A slab leak occurs when the underground pipes in your water and sewage lines break, crack, or break. Typically the leak isn’t actually in your slab, but rather in the underground pipes below it. The reason a slab leak often goes unnoticed is that it’s underground. With no top layer of soil for water to percolate through, pipes that break in this manner can go undetected for years. You may think you’re not at risk but below-ground pipes also pose a threat to your homes according to experts at Slab Leak Detection Dallas.
Some of the most common signs of faulty plumbing include black streaks, holes, or cracks in concrete pipes. Since pipes are made of plastic insulation, they tend to deteriorate over time. Signs of corrosion include dark marks or discoloration around pipes. If your plumbing system has developed a hole or crack, it’s important to repair or replace it as soon as possible. In addition to these obvious signs, though, there may be other less-noticeable problems that will eventually become major issues.
Leaking pipes may result in structural damage to your walls. In fact, older houses that have been built using brittle materials like concrete may develop cracks. Over time, the accumulated pressure inside a pipe can cause cracks to expand, resulting in leakage. There are many causes of pipe leakage, from old structures to poorly sealed pipes. Regardless of the cause, though, repairing a leaking pipe is going to be costly and inconvenient.
In addition to water running through damaged pipelines, there are other signals of leak detection. If you notice water running along the floor near your fixtures, or in cabinets, you may have a structural damage problem. The presence of mildew or mold can also signal trouble. Other signs of leaks are evidence of damage such as discolored ceiling tiles, excess moisture on insulation and carpeting, and leaking roof shingles.
On the surface of your foundation, you should also look for evidence of leaks. For instance, if you have detected a water leak on the outside wall of your house, check the concrete foundation and the soil surrounding the foundation. This will help you determine whether or not the leak originates in your slab or your soil. Unfortunately, leaks in concrete foundations do not easily absorb water running through them. If you suspect the presence of leaks in your slab or soil, you should contact a professional to have the problem evaluated and treated.
Leaks in flooring are especially concerning. Water seeping into basement floors poses the threat of structural damage, which may lead to the accumulation of dangerous mold spores in your home. In some cases, a leaking floor can lead to damage to nearby walls or the foundation itself. For this reason, it’s important that you take immediate action to find and fix leaks in flooring as soon as possible. Remember that a slow leak may not necessarily indicate a more extensive problem.
Plumbing is a critical component of any building construction. In many cases, you’ll discover that plumbing pipes and fixtures aren’t the root of your slab leaks. Instead, it’s likely that faulty wiring, plumbing connections, or faulty pipe seals are to blame. Before calling a professional plumbing company, you should try examining your own plumbing pipes for damage or deterioration. Sometimes, you’ll be surprised by how much damage can be hidden in your plumbing system.
If you find signs of leakage, whether they are visible or invisible, make sure you don’t hesitate to contact an experienced plumbing company. Professionals know the best way to address any leak problems, no matter how small they may seem. In fact, they’ll often come to your home with an expert surveyor to assess the extent of damage and recommend the best course of repair. Even if you only have minor damage, you should still schedule an appointment with a plumber to find out if there may be other, more serious problems at work. Leaks can cause serious damage to your home and health, so you want to avoid them as much as possible.
Slab leaks occur in different situations and for different reasons. When you identify a leak, call a reliable plumbing contractor immediately for leak detection and repair. For example, a tiny amount of water may be the culprit, but large amounts of water caused by heavy rainfall or faulty pipe seals can also result in serious damage. A qualified plumber can determine the cause of your leak and make necessary repairs to prevent further damage.