A slab leak is a water leak that occurs underneath the concrete foundation (or “slab”) of a home. These leaks usually come from the water or sewer lines that run under the slab. Because the leak is hidden beneath the concrete, it can go unnoticed for a long time and cause serious damage to your home's foundation, flooring, and even your walls.
Common Causes of Slab Leaks
There are several reasons why a slab leak might happen, including:
- Corrosion: Over time, water pipes made from metal can rust and corrode, eventually leading to holes or cracks.
- Shifting Soil: Changes in the ground beneath your home due to moisture or natural settling can cause pipes to move or break.
- Poor Installation: Pipes that were not installed correctly may be more likely to leak due to pressure or weak joints.
- Water Pressure: High water pressure can stress pipes, especially over time, and lead to small cracks that eventually become leaks.
- Aging Pipes: Older homes with aging plumbing systems are more likely to develop slab leaks simply due to wear and tear.
How to Identify a Slab Leak
Because slab leaks are hidden, you have to watch for signs around the house. Here are some of the most common signs:
- Unexplained water bills: A sudden increase in your water bill without a clear reason could mean water is leaking somewhere under the slab.
- Warm spots on the floor: If a hot water line is leaking, you might feel a warm or hot area on your floor.
- Damp flooring or carpet: Moisture or mold on your flooring can point to a leak under the foundation.
- Low water pressure: A leak in your system can reduce water pressure throughout the house.
- Sound of running water: Hearing water running when all taps are off could indicate a leak.
DIY vs. Professional Repair
While it may be tempting to try and fix a slab leak yourself, it's not usually a DIY-friendly job. Slab leaks require special tools and knowledge to locate and fix properly. A professional plumber can use leak detection equipment to find the exact location of the leak without tearing up your entire floor. They can then recommend the best repair method, whether it's spot repair, rerouting, or pipe lining.
DIY methods often lead to bigger problems if the leak isn't fixed correctly the first time. It's always safer (and often more affordable in the long run) to let a licensed plumber handle the job.
Why Choose All Good Plumbing for Slab Leaks in Oklahoma
If you're in Oklahoma and dealing with a suspected slab leaks in Oklahoma, All Good Plumbing is here to help. We're a family-owned business with over 20 years of experience. Our team understands the stress plumbing problems can cause and works hard to provide fast, reliable, and honest service. We find the problem, fix it right the first time, and make sure your home is safe and dry.
Services We Offer:
In addition to slab leak repair, All Good Plumbing offers a full range of residential plumbing services including:
- Leak detection and repair
- Water heater repair and installation
- Faucet and toilet repair
- Drain cleaning
- Sewer line services
If you think you might have a slab leak, don't wait. The longer you wait, the more damage it can cause. Call us today at 615-967-0552 or visit allgood.plumbing to schedule a visit.
We're here to help with all your plumbing needs, including expert residential plumbing repair services you can trust.