subject: How To Deal With Slab Leaks [print this page] Pipes that are installed underneath the concrete foundation of a house are susceptible to slab leaks. Many causes contribute to this. It could be that the movements or changes in the foundation had put a strain into the pipes and broke them. Another possible cause could be attributed to improper selection of pipes such as those that are not proportionate to the water pressure. Too much pressure on too small a pipe is recipe for eventual leaking. The plumber who put down those pipes could also have done a shoddy work or compromised the materials used.
Check Your Floors
The physical signs of a slab leak can be easy enough to identify. If you have carpeted floors, an unexplained moist area should clue you in. If you feel certain spots on the floor are warmer, then there could be a leak on the pipes carrying the hot water into the house. Presence of mildew or molds behind the drywall is also an indication that moisture had crept into them from beneath the floor. In this case, removal and clean up of these health hazards should be added to your to-do list. When you notice cracks on the walls or on the floor, these can also indicate a leak.
Sounds and Odors
If your house constantly smells of foul or funny odor, no matter how faint or subtle, it could mean something is leaking in one of your pipes. The sound of water trickling is also good indication that there is a slab leak in your house. Make sure you're not just imagining the sound by isolating it. Do this by turning off all your faucets and noisy appliances and listen for any sound that could only come from beneath your floor. If the pipe that carries waste water is experiencing a leak, you should be hearing trickling water sounds after you flush the toilet.
Entry Point
Whenever a pipe is damaged, soil and debris could seep in, no matter how small the entry point. These contain harmful microorganisms which you definitely don't want going out of your faucet. At the first instance that you find sediments in your water, ask your neighbors if they're experiencing the same thing, and consult a plumber if it seems only you are affected. A sudden drop in your faucet or shower's water pressure could also mean that there's a leak somewhere diverting the flow.
Check Your Bills
Another water leak detection method is to routinely compare your water bills. If water is leaking, you will be sure to find a spike in your bills even if there are no abnormal changes on your water usage. That should warn you to check your exposed pipes.
Fortunately, water leak detection slab is easy with plumbers' special tools; they can diagnose and pinpoint the problem in no time, and remember, time is a crucial factor whenever slab leaks are involved. After water leak detection, your plumber will more likely than not open up the flooring and replace the defective plumbing with a new one, and if necessary the water-rotted floorboards as well. Another option for you is to redirect the water flow by installing and adding new pipes. Either options, no doubt, will cost you, but at least it's one less thing off your mind from now on. Besides, you also save your house from further damage and maintain and even up its property value for years to come.
