to your home's flooring, walls, furniture, appliances, and other possessions if the leak is severe enough.
- Slab leaks occur when one or more parts of a house's plumbing system fail.
- You can't get a good idea of the plumbing system's layout, quality of materials used, or installation accuracy without seeing how it was done when the building was first erected.
- Before the 1960s, cast iron was the standard material for plumbing pipes, but plastic has since taken its place.
- Cast iron plumbing pipes installed above ground have several advantages.
- Water running through pipes made of cast iron is less likely to annoy you than water running through pipes made of plastic.
- But, unprotected cast iron underground service lines can deteriorate from contact with water and soil minerals.
- Some of the cast iron pipes produced now have an extra layer of protective coating to prevent this problem.
- Compare them to the pipes most people used in the 1960s, and it's clear that they are a huge step forward.
- Like cast iron, galvanized steel has both high strength and a high susceptibility to corrosion.
- A galvanized steel plumbing pipe can be used for up to 50 years without deteriorating.
- Plastic pipes can be laid either above or below ground, and they won't rust or corrode.
- Some municipalities have outlawed the use of ABS joints in new construction due to problems with their durability.
- The most popular type of plastic plumbing pipe nowadays is PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, pipe.
- Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride piping, or CPVC, is very similar to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe.
- Cross-linked polythene (abbreviated as "PEX") is the most recent development in plumbing plastic piping.
- You can use it in place of CPVC, PVC, or copper.
- What to Look For in Possible Slab Leak Signs Certain holes can be easily detected.
- If water is spilling out from under your sink, for instance, it may be because of a broken pipe.
- But slab leaks are a very separate issue.
- If you know what to look for, you can take care of the issue right away and maybe even prevent further damage from happening.
- If you notice any of these seven signs, it's time to call in the experts in slab leak detection.
- The price of your monthly water bill has gone up.
- Be prepared for an increase in your water bill if you continue to leave the water running constantly.
- If your water bill has increased without any apparent reason, a leak could be to blame.
- If you have looked for leaks in your home and found none, a slab leak may be to blame.
- With a slab leak, your water pressure will drop, and your water bill will rise.
- Thus, a drop in water pressure that can't be explained by the use of multiple plumbing fixtures at once may be an indication of a slab leak.
- Certain Areas of Your Floor Might Be Overheating As much as 80% of all slab leaks originate at the hot water pipe.
- Your flooring will get hotter when the concrete in your home heats up.
