Slab Leaks: Damage in Disguise

Have you ever thought about the pipes that bring water into your home and what they look like below the surface? For most of us the answer to this question is no. We all have the same mentality, “out of sight, out of mind”. As long as water comes out of the sink when you turn it on we rarely think about it at all beyond that point.

It is important to remember that those pipes run down underground just below the concrete slab that each of our homes is built on. Sometimes damage can occur to the pipes below the slab, or even the slab itself. This can lead to hard to find, or even hidden water damage in your home. So, how do you determine if you have a slab leak in your home? Well, let’s start by discussing what a slab leak is.

What is a slab leak?

A slab leak is a hole in a pipe that runs underneath the concrete slab below your home. Since the damage to the pipe is below the home these leaks usually go unnoticed for long periods of time. In some cases, they are not identified until there is damage to the homes foundation or the homeowner notices a significant change in their utility bills. Did you know, a hole the size of a pinhead can waste 10,000 gallons of water in one month??

What are the signs of a slab leak?

These are some of the potential signs that you have a slab leak. Keep this list handy for the future so that you can quickly identify a problem.

Foul odor in sewer areas
Abnormally high water pressure: above 71 PSI
Abnormally low water pressure: below 59 PSI
Buckling hardwood, bubbling linoleum, or cracked concrete
“Hot spots” -- isolated areas on the floor that feel warm to the touch
Sound of rushing or hissing water under the floor when no water is in use
Mildew or moisture under carpets in basement
A sudden spike in your water bill for no apparent reason
Cracks in baseboards or walls from shifting foundation
Moving dial on water meter 30 minutes after all sources of water are turned off. Some water meters have a leak detector dial on them as well.
White crusty build-up on the exterior of water pipes

What can cause a slab leak?

There are many things that can contribute to a slab leak, so we have narrowed it down to the 5 most common causes.

Age: The age of the pipes is a major factor. The average lifespan of copper and PVC pipes is 40-50 years.
Corrosion: Most homes built prior to 1970 used galvanized steel pipes. The pipes have a tendency to erode and rust. Which can eventually cause them to split or burst.
Natural Hazards: Tree roots can cause damage to the underground pipes by puncturing them as they grow.
Shifting Ground: Georgia’s soil has a tendency to expand when wet and shrink when dry due to its high content of red clay. The constant changes in the soil can cause damage to pipes.
Faulty Installation or Manufacturers defects: A poor installation job that lacks the proper insulation and supports or has loose fittings can lead to damaged pipes.

If you notice some of the signs of a slab leak in your home, you can call a professional and have them come out to properly identify the problem. Companies use a variety of techniques to identify the location of the leak, including a digital pipe locator, thermal imaging, or an acoustic thermal device. Any company that uses the demolition technique (using a jackhammer to break through the slab in order to find the source of the leak) should be avoided. With the other options the damage to your home is minimal and leaves a much easier repair job.

Keep in mind that sometimes a slab leak can cause actual water damage within your home. In some cases, a pipe below the slab will burst and water will find its way into the home through foundation drainage problems or a crack in the slab itself. ServiceMaster by Bailey is here for you! We are available 24/7/365. At your side and on your side. 770.720.9533