Photo By designbydx at Shutterstock

What Is a Slab Leak?

This is the process where plumbing pipes under the concrete foundation of your home or building become defective and leaks ensue. If this kind of leakage happens above ground for instance on the roof or walls, then its referred to as pinhole leaks.

Since most of the houses are made of concrete slabs, this is quite a common problem. If it is not stopped in time, it can lead to a number of issues. More importantly, fixing slab leaks is quite a daunting undertaking and DIY is not the best approach—some things are best left to the professionals.

That’s why Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is a Mansfield, TX, plumbing company that has made its life’s mission to help the resident of the region with the undertaking.

What Are the Signs of a Slab Leak?

Most of the slab leaks resemble other plumbing problems. It is actually very difficult to diagnose this problem. Sometimes it takes a professional plumber to detect slab leaks.

However, this should not be a source of scare, because there are some basic signs that allow you to detect the problem and some of them include:

  • Unaccounted Sound of Running Water

When water is moving through your pipes in your home, it makes audible noise. If you hear the sound of running water that you can’t account for in any of your appliance or faucet, probably, you may have a slab leak.

  • A Spike in Your Water Bill

With a slab leak, water will run 24/7. This will, of course, make the water bill unusually high. Even though this will not necessarily signify a leak beneath the foundation, it is one of the most common sign of the problem. Before engaging the services of a plumber, you should always check exposed pipes beneath your sinks and faucets first to confirm there is no leakage. If you don’t find the problem, then you may engage the help of a professional to diagnose the pipes beneath the slab. Good news for the residents of Fort Worth and Mansfield, TX, is that we have skilled plumbers to help you with the undertaking while you sit back and relax.

  • Water Pooling Where It Shouldn’t

This one of the most common signs that point to a slab leak. If copper pipes start leaking beneath the concrete, water will accumulate under the foundation. Eventually, it will find a way to escape to the surface. This happens on the outside of the foundation but sometimes it also occurs inside the house. That’s why you should always on the lookout for water pooling in areas it shouldn’t. However, make sure there are no hoses in the vicinity or any other source of water. If so, know that it’s about time to engage the services of a plumber.

  • Mold and Mildew

It is a known fact that mold and mildew grow on damp and wet floors. Sometimes you may not be able to see it but you will definitely smell it. If the foundations become saturated with water, then it will tend to attract these fungi. Be on the lookout for mold and mildew because it is a sign of a slab leak.

  • Cracking Foundation

This is an advanced stage of a slab leak. If not addressed quickly it might lead to other detrimental issues. When water starts leaking beneath the foundation, it forces its way to the outside. With time it weakens the foundation, which starts to buckle. If you encounter this sign, engage the services of a plumber promptly.

  • Warped Hard Flooring and Damp Carpets

Accumulations of water from slab leaks reach flooring with time causing visible damage. If you have carpets in your home, they will start getting damp. If it’s a hot water leakage you will start experiencing some mysterious hot spots on the flooring. Always be on the lookout for warping of any kind or floor spots that appear darker and if you detect the problem, don’t hesitate to call a plumbing professional.

  • A Decrease in Water Pressure

Leakages cause less water to flow through your faucets and water fixtures in your home. a flow with unusually low pressure may point to a slab leak. However, it is not always the cause. Sometimes clogged pipes cause a decrease in water pressure. That’s why you will always need a keen eye of a professional to determine the underlying cause.

  • Constant Running Water Heater

A hot water slab leak is tantamount to a running hot water faucet. This means the water heater will work throughout. If you notice your water heater running constantly, then this is an indication of a hot water leak. More importantly, you may start noticing unusually high-power bills. Then if you detect this sign, it’s about time you received a visit from your plumber.

What Are the Methods of Fixing a Slab Leak?

Fixing a slab leak is a complicated undertaking. That’s why if you are in Mansfield, TX, we implore you to call a professional. The processes involved in slab leaks repair include:

  • Cutting open the foundation and fixing the leak– This method is used when fixing newer pipes.
  • Pipe coating– This is used in scenarios where the pipe cannot be cost-effectively repaired by cutting open the foundation.
  • Re-piping the entire line– This approach is used in old homes.

Get Premium Slab Leak Repair Services

Are you looking for a professional plumber? Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is a plumbing contractor who believes the only way to do a job is the right way. We a locally-owned company so we have a personalized touch with our clients. Our hand-picked plumbers are top-notch experts who possess excellent craftsmanship. We specialize in both residential and commercial plumbing in Mansfield, TX, and the surrounding regions.

Whether it’s a small slab leak or complicated leaks, you have come to the right place. More importantly, we offer emergency plumbing services to the residents of Mansfield, TX. Our plumbers’ reputation precedes them in the region. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we don’t cut corners, we fix them.

Contact us today for a free quote.