Dealing With a Slab Leak Disaster?
Handling Slab Leaks in Your Home
What Causes Slab Leaks?
While there are many possible causes for a slab leak, they are usually the result of a hole or other permeation in the plumbing under the foundation. These are some of the more likely conditions that can lead to slab leaks:
Age – Like all materials, pipes age over time and become less resilient and effective. Several decades of use can bring on a number of plumbing issues.
Temperature Change – As the ground freezes and thaws every year, the copper pipes expand and contract. This change in size can lead to rubbing against surrounding rocks, branches or debris. Over time, small abrasions are made in the pipes, perforating them.
Improper Installation – Hasty or sloppy work by the installer is often the culprit for slab leaks. Bent or kinked pipes or poor connections can lead to big issues later on.
How Do I Know I Have a Slab Leak?
Determining whether there is actually a leak in your foundation can be tricky. It is not logical to tear out flooring or foundation on a hunch. But there are some signs you can look out for in your home to determine whether you may have a slab leak.
Heat – Hot water line leaks can usually be felt in small rooms or in hot spots on hard floors, such as tile, wood, or laminate.
Sounds – Do you ever hear trickling, bubbling, or hissing in your home, especially when water is running in a different room? This could be a sign that there is a leak in the walls or foundation.
Smell – Mildew and mold grow where water persists. If you smell a musty, moldy scent in an area of your home, or in your carpet, you may have a leak.
Wet Grounds – Take a walk around your home, carefully noting the condition of your soil. If there is damp soil near your home without explanation, water may be seeping out from the foundation to the soil.
Visual Inspection – Is there mold in your carpet? Broken tiles, warped wood, or lumpy linoleum? Water may be damaging these surfaces.
How Long Does Repair Take?
Repair time can vary based on the root cause of the leaks. Repairing the plumbing generally takes about two days depending on the extent of the damage. If flooring was taken up or foundation opened, it can be replaced or repaired in another couple of days.
Don’t let a Slab Leak take over your home! Call Cole Plumbing at (334) 458-9413 right away for the best services in the Montgomery area.
