Slab leaks are to be taken very seriously. If you find any of the signs
of a leak occurring, it’s imperative that you quickly contact an
experienced plumber to diagnose the problem. They can cause thousands
of dollars in damage if left unattended.
Causes Of Slab Leaks
There are several causes for slab leaks. Unfortunately, none of them are
clear signs as they can be caused by other plumbing issues as well. For
example, water stains can be caused by air conditioning leaks, busted
pipes or other issues that occur. A licensed plumber can identify the
real cause of the problem. Here are some of the culprits that cause slab
leaks to occur.
- Friction: While there aren’t a lot of earthquakes in Cincinnati,
there could still be problems with friction under the ground. As earth
shifts, tree roots grow and other factors come into play, pipes can begin
to rub against rocks, debris or each other which can eventually lead to leaks.
- Water Pressure: High water pressure can be too much for pipes to handle
and overtime could cause leaks to occur. This could be due to friction,
poor construction or other causes.
- Construction: Putting down pipes is not as easy as you think. It requires
experience and an understanding of how a plumbing system works, even years
after construction is completed.
Even tiny mistakes can become big problems years down the road.
How To Detect A Slab Leak
While many of the symptoms of slab leaks are not as noticeable as other
plumbing problems, it’s important to know what to look for so that
you can identify a problem as quickly as possible. Early detection could
keep repair costs down and prevent bigger problems from occurring.
- Sound: You may notice the sound of running water in areas you usually do
not hear it. This includes walls and under the foundation.
- Cracks: This is the most obvious sign and you want to make sure that you
call an experienced plumber as soon as you see any cracks in the foundation
or walls. This includes outside. Often, people mistake cracks for simple
shifting in the ground under the concrete. That could be the case but
it’s best to make sure.
- Puddles: If you are walking around in the house or outside of it and notice
unusual puddles it’s a clear sign of slab leaks and needs to be
addressed quickly.
- Mold, mildew, stains: In some cases, you may not see puddles or big cracks.
However, if you notice the development of mold, mildew or water stains
anywhere and you cannot explain their cause, you want to have the area
inspected by a licensed plumber. It could be a sign of bigger problems.
At Best Plumbing Service of Cincinnati, we take slab leaks seriously as
they can cause serious damage to your home. If you notice any of these
signs it’s important that you give us a call so that we can come
out and diagnose the problem.
