A “slab leak” happens when your plumbing system leaks under the concrete slab foundation. This can lead to several issues that will worsen (a.k.a. More expensive) if the leak isn’t fixed. There are several possible causes of slab leaks.
#1. Ground Shifts
Often, a house's heavyweight takes a toll on the concrete slab and the earth on which it was built, settling the slab and shifting the ground. If the shift is notable enough, it puts pressure on the water lines, which leads to cracking and leaks.
#2. Clay Below the Foundation
Clay shrinks when it dries and expands when it is wet. This contracting and expanding has the same effect as ground shifts, finally causing the concrete to crack. The underground plumbing is linked to the slab, and when movement happens, a fitting can crack or loosen, causing a leak.
#3. Natural Disasters
Natural disasters have the same outcome as ground shifts; however, the results occur more quickly.
#4. Faulty Wrapping
During regular use, pipes expand and shrink. If the pipes are exposed, not wrapped, or wrapped improperly, they will rub directly against the concrete in the slab, usually leading to cracks and leaks.
#5. Nicked Line
Most pipes are slightly damaged during installation. The damage is not notable enough to cause leaking during the initial inspections; however, over time, the pipe will corrode, and a small nick will become a leaky crack.
#6. Electrolysis
Copper in pipes communicates with minerals in the soil under the slab, resulting in a subtle electrical reaction that corrodes the pipes until they leak.
It is necessary to detect and repair a slab leak on time so it does not result in severe damage. As soon as the slab leak is detected, it must be fixed immediately. Each day you delay repairing contributes more to the damage, increasing repair costs.
The more you delay, the more severely damaged your home's foundation and walls will become. Your windows may even shatter, causing notable bodily injury.
Signs You Need A Slab Leak Repair Are As Follows:
- Hearable running water when your water is turned off.
- Less water pressure.
- A hot spot on the floor can specify a leak in the hot water line.
- Your carpet is moist, or your flooring is warped.
- You find mold below your carpet.
- There is a musky smell, like that of a moist basement, or even worse.
- If the leak is beneath your yard, there will be flooding and mushy patches of grass.
- Although not verified, a cracked slab is a sign of a slab leak.
- If your water bill is abnormally high, it may be due to a slab leak.
If you notice that you need a slab leak repair, you must first detect the leak's location. To prevent breaking your concrete and digging into your foundation, it is best to use an electric detection tool. You will probably like to find a leak detection expert to locate your slab leak repair spot. You should be able to identify a quality professional for around $150 to $400.
Slap leaks are tricky to fix on your own, and trying to do so can result in more severe damage to your property. When you encounter a slab leak, leaving the “Do It Yourself” book on its shelf and calling a specialist is best. The specialists have different options for repairing a slab leak.
Epoxy Restoration Method
If your leak can be repaired using epoxy restoration, you are lucky. This method requires minimal foundation demolition and is consequently the cheapest method of slab leak repair. In this method, the expert makes two access holes to access the leak for repair.
Re-piping Method
Re-piping is the best method for a house with multiple slab leaks. It is also good because it permanently prevents leaks. In re-piping, the specialist installs an entirely new and lasting piping system that uses expansion to ensure the fittings are secure and the system is leak-free. If you choose this route, research the system’s warranty. In my experience, I advise you to look for a lifetime warranty.
Pipe re-routing
Pipe re-routing needs concrete demolition and is the method of choice when pipes in both the walls and floors must be replaced. The pipe re-routing method is best if only a short amount of pipe requires replacing because that will reduce the high demo and labor costs connected with this method of slab leak repair.
Homeowner’s Insurance
Homeowner’s insurance can cover part, if not all, of the costs associated with a slab leak. If a simple repair is all you require, your insurance will most likely cover the cost of demolition and pipe replacement; however, it may not cover the labor expenses involved.
Re-piping and re-routing are usually not covered, but because they lower the risk of leaks and water damage inside your home, you can petition your insurance company to adjust your rates after the job is done.
In 2014, it was reported that the national average cost of slab leak repair was $2,000. However, slab leak repair in Indianapolis can be as cheap as $300 for a simple repair and as expensive as $8,000 if severe damage needs pipe re-routing. Even with the high costs, you need to have a slab leak fixed immediately.
Slab leaks can result in mold, deadly respiratory problems, and severe structural damage to your home due to rotting supporting structures. As soon as you notice the sign of a slab leak, call a professional plumber to fix it immediately.