What Causes Slab Leaks in DFW

What Causes Slab Leaks in DFW

Slab leaks can cause water damage to your home and foundation, increase your water bills, and create mold and mildew problems. We previously mentioned plumbing issues and slab leaks can cause problems with your home foundation, and now we’re here to dive into what kind of issues may be causing those slab leaks in the first place..

Poor Installation

Unfortunately, poor workmanship during initial plumbing installation could be a possible cause for slab leaks.  A small dent or bent pipe could become a large leak over time, and if it goes unnoticed, it could cause a slab leak and major plumbing problems.

Outside Pressure

Soil erosion, ground shifts, and tree roots can cause external pressures that damage pipes. Over time, the movement of the ground around the pipes might lead them to break or leak. If the pipes were poorly installed or are suffering additional damages, then even minor outside pressures can cause major pipe bursts. 

Corrosion and Abrasion

Things like temperature changes, water quality, and water hardness/softness can affect pipes. Many of these instances are naturally-occurring or out of our control, as plumbing may contract and expand in different temperatures and may corrode/wear down from abrasive water. You can take steps to prevent corrosion by installing high-quality pipes, scheduling regular maintenance, and testing your water to help maintain a neutral and less corrosive quality. 

Time

Eventually, time wins in the end. A Slab leak repair may be inevitable on older homes or during major renovations. The majority of slab leaks occur in older homes where pipes have not been maintained well. It’s best to keep an eye on your home’s slab conditions and call on professional plumbing maintenance for repairs and upkeep.

Cathedral Plumbing offers professional slab leak detection for Allen, Carrollton, and surrounding DFW Metroplex homes. We have more information about our slab leak repair services here.

How Can Plumbing Issues Cause Problems with My Foundation

Slab leaks and plumbing issues that affect your foundation are never ideal. These leaks can cause major damage to your home, floors, and furniture, and drastically increase your water bill on top of it! Leaks can lead to mold and mildew, which can cause health problems for those living in the house, not to mention the headache of trying to manage it all! Identifying the problem and contacting our experts as quickly as possible will help prevent long-term damage and give you peace of mind. Learning about leak detection and how plumbing issues can cause foundation problems will help you know what to look for and prevent costly damages.

  • Most plumbing pipes in your home are embedded in your foundation. Your foundation is often a large concrete slab that acts as an intermediary between the ground and your home. Plumbing and sewage systems are often installed first, then the foundation is poured around these systems.
  • The majority of slab leaks occur in older homes where the pipes have aged and corroded, resulting in small leaks that create big problems. Older home foundations can also shift and settle due to weather. Shrinking or swelling soil around the foundation can cause pipes to bend or break.
  • Check out our “Silent Signs Your Home May Have Plumbing Issues” advice. You may be able to identify plumbing issues that involve slab leaks. Be on the lookout for: bad odors from the floors and walls, spiking water utility bills, low water pressure, puddles on the floor, hard to find sources of dripping or flowing water, abnormal floor coloring and temperature, and mold or cracks around your foundation.

If you notice these signs, contact us for a professional evaluation and the best course of action for your plumbing repairs.

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
929 East 41st St Austin, TX 78751
Phone: (512) 936-5200

Robert Maner RMP-41287