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.