DIY homeowners are often able to fix minor plumbing issues if they’re savvy. It is simple to replace a faucet leak, fix a toilet fill valve, or unclog your kitchen sink. A lot of homeowners can fix minor leaks with little effort and the right tools. The other type of plumbing issue is more difficult to fix. This problem can go unnoticed for several weeks or even months.

We’re going to share critical information today about slab leaks – those hidden leaks in your hot and cold water pipes, buried under the foundation of your home.

If you’ve never had a slab leak, it’s a good thing. Even so, it’s worth learning more about this plumbing issue so that you can take action before a slab leaked.

What is a Slab Leak?

You don’t have to worry about slab leaks if your home has a crawlspace and/or basement. Under-slab plumbing is available for homes built on slab foundations. In this system, the plumbing pipes are surrounded by cement.

You can see that anything buried in cement is hard to repair, access, or troubleshoot. This is the best way to get water into your home, and it’s also the most economical.

If you had xray vision, you would be able to see the copper and water lines that are connected at manifolds. Each line is routed to fixtures in your house. These water lines provide hot and cold water for your showers, toilets, and washing machines.

Sometimes, one of the water lines can develop a pinhole leaking. A slab leak is almost here! What causes slab leaks and how common are they? In the next section, we’ll answer these questions.

How slab leaks develop under a foundation

People who live in areas that are prone to earthquakes have a greater risk than others. Even the smallest earthquakes are not often covered by national media. However, they can put pressure on pipes, causing them crack.

Sometimes, stress can cause soil to shift which can lead to slab foundation movement. Even if you live far from an earthquake hot spot, poor building or soil erosion could cause soil shifting.

Also, slab leaks can be caused by abrasion. Again, use your x-ray vision to visualize the water flowing through the pipes. The pipe’s movement can create vibrations. These vibrations can lead to excessive wear. The pipe will eventually develop a pinhole leak.

Even though copper is a strong material for water supply lines it isn’t infallible. Even the most experienced of us can be affected by age and corrosion.

Signs that you have a slab leak

We’ve already talked about how slab leaks are hidden, under your feet (and underneath your nose). How can you detect if you have a slab leak?

Use your senses!

You should pay close attention to the temperature if water is coming up from under your floor. If radiant heat doesn’t appear and hot water feels hot, you may have a hot water slab problem.

Your nose is another way to detect moisture. Moldy odors can be detected in homes with excessive moisture. If the source is not obvious, contact your plumber. They are experts in diagnosing the problem.

Keep your ear open! A leak is indicated by the sound of water running, especially when no one is using it. It’s possible to hear a slab leak if the sound comes from underneath the floor.

Your water bill may be a clue. Leakage can be indicated by rising water bills without any explanation.

You have a problem with your plumbing, regardless of whether you have slab leaks or not. Don’t delay in calling a plumber. The issue could lead to water damage.

A Plumber is the Best Slab Detective

While all your evidence could point to a slab problem, it is not possible to rely only on your senses. A professional plumber can inspect the situation and detect a slab-leaking leak.

Plumbers use their senses but also have the latest plumbing technology. Ground mics are used by plumbers to pick up leaks caused when water flows through pipes. Pinhole leaks can often be identified by using a video camera.

How Glendale, CA Plumbers approach sink leak repair

Slab leaks can be dealt with by plumbing professionals in a variety of ways. The pipe condition and severity of the leak will influence which one they choose.

A Glendale, CA Plumber will repair or replace the affected section if there is a small portion of damaged pipe. This is the most practical and minimally invasive solution.

A damaged or old pipe may not be repairable. The repair may cause leakage in the existing pipe. If this happens, the plumber may decide to reroute your pipe.

The entire system of your pipes may be showing signs of serious deterioration if you live inside an old house. Local Glendale, CA Plumbers will often recommend re-piping, to avoid costly repairs and future leaks. Re-piping is a very invasive process that requires cutting into the slab as well as the floor.

Trench less pipe repair is an alternative. A Glendale, CA Plumber can make access holes to each end of the leaking pipes with pipe relining. The plumber will then press a new lining through the existing pipe. This will cover and seal the leaks.

You need to schedule slab leak detection and repair

If all signs point to a slab leak under your foundation, then what should you do? A slab leak is not as simple as other plumbing issues. It requires more than a wrench and quick fixes.

It’s time for a local Glendale, CA Plumber to help you if you suspect a slab-leaking problem. The plumber will work closely with you to find the best solution.