Homes in the DFW area are at significant risk for slab leaks and damage due to substantial weather changes, shifting soil, and heat and humidity in the air that can quickly cause water to pool and the foundation to shift, leading to slab pipe damage.
Slab leak detection is key. Knowing the warning signs of a slab leak can help you act fast to fix the problem before the repairs become too expensive.
If you need a slab leak repair or another plumbing service, call experienced professionals you can trust, like the team at Hackler Plumbing.
What is a Slab Leak?
Many homes in Texas are built on top of concrete slabs, which act as foundations that support the building.
A slab leak occurs when water builds up underneath this foundation as a result of a pipe water leak. This can eventually leading to a damaged foundation requiring costly repairs. If left unfixed for too long, a slab leak can lead to structural issues, such as cracks in the walls and floors, slanting rooms, and in the most extreme cases, a collapsed home. What’s more, these repairs may not be covered by your home owner’s policy or home warranty.
The Difference Between Water Pipes and Drainage Pipes
Slab leaks become an issue when the water leak comes from the home’s main water pipes and any pipes underneath the home coming off of it. This type of leak is much different and more serious than a typical drain problem.
The drainage system and the main water supply are two separate systems. Drain fixtures are known as bridge fixtures and are part of the system in your home that provides access to water, such as your toilets, tubs, showers, etc.
Most of the time, drain water leaks are not serious, and you can often fix them with a few common tools, inexpensive materials, and a little bit of time. That said, if the main drain is leaking inside the slab this will require professional help.
Warning Signs of a Slab Leak
Because slab leaks occur underneath the house, they often go unnoticed for quite some time and are usually recognized once the damage becomes more apparent. Here are some warning signs for a leaking slab.
Increased Water Bill
One way you can tell you have a slab leak is if your water bill increases a significant amount for no apparent reason. This spike in your water bill is due to constantly running water instead of everyday water use that only occurs when you turn it on.
Warped or Damaged Floors
Water damage to floors is often a sign that you are dealing with a slab leak. Over time, as water continues to flow upwards into the home’s interior, it will warp and rot the flooring.
Low Water Pressure
The main supply provides water to the home through pressure and gravity. When there is a leak, the force will not be nearly as strong when coming out, and you will start noticing low water pressure in the shower or that the sink water doesn’t come out with the same amount of force.
Puddles or Pooling Water
A sign of a slab leak you may notice outside the home is pooling or puddling of water that appears to be coming from underneath the house.
The Sound of Running Water Under the Flooring
If the slab leak is substantial enough, there is a good chance you will be able to hear the free-flowing water spraying out of the pipes.
Bad Smells
After a short period, slab leaks can cause mold spores and mildew to build up underneath carpets and other floorings. If left for too long, the mold can travel up the walls and become a health hazard for your family.
While you may not be able to see mold forming at first, you will certainly be able to smell it.
How Does a Slab Leak Occur?
There are a few different reasons for slab leaks to occur, some being natural causes and others that could be avoided. If you notice a slab leak underneath your home, it is vital to call professional plumbers who are experienced in this area, like Hackler Plumbing, at 214-585-1499.
The Expansion or Contraction of the Soil
Expansion or contraction of the soil underneath the concrete slab foundation can cause significant wear over time.
Texas soil is mainly made up of sandy soils and rough clay that will shift and move during weather changes, usually when the ground goes from wet to dry. This fluctuation will cause the slab to deteriorate and crack.
Misuse of Materials and Poor Construction
If you use the wrong materials or improperly install them, you will end up with a big problem over time.
For example, if the pipes are dented or kinked when installed, they are almost certain to leak at one point or another.
The Elements
The outdoor elements will also play a large role in foundation damage and leaking slab issues. Texas winters are known to bring in a significant amount of rain that penetrates the soil and can cause erosion to the pipes in the slab.
Other outdoor elements known for causing slab leaks are tree roots, underground streams, soil erosion, etc.
Chemical Reaction
With Texas soils, high clay content, and low rainfall, the water that seeps into the ground is often high in alkaline. The imbalance in acidity can cause the pipes to corrode and create significant water leaks.
Why Choose Hackler Plumbing for Your Slab Leaks?
If you are dealing with a slab leak in or around Dallas, Hackler Plumbing can help.
We are well versed in all areas of plumbing, and specialize in slab leak repairs. The Hackler Plumbing team has extensive experience in detecting and fixing slab leaks, from re-piping and rerouting, to tunneling, to minor demolishing, and more. We handle your slab leak problems with the best techniques and tools available today.
There is no reason to go it alone or to request the services of an inexperienced repair company. Call Hackler Plumbing and schedule your appointment today.
