How to Handle a Slab Leak: Your Immediate Action Plan

Various factors can cause slab leaks. Whatever the reason, you should get a licensed plumber to fix the problem immediately. Abrasion, moving soil, acidic water, pipe corrosion, and excessive pressure are a few of the most frequent causes.

Soil shift is a widely recognized cause of slab leaks in Orange County. Any home’s foundation can expand or contract based on wet or dry ground. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that substantial damage from soil shift occurs in about 25% of all American homes.

According to the same organization, the annual cost of damage resulting from soil expansion or contraction in the United States alone is $2.3 billion. Both lateral and vertical shifting are typical in soil with high clay or sand content. Soil movement under a foundation can damage water lines, and this sluggish slab leak keeps leaking more water into the soil. Significant property damage may eventually result from this domino effect.

The metals in the ground and the pipes beneath the concrete slab of your house come into contact with each other. This soiling and mixing of different metals can cause corrosion. The progressive deterioration or breakdown of plumbing due to chemical reactions is referred to as corrosion. Contact with extremely hard water can also cause corrosion in pipes. The reason for this is that excessively acidic or alkaline water can cause an imbalance in the pH level that corrodes the pipes.

Abrasion

Pipe vibration while water flows through them under pressure is possible. This vibration can produce enough friction over time to weaken the pipes. This is especially true if the pipes are close to hard surfaces like concrete, gravel, or tree roots. Slab leaks in Orange County eventually result from these defects along the connection points or exteriors of pipes.

Excessive Pressure

Excessive pressure can also cause cracks in the pipes underneath your home’s slab. Seismic pressure from earthquakes or tremors, as well as heavy clay soil, can be one cause of excess pressure. Most pipes can handle certain pressure. However, applying excessive force across their entire surface can wear them down and cause leaks. This may call for immediate slab leak repair in Orange County.

Aging Home

Older homes are more vulnerable to slab leaks. This is especially true for those with cast iron or galvanized steel pipes. The reason is rust and mineral buildup. Speak with EZ Plumbing for a professional diagnosis and fixing.

Signs of a Slab Leak in Orange County

Early detection of slab leaks can prevent significant damage and expensive repairs. The following are typical symptoms to be aware of:

• A slab leak could be the cause if the cost of water increases suddenly without any discernible rise in usage. Significant water loss from hidden leaks can result in higher costs.
• Your floor may develop damp or warm spots as a result of water leaks beneath the slab. These patches should not be disregarded as they frequently point to a hot water pipe leak.
• Slab leaks can optimally create conditions for mildew growth. There may be a leak if you detect mold or a musty odor in unexpected areas.
• Your foundation may move and crack as a result of water seeping from beneath the slab. Check your walls and floors for any new or expanding cracks. These could be signs of foundation movement caused by a slab leak.
• Your home’s overall water pressure may be lowered by a leak beneath the slab. There may be a slab leak if the flow of water from your showerheads or faucets becomes less strong.

What Should I Do If I Suspect a Slab Leak in Orange County?

When you suspect a slab leak, contact EZ Plumbing to acquire slab leak detection expertise. These professionals have the training and resources needed to locate your leak precisely.

Better yet, most of the time there is no need to breach your foundation to perform this detection and diagnosis. For instance, contemporary plumbers frequently use non-invasive methods like thermal scanning or video pipe examination to find slab leaks.

Devices that use sonic equipment, such as ground mics or acoustic systems, can identify excessive water vibration. Although most people don’t have such equipment, only professionals can quickly identify issues with it.

After that, slab leak detection services in Orange County can suggest a course of action. This might involve trenchless slab repair, pipe rerouting, or relining. The decision will be based on the intensity of the leak and other factors.

Neglecting a slab leak can lead to issues that hurt both your property and finances. Even in cases where you do not immediately observe an increase in your water bill, slab leaks eventually lead to other issues. For instance, these leaks may result in widespread mold growth, which could harm the residents’ health.

The foundation of your house may collapse as a result of the worst slab leaks. In comparison to just hiring an expert plumber to fix the problem in the first place, this can reduce the resale price of your house. It can also be far more expensive to fix a leak later.