Answering FAQs About Slab Leaks

Slab leaks can occur quickly and have scary consequences for households, making catching and repairing them essential. These leaks can be tricky to detect, so it’s important for homeowners to know their warning signs and to schedule slab leak repair to limit the damage they cause. This post will answer pressing questions about slab leaks to help homeowners identify and address them before they cause serious water damage.

What Is a Slab Leak?

A slab leak is a leak in the water lines beneath a home’s concrete slab foundation. Slab leaks can occur when the water pipes hidden under the concrete foundation develop cracks or burst. These leaks can be caused by several factors, including:

• Age and Corrosion: Pipes deteriorate over time, and pipes are especially susceptible to corrosion due to constant moisture exposure.
• Shifting Foundation and Soil: Settling or moving foundations and shifting soil can stress the pipes, causing cracks or breaks.
• Faulty Installation: Improper installation can leave pipes more vulnerable to leaking.

What Are the Signs of a Slab Leak?

Because of their location under the foundation, it can be difficult for homeowners to identify slab leaks, which may allow the water damage to become severe before the leaks are detected and repaired. Fortunately, there are some warning signs homeowners can watch for that point to a slab leak, including:

• Unexplained Increase in the Water Bill: An unusually high water bill with no visible leaks could indicate a hidden slab leak.
• Warm or Damp Spots on the Floor: If homeowners feel unusually warm or damp areas of the floor, it could be a sign of a leak beneath the surface.
• Cracks in the Foundation: Slab leaks can cause water damage, such as foundation cracks.
• Running Water Sounds: Water sounds when the household isn’t using water can signal a hidden leak, like a slab leak.

Ignoring a slab leak can lead to serious consequences for the household, including water damage, foundation damage, and high water costs. If homeowners suspect a leak, they should call a plumber for leak repair. 

What Can Professionals Do to Fix Them?

When a slab leak is suspected, homeowners should call a professional for water leak detection and repair services, which require specialized tools and expertise. A plumber can use acoustic leak detection and thermal imaging to pinpoint the leak's location to avoid unnecessary excavation. 

Once located, repairing the leak will involve strategically accessing the leak under the slab to repair the damaged pipe with as little property damage and excavation as possible. Leak detection and repair services can help fix leaks before they cause more severe and costly water damage to the home.

About The Great Plumbing Co.

The Great Plumbing Co. has nearly 40 years of experience serving the Toronto area. They offer 24/7 live answers, upfront pricing, and the latest technology. Call them for water leak detection and repair services in Toronto, ON.

Contact Information:

The Great Plumbing Co

Toronto, ON M3A 2G6
Canada

Jeff Wright
+1 416-446-0909
https://www.thegreatplumbingco.com/