What Is A Slab Leak?

We all know if the foundation of your home is damaged, it's not good news. A slab leak can be more damaging than a regular pipe burst, but if you catch it quick you can minimize the damage it may have to your foundation.

What is a Slab Leak?

A slab is a single concrete base and is the foundation your home sits on.

A slab leak is a term used to describe a leak that has developed in the copper water lines running below the concrete foundation of your home

Why Does It Leak?

  • Corrosion: your pipes are underground, so weather changes and soil can cause your pipes to corrode over time
  • Installment issues: it's possible that when your house was built there were mistakes or damage that can cause you to have a slab leak later on, this is more common in older homes.
  • Wear and Tear: pipes expand and contractwith the weatherand if a pipe freezes it can burst from the pressure. The pipes must also have room to contact and expand so if there is anything that it could come in contact with likeconcrete or gravel the pipes may rub against them and cause damage.

What Are The Signs?

  • Your floor has hot spots
  • High water bill
  • Wet floor or carpet
  • Low water pressure
  • Standing Water

WhatShould You Do?

You should always call for professional help with a slab leak. You may need a plumber to identify the problem, but you also may need other contractors to fix the side effects of the leak such as mold, standing water removal, or reconstruction of damage to your home.

(P.S) If you are buying your home ask the seller of any previous foundation issues and take note of the age of the home

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House Buying Options

When youlook at new homes it may not be top of mind, but you have to take into account the foundation of the home. There are many pros and cons of a home that has a slab foundation based on your personal preferences, clickhereto learn more

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Copper Pipes

  • Built to last 70-80 years
  • Soft and bendable metal so it can contract and retract
  • Copper pipes in the foundation are under cement