Slab Leak Repair | Plumbing Fort Worth

Concrete slabs form the foundation of many homes providing a stable foundation for regions with clay soil, though it doesn’t completely eliminate the risks. When slab leaks occur in a home’s plumbing in Fort Worth, costly damage to the foundation, the home’s structural integrity and mold become serious concerns. Due to these risks, when a slab leak is suspected, the homeowner should schedule slab leak repair from a plumber in Fort Worth to stop the damage that may be occurring.

Causes of a Slab Leak

There are a number of factors that can result in a slab leak. Some of the most common are as follows:

Shifting soil is a potential factor increasing the vulnerability of a home’s plumbing in Fort Worth beneath slab homes. After a home is constructed, the soil beneath begins to settle. If water finds its way under the slab due to poor grading for example, clay soil will expand, then contract as the soil dries out. Both factors can play a role in shifting soil.

Earthquakes and even minor tremors may be an additional cause of shifting soil. In a slab home, the plumbing in Fort Worth is buried beneath the slab, and is vulnerable to damage caused by shifting soil.

Other potential causes include poor wrapping of the pipes and/or the use of poor quality plumbing materials during the homes initial construction, pipe corrosion, which may be due to water chemistry, and elevated water pressure can lead to water leaks.

Even a small leak can cause the soil to move, which may make the leak worse. A leak may seem small, but over the course of a year, hundreds of thousands of gallons of water can be lost through the smallest of leaks, right under your home’s foundation. The results can be devastating and costly.

If you suspect a slab leak, schedule prompt leak detection services with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Being aware of the potential signs of a slab leak is vital for homeowners. Awareness will alert you to the need for repair to your home’s plumbing in Fort Worth. When caught early, this can reduce the consequences of a slab leak.

When to Call for Leak Detection

There are two types of slab leaks, those due to a broken water line (either hot or cold), and those caused by a leaking sewer line. Any of the following signs can indicate the need for leak detection.

If You See:

• Cracks in the foundation and/or walls
• Increased growth or greener color of foundation plants
• A noticeable shift in the soil around the home
• Discolored hardwood, stained linoleum or cracked tile
• Unexplained water on the floor
• An elevated water bill with no known explanation

If you hear:

• The sound of running water with no explanation

If you feel:

• Warm spots on the floor can indicate a leaking hot water line
• Wet sheetrock or floor molding
• Wet carpet or rugs
• Uneven floors

If you smell:

• Musty, moldy or unpleasant odors originating from floors or walls

Testing for a Water Leak

An unexplained high water bill may be the first warning a homeowner has of a potential leak. A water meter test can confirm if a leak is present:

The Water Meter Test

1. Select a time when no other family members are home. Shut off all appliances that may use water during the test such as the ice maker, dishwasher and sprinklers.

2. Write down the numbers on the meter. Do not use any water for one hour.

3. After one hour recheck the meter reading. If the numbers have changed you may have a water leak.

Sewer Pipe Leaks Sewer pipe leaks may be undetected for some time, leading to foundation damage. Potential signs are the odor of raw sewage and uneven floors.
Providing early leak detection and slab leak repair is the best means of minimizing damage to your home and foundation when a slab leak occurs in your plumbing in Fort Worth.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing provides plumbers with the expertise and the latest state-of-the-art technology available to locate and provide slab leak repair in your plumbing in Fort Worth. We provide service in Fort Worth, Arlington and the surrounding areas. We are a member of the BBB with a rating of A+. Thanks for visiting Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.