Slab Leak Repair Services in Logansport, IN

When a water leak develops underneath the concrete slab of a home or business, it is referred to as a slab leak. These leaks are a fairly common plumbing problem, but their ubiquitousness doesn’t make them any less troublesome. Because these leaks are happening underneath heavy slabs of concrete they can be extremely difficult to access for repairs. 

The trick to slab repairs is to catch the problem early on when it’s easiest to find and repair a leak. Catching the leak early also means minimizing the damage that can be done.

Common Signs and Symptoms of a Slab Leak

In order to catch a slab leak before it becomes too critical, homeowners and business owners need to know what to look for.

“Hot Spots”

If homeowners or business owners notice spots in their floor that feel warmer than others, this can be an indicator that the hot water line underneath the slab has ruptured. This is a very easy sign to notice since it’s something that people can feel, but will only be noticeable for the hot water line. If other lines have broken, there will be no perceptible difference between areas that may have water gathering under them and ones that don’t.

Water Gathering Visibly

If a leak has gotten bad enough that water is visibly pooling on the ground or the slab, a plumbing professional needs to be called immediately. This is a sign that the leak is either very large or has been present for a long time. Water leaking from pipes that are creating pools or puddles can be very damaging to a home or building’s structure, and if the water is coming from the walls it can be easy for it to damage other things like electrical systems and insulation.

Showers, Tub, and Toilet Back Ups

If showers, tubs, and toilets are draining very slowly or not all, or if water is coming up through the drains, there’s a good chance there’s a broken water line somewhere in the plumbing system. Identifying which appliances and water features are experiencing backups can help plumbing professionals pinpoint which water line is the source of the issue. 

Backups in these water features do not necessarily guarantee that a slab leak is responsible, but a plumbing professional will be able to determine if there’s another cause.

Cracking or Shifting Foundation

Water’s ability to affect the structural integrity of a home or building should not be underestimated. Water can erode the material a foundation is made of or the soil it’s laid into, making the foundation crack or shift. Repairing slab leaks can be expensive, as can repairing a foundation, so professionals need to be called immediately if you notice changes in a foundation.

Foul Odors

One common symptom of water damage is the proliferation of mold and mildew. As they grow, both mold and mildew can create bad smells, as well as respiratory discomfort in sensitive people. Many people notice these smells before they actually see the mold and mildew. Taking action as soon as you notice a strange smell is important because mold and mildew are a problem that will only get worse with time.

Sub-Par Plumbing

Sometimes building materials are damaged before they’re finally installed in a home. While it can take years for pre-existing damage to manifest as a slab leak, other signs that pipes aren’t what they could usually show up early enough that many homeowners and business owners are aware that their plumbing has issues.  

Poorly installed plumbing is likely to worsen over time as a building settles on top of it. While this isn’t a guarantee that a slab leak will occur down the line, it’s certainly something to keep in mind.

Abrasion

Even though they’re made of rigid materials, pipes will still expand and contract as water flows through them. While this isn’t a problem for some pipes, ones that are located in close proximity to abrasive materials like gravel, concrete, or even other pipes can experience wear and tear as they rub against these things. 

Corrosion

The pipes that cause slab leaks are located underground, meaning they are almost always in direct contact with soil. Depending on the chemical composition of the soil in an area, pipes that are in the soil can corrode and leak. This problem is especially prevalent in homes that have copper piping.

Slab leaks are a common issue that can cause serious damage if not resolved quickly. Knowing the signs and possible symptoms of a slab leak can help you identify it before it causes major damage to your home or business.