What Are The Causes Of A Slab Leak?

Imagine this: Your floors are soggy, your water bills are high and you constantly hear running water despite checking every faucet in your home. If this sounds like you, you may be in for an unpleasant plumbing surprise known as a slab leak.

A slab leak is a fiasco we don’t wish on any of our clients here at Blanco AC, Electrical & Plumbing. However, when disaster strikes, we want you to be prepared. Once you know what causes this occurrence, you can assess the problem and schedule repairs.

What Is A Slab Leak?

Slab leaks occur when a pipe bursts underneath the concrete slab your home is built on. Not only does this problem lead to gallons of wasted water, but it can cause significant damage to your home over time. As they grow, the soil under your home absorbs the excess water and causes your home to sink into the ground if not corrected.

What Factors Lead To A Slab Leak?

There are a few different reasons a pipe may burst under your home. Diagnosing the specific root cause can be difficult without knowing the exact age and material used in your home’s plumbing. However, there are a few signs that can help you figure out what’s to blame for this issue.

Old Plumbing Materials

Your home’s plumbing can only last for so long before deteriorating. If you live in an older home with plumbing that hasn’t been updated, you may experience a slab leak due to aged parts.

Older homes usually have cast iron or galvanized steel pipes, which are susceptible to corrosion. As these parts become corroded, they can start to leak. If the issue is caught early enough, replacing the old plumbing might fix the problem and prevent it from occurring in the future.

Poor Construction

The plumbing under the foundation of your home is pretty much impossible to inspect as a homeowner. Poor construction is a cause for this issue, which may cause water to seep from the pipes if they weren’t installed properly. Over time, mistakes in the plumbing can lead to issues underneath your foundation.

For example, a bent pipe will be more susceptible to leaks over time. Knowing the type of pipes your home uses can help you be aware of the problem in the future. Additionally, you may want to inspect the quality of the above-ground plumbing to ensure your system is functioning effectively.

Hard Water

Even if your pipes are installed correctly and are made of strong material, your home can still experience this plumbing problem. Texas is no stranger to hard water, which can corrode your pipes over time. Corrosion eventually leads to leaks as the metal wears away, which can result in this catastrophe.

If you live in an older house with cast iron or galvanized steel plumbing, your slab leak could be caused by hard water. Newer homes tend to use plastic or copper pipes, which are more resistant to corrosion. Replacing the corroded piping and installing a water softener are great options for avoiding future plumbing issues from hard water.

Friction

Did you know your pipes expand as hot water flows through them? Chemistry provides an explanation for why your hot water pipes can cause a slab leak over time. As the molecules in the piping heat up, they expand and rub against the surrounding concrete, which can create leaks over time.

Signs Of A Slab Leak

Although many factors can lead to this issue, the most common culprit is time. As piping wears out, it becomes weaker and more vulnerable to openings. If you think you have a slab leak on your hands, here are the signs to watch out for:

• Abnormally high water bills
• Constant sound of running water
• Wet spots on your floor and carpet
• Unnatural growth on or near your foundation
• Shifting soil around your home

If you notice any of these signs at your home, it’s important to contact a professional as soon as you can. Slab leaks can cause severe damage if they aren’t treated quickly.

Contact Us To Schedule Blanco Slab Leak Detection

At Blanco AC, Electrical & Plumbing, we don’t want to let any Blanco slab leak go undetected. If you suspect one is forming at your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of specialists. Contact us today for reliable repair and detection services!