A slab leak is the industry term for a leak in the copper water pipes that run underneath a slab foundation. If your home is built on a slab foundation, the water lines usually run underneath that concrete slab. If the pipes get damaged, they will leak underneath your home and can eventually seep in through your foundation. We cover what is a slab leak and the types of water damage it will cause. Plus, we look at the most common signs you have a slab leak.
What Are Slab Leaks?
A slab leak is the term for a leak underneath the slab foundation of your home. As the water pipe leaks, your foundation corrodes. Slab leaks occur due to the pipes corroding, but can also happen as your foundation settles. Earthquakes and other sudden shifts in the ground around your home can also cause small cracks or holes in the pipes.
What Causes a Slab Leak?
- Corrosion – Corrosion is the most common cause of slab leaks. As the pipes sit in the ground, the copper begins to corrode. Eventually, it deteriorates enough that water leaks out of the pipe.
- Ground Or Foundation Shifts – Since the pipes are in the ground, a shift in the soil beneath your house or even the foundation settling can break the water pipes. This is most common in areas prone to sudden ground shifts or earthquakes.
- Abrasion – Similarly to ground shifts, abrasion occurs when temperature changes in the water pipes causing them to shift in the earth. Soil, gravel, sand, and other materials grind against the pipes and eventually cut through.
- Installation Problems – In rare cases, the pipes are damaged during installation or even installed incorrectly. Since the pipes are already weak, a slab leak is more likely.
What Are the Signs of a Slab Leak?
There are several signs you could have a slab leak. If you only have one of these issues, you shouldn’t worry too much. However, you should call for immediate assistance if you notice several of them or have standing water.
Remember, slab leaks only occur in homes that have a slab foundation. The term pinhole leak describes a similar condition where pipes in walls or ceilings corrode and leak.
- Water bill is suddenly or unexpectedly high
- Hear water running all the time
- Carpet is damp or moldy
- Water meter runs even with you aren’t using water
- Ground around your home is unusually wet or soggy
- Water pressure is low or inconsistent
- Water is brown or dirty
- Baseboards or walls crack or warp
- Floors are wet or warm
- Humidity seems abnormally high
- Musty or moldy odors persist or worsen
- Mold grows on your floors, carpeting, or along baseboards
Need help cleaning up a slab leak or flood? Call 1-888-443-3110 now for a free quote and immediate water damage cleanup.
