Concerned you may have a slab leak? Here’s how to identify the problem and get the professional repair services you need to prevent damage to your pluming and home.
Slab leaks can become a nightmare for your home’s plumbing as well as for your home’s foundation and structure. Knowing how to spot the signs of a slab leak can help you to take immediate action to protect your home and plumbing system.
A leak in the plumbing lines that run under your home may not be something you will see or notice immediately, which is why knowing what to look for is so important. Left unchecked, a slab leak could damage your home’s foundation and create a myriad of problems that can leave you with overwhelming repair costs and a whole lot of hassle. Learning to spot the signs of slab leak and understanding the repair and restoration process of this issue can help you to protect your home and ensure your plumbing stays in optimal condition.
Keep reading to discover what you need to know about slab leaks, your home’s foundation, and what you can expect from professional repair.
What Is a Slab Leak?
Your home has copper water lines that run underneath the foundation; over time, leaks can develop in these lines, leading to a variety of problems for your foundation, home and yard. You can find slab leaks anywhere under your foundation; if pipes are present, then leaks are possible.
Slab leaks can occur on both the drainage side and the incoming side of your plumbing. Left unattended, a slab leak can cause your foundation to shift, sag or even collapse entirely. Because of the extensive damage they can cause, slab leaks require early detection and repair as soon as possible.
What Are the Signs Your Home Has a Slab Leak?
Wondering what you should be looking for when it comes to a slab leak issue. If you notice any of the following common warning signs, it’s a good idea to call to a plumber to diagnose the problem and complete repairs before your home is damaged.
- Soaring water bills: That leaking water is going somewhere, and if nothing in the house is overflowing or dripping, then a slab leak could be to blame.
- The sound of running water: If you are not using the washer, dishwasher or taking a shower but still hear running water, you could have a leak. Additionally, if your water meter dial is moving, but you are not using water, then you may be experiencing a slab leak.
- Mildew or a musty smell: Moisture, mildew or a musty smell you can’t track down could point to a slab leak issue.
- Low water pressure: A drop in water pressure could signify a leak in the pipes under your home.
- A soggy, wet yard: Standing water in your yard or even a wet yard when it has not rained means that water is coming from somewhere and requires investigation.
What to Expect from Slab Leak Repair
Diagnosing and repairing a slab leak is not a DIY project. These are tasks that require both specialty tools and plumbing expertise. If you have a slab leak, you need a plumbing professional who will use a variety of time-tested, proven methods to reach the leaking pipes safely and take the necessary steps to replace them.
Cutting into your home’s foundation to access the leaking pipe is not the best approach and can lead to further damage. A plumbing professional will use specialized, high tech tools to assess the leak and precisely locate it, so he or she can target the problem effectively without damaging the rest of the home or plumbing system. Once the technician has identified the problem, he can remove and replace the pipe and repair the disrupted ground.
You can expect a waiting period of several days from detection to repair—the plumber should be able to provide you with an estimate regarding the project’s timeframe prior to beginning work. If there is damage to your home’s floors, the plumber will require additional time to make those repairs.
Does Homeowner’s Insurance Pay for Slab Leak Repair?
Insurers and policies vary, but if your plumber has detected a slab leak, you should check your policy to see if your provider will cover the costs of repair. In most cases, insurance covers the issue, because the damage impacts the foundation of your home, which can lead to the need for even more home repair.
If you spot any of the signs of a slab leak, a call to a trusted, professional plumber can help to diagnose the problem and ensure you have the repair services necessary to prevent further damage. At Sav-On Plumbing, we understand the risks of slab leaks and will be there right away to provide the expertise and customer service you need during this stressful time.
Call 602.488.4647 or connect with us online now and don’t delay if you think you may have a slab leak or any other plumbing problems that can result in significant home damage. We take slab leaks and related issues seriously and will make repairing your home’s plumbing a priority.