Answers to FAQs About Slab Leaks

Get Informed About Slab Leaks 

A slab leak can occur at any home that sits on a foundation and has underground plumbing. Homeowners can prepare for a potential slab leak by educating themselves on what a slab leak is and what the warning signs may be. Keep reading to find out what exactly a slab leak is, why they are dangerous, and how professional plumbers fix a slab leak. 

As far as plumbing leaks go, slab leaks are one of the most difficult leaks to fix. One of the toughest parts of a slab leak is slab leak detection. Extensive property damage has often already occurred before the slab leak is first noticed.

What Is a Slab Leak? 

Most houses are built on a cement foundation that anchors the home into the ground. The “slab” is part of the home’s cement foundation. It is the solid surface of cement directly under the first floor for structural integrity. The plumbing connections that lead to the main water line are often located under the slab. 

A slab leak is when a pipe bursts or springs a leak underneath the slab, causing water to come up through the floor into the house. Even if a lot of water is seeping up through the floors or carpet on the house's first floor, there is likely more water soaking into the soil beneath the foundation.

Are Slab Leaks Dangerous?

Slab leaks can have serious consequences on the structural integrity of a house. Depending on the severity of the leak, there could be a lot of water pouring into the soil under the house. The softening of the soil from leaking pipes underground can cause the foundation to shift further, leading to more cracks in the foundation and issues with the underground plumbing. 

The risk of water damage from a slab leak is high. Because the slab and underground plumbing are out of sight and out of mind, it could take days, weeks, or even months to notice a slab leak. On the other hand, it takes only three days for mold to begin to grow due to the moisture from the leak. 

Homeowners should be on the lookout for signs of a slab leak. Warning signs of a slab leak include cold, wet spots on the floor or a sudden, unexplainable spike in water bills. Signs of water damage to the flooring, such as warped wood or cracked tiles, can also indicate a slab leak. 

Can Slab Leaks Be Fixed?

The first step to fixing a slab leak is finding the source of the leak. But how does a plumber find the source of the slab leak without tearing up the cement foundation? There are multiple methods to find a slab leak, including leak detection devices. Professional plumbers have specialized tools for tackling tough jobs like locating foundation leaks. 

The plumber’s challenge is to fix the slab leak with as little disruption to the home as possible. It takes a skilled and experienced plumber to handle a slab leak repair successfully. Slab leak repair often requires rerouting the pipes to avoid drilling through the foundation. It may be necessary to repair the foundation and the plumbing in some cases where the leak was left too long and caused extensive damage. 

About Honest Abe's Home Services 

Honest Abe’s Home Services is proud to serve the community of Osage Beach, MO, with high-quality plumbing and home services from local, dependable experts. They provide upfront pricing, tailored solutions, and fast turnarounds. They are also available 24/7, so call Honest Abe’s Home Services today for plumbing services in Osage Beach, MO.

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