Why Do Slab Leaks Happen?
A slab leak can cause severe damage to any property, making property owners use a significant amount of money to fix it. This is why it is essential to understand its causes so that you can fix the leak earlier before the damage becomes significant.
Depending on the extent of the leak, you may experience severe water damage to your walls, flooring, appliances, furniture, etc. A slab leak is a severe problem that, if not fixed quickly, may make the foundation of your home split and weaken. You can speak with professionals slab leak repair in Torrance if you suspect that your slab could be leaking..
Why do slab leaks happen
Various reasons can cause slab leaks. Here are some of the most common causes of a slab leak.
1. Bad construction
Poor construction is one of the most common causes of slab leaks. Pipes could have been installed incorrectly when building your home. It could also be because the wrong pipes were used during construction. This is not only against the local building codes but also means that your pipes won’t last long, putting your house at risk.
It may be tempting to go for low-quality pipes to save a little cash, but this will only cause severe damage to your property, requiring a substantial amount of money to fix. So, it is advisable to purchase new high-quality pipes for the slab.
2. Poor water quality
While this may come as a surprise, the quality of water in your home can significantly affect the lifespan of your plumbing pipes. For instance, hard [acidic] water can easily cause the plumbing pipes underneath to corrode and crack over time. To confirm whether or not your water is acidic, check for blue or green stains in the shower, bathtub, toilet, or kitchen sink.
Suppose the signs indicate that you have acidic water. In that case, investing in a water softener is advisable to get rid of chemicals such as calcium and magnesium that make your water too acidic. This can go a long way in extending the lifespan of your plumbing pipes.
3. Abrasion
Abrasion is also another common cause of slab leaks. It occurs when, over time, your plumbing pipes rub against gravel, concrete, or other nearby pipes. That constant friction can make the pipes wear down slowly or make the wall of the pipes thinner, leading to leaks.
Hot water pipes are especially at a higher risk of abrasion than cold pipes because they tend to heat up when the temperature is hot and contract in colder weather. These pipes might crack or tear when exposed to high temperatures.
4. Time
Finally, another major cause of slab leaks is time. Time here means how old the home is. Older homes are more likely to experience slab leaks than relatively new homes. In addition to that, older homes mostly have copper or galvanized steel pipes in the slab. These two types of pipes are at a higher risk of corrosion because they are naturally softer and more delicate to the elements.
If you suspect your house slab could be leaking, it is advisable to call professionals to come and inspect it immediately. A slab leak repair can only be done by a licensed plumbing company.
Slab leak repair is not a DIY task. Repairing a leaking slab requires skills, expertise, and experience because it involves accessing the leak, which is done by digging into the concrete slab. Your flooring may have to be removed, the broken pipe uncovered, and it fixed. As you can see, it is a complicated task.
That’s why you must ensure that you only hire a licensed and experienced plumber for slab leak detection. You are guaranteed excellent results, and these professional plumbers are insured. In case of any damage to your property or injury, the insurance company will cover the cost of damages or treatment.