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Common Causes and Possible Signs of a Concrete Slab Leak

It is not unusual for you to notice leaks in your home from time to time. Leaks not only raise the water bill, but can also compromise the structure of the building. You can fix some of them by using basic plumbing tools however, there are times you will have to call a drain line repair professional.
When the leakage is under a concrete slab, it is a little harder to detect. The problem is that the leaking can cause a lot of damage if you do not repair it on time. If you notice there is a pipe that’s broken under the slab, you should get a professional from a plumbing company to check it.

What Causes a Slab Leak?

Slab leaks occur under concrete, where it is harder to reach or detect. There are several reasons why you may have a pipe that seeps out water:

  • Earthquakes: In California, slab leaks may be from earthquakes. According to a tracking website, there were more than 20,674 earthquakes in the last 365 days. The tremors will cause the foundation to shift, concrete to break, and water pipes may detach.
  • Low-Quality Pipes: Older structures may have pipes of a lower grade, which are prone to corrosion. If such pipes were installed under the concrete, they might be the piping causing the slab leak.
  • Unprofessional Installations: Leaks may happen if the installation of pipes under the floor was not done properly. They are more prone to corrosion or a shifting foundation.

Signs You Have a Slab leak

Before you call plumbing companies to do a drain line repair, you need to determine that you have a slab leak. You may also establish where the leak is coming from to decide the next course of action.
High Water Bills: One thing you’ll notice is that you are using a lot more water than you usually do. If your consumption has remained more or less the same over time, but the bill has increased without any good reason, you should check the other signs.
Mold and Mildew: If there is leaking, water will accumulate in unlikely places. As a result, mold may grow under the carpet. You should also check behind the drywall for signs of mold and mildew. You may also notice a funky smell around your home. If you cannot locate the leakage, get a professional from plumbing companies in San Diego, Ca, to inspect your home.
Low Water Pressure: Have you noticed a change in the pressure of water? To confirm that there is low pressure, turn of all the other taps, and only keep one on. If the water is not coming out with the usual force, it means there is a leaking pipe somewhere.
Elevated or Warped Floors: You may also find that the floor or concrete is shaping into a dome or has cracks. That is usually as a result of the foundation shifting. It happens when water drains through the floor and accumulates in the foundation. The accumulation of water may also affect walls, which makes doors and windows harder to close.

Fixing the Slab Leak

You should first rule out other possibilities by checking your faucets, heating appliances, and taps in your toilet and bathroom. If you detect some pipes that are leaking water, but you have no idea where it is coming from, you should consider consulting plumbing companies.
The problem with a burst pipe under concrete is that fixing it may involve digging, which is extensive. However, a plumbing company will have sophisticated tools and techniques for drain line repair and/or drain line replacement as well as sewer line replacement. There are trenchless systems where the excavation of the concrete and earth is not necessary.

In Conclusion

Many signs could indicate leaking under the concrete slab. In case the problem is with your drain line, you should first consider drain line repair before you can start thinking of a replacement. Or better yet, you could get professional plumbing companies in San Diego, CA to evaluate and address the issue decisively.

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