Sneaky Slab Leaks…and the Solution
Most of the time, there is no question when you have a plumbing disaster on your hands. For example, if a pipe bursts in your Orange County home and your garage is filled with water, it’s pretty obvious that something terrible has happened. However, some plumbing problems are not as obvious, though they can be just as damaging. The concrete slab leak is one of those problems.
How do you know when a pipe is leaking in your slab?
One hint is that your water bill is suddenly high. Another is that your water pressure is low. In addition, floors or carpets may be damp or have mildew. Floors may be cracked or warm in one area. Even cracks in walls could signal a slab leak. If you hear the sound of running water when no water should be running, your response should be, “Uh oh!”
How do these slab leaks happen?
Slab leaks can be caused by several things.
- Acidic or hot soil can attack copper, causing pitting. This ultimately leads to leaks.
- Water treatment from the water department can also contribute to slab leaks. Currently, California is adding a mixture of chlorine and ammonia, called chloramine, which reacts to copper and may cause leaks.
- Sometimes, slab leaks occur as the result of your house shifting on its foundation.
The solution? Call us, of course. Barker and Sons have the proper equipment to identify where the leak or leaks are occurring. In many cases, repairs are made with minimal disruption to property. For example, sometimes just a single floor tile needs to be removed.
What if you’ve got a doozy?
If leaks are extensive or hard to reach under a bathtub, shower, or expensive flooring, we recommend capping off the existing underground pipes and rerouting the water pipes through the walls or attic using durable and flexible PEX piping. At Barker and Sons, we have over 28 years of experience repairing slab leaks. If you are having an issue, please call us. We are always happy to help!
