Common Causes and Signs That You Have a Slab Leak

October 13, 2020

Do you suspect a leak in your South Florida home? Some leaks occur in the pipes and are easily seen, but some can occur in the underground pipes in your home’s foundation. If you suspect this type of issue, called a slab leak, reach out to the professionally licensed plumbers at Lindstrom Air Conditioning & Plumbing as soon as possible.

What is a slab leak?

In the plumbing industry, a slab leak is a term for a leak occurring in the piping that runs beneath the concrete foundation of your home. These leaks can be very dangerous because they can easily go undetected and create major water damage or even cause your entire home’s foundation to collapse.

What signs should I look for?

There are a few common signs that could mean there is a slab leak in your home. You may notice a spike in your water bill or a moving water meter when you aren’t actively using the pipes.

You should also watch for unusually low water pressure, new cracks in your walls or baseboards, or standing water around the outside perimeter of your home. If you suspect a leak in your home, you can try using our online leak calculator to see if you need to call a professional.

What are the most common causes?

There are a few different causes for a slab leak in your South Florida foundation, some natural, and some man-made. You may have had poor installation of the pipes when your home was built. If the pipes were installed in a place that didn’t give enough room needed to naturally expand and contract, they could wear down, and this deterioration could cause a slab leak.

Some natural causes for slab leaks include ground or foundation shifts, which will cause pressure in your pipes. Underground pipes will likely come into contact with soil or other natural materials that can cause them to corrode over time. Scheduling regular maintenance with Lindstrom can help ensure that potential causes for leaks are monitored and addressed promptly.

How will Lindstrom fix it?

Depending on the size of your home’s slab leak, there are a few options for plumbing repair. If you just have a single leak with easy access, our technicians may be able to do a small spot repair. However, often a slab leak requires a re-piping. Piping is generally installed at the same time, so if you notice one instance of leaking or corrosion, it probably won’t be long until you see more. To prevent more expensive damage, re-piping with a licensed plumber is often the best solution. If you suspect that your South Florida home leaks, reach out to the plumbing experts at Lindstrom today to schedule service online.