Slab Leak Repair in Peru, IN
Slab leaks develop beneath a building’s concrete slab foundation. They’re both very common and very frustrating because the location of these leaks makes them challenging to repair. However, with early detection, finding and repairing slab leaks in Peru is much easier. Property owners should call the experts at Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling as soon as they notice possible signs of a slab leak.
Not sure what to look for? Keep an eye out for the symptoms of slab leaks found below.
One of the most obvious signs of a slab leak is the presence of “hot spots” on the bottom floor. These hot spots occur when hot water lines beneath the slab burst. Unfortunately, multiple fresh and wastewater lines run beneath the slab, not just hot water lines. While it’s safe to assume that hot spots indicate a slab leak, the opposite is not true. The absence of hot spots does not necessarily mean all is well.
When homeowners notice pools of water or other visible signs of leaks, that’s a sign it’s time to take action immediately. There is already water damage occurring to the home, and the situation will only get worse from there. If the bottom floor of the home feels wet or there is water pooling around the foundation outside, call a plumber that knows how to repair slab leaks in Peru.
Whenever the drains in sinks, showers, tubs, and toilets are backing up, that’s a serious sign of trouble. If all of them are backed up at once, the home’s sewer line may be blocked, cracked, or otherwise damaged, and like the other water lines in the home, the sewer pipes run beneath the slab. The best way to tell if the backup is being caused by a slab leak is to schedule an inspection with a plumber who knows what to look for.
Water is more powerful than most people think. It can damage the integrity of the home’s foundation, causing it to crack or even move perceptibly. These are tell-tale signs of a slab leak, so keep an eye out for them and have the problem addressed as soon as possible to avoid further structural damage.
When water infiltrates into the wood and other building materials, it creates a perfect environment for mold and mildew growth. As mold colonies get established and begin to spread, they produce unpleasant, musty odors. Take care of the underlying leak as soon as possible before tackling the mold removal.
Whether homeowners are already dealing with a slab leak in Peru or they just want to get a better understanding of what causes this common problem, they should know that every situation is different. Some of the most common factors that contribute to slab leaks are:
Don’t assume that just because a house is practically new, that means it won’t have any problems with its plumbing. Not all plumbers know how to install pipes beneath a slab. If the home’s original building contractor didn’t do his or her homework when subcontracting out the plumbing work, it could mean the pipes were installed improperly or were damaged before they were installed. While paying for slab leak repairs on a new home in Peru can be frustrating, it’s much more affordable to deal with the problem now than it is to allow it to escalate.
Pipes expand and contract in response to changing temperatures. The pipes found beneath the slab are sometimes placed in direct contact with gravel, concrete, or other pipes. When they expand and contract, the materials rub against the pipes. Eventually, the friction causes abrasion, which can lead to leaks.
Since the pipes that run beneath modern homes are set into the ground, they come into direct contact not just with concrete and gravel, but also soil. Soil moisture can cause corrosion in most types of pipes, though copper and PVC pipes do not rust. If the home’s pipes are made out of galvanized steel or another corrosion-prone material, homeowners can eventually wind up with slab leaks on their hands when the corrosion eats through the pipes.
Not sure if there’s a slab leak or a different type of plumbing problem? The bottom line here is that if there’s something wrong with the home’s plumbing system, it needs to be addressed either way. Call the experts at Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling to schedule an inspection. These professionals have been in business since 1969 and they have tons of experience with diagnosing and repairing slab leaks. They can help.