What to do if you have a slab leak

Slab leaks can wreak havoc on your home, potentially causing tens of thousands of dollars in damages by compromising the foundation. So if you have a slab foundation, it’s important that you know how you can identify and deal with a slab leak before it turns into a costly problem.

A slab leak typically involves a leak in the water or sewer lines located beneath your home’s concrete foundation. These leaks can lead to severe structural damage over time, eroding the soil beneath the slab and causing cracks in your walls and floors. Identifying these leaks early can save you from major repairs down the road.

Signs of a Slab Leak

1. Unexplained Increase in Water Bills:
If you notice a sudden spike in your water bills without increased usage, it might indicate a hidden leak.

2. Water Meter Running Constantly:
Check your water meter when no water is being used in the house. If it’s still running, you may have a leak.

3. Hot Spots on Floors:
Warm areas on your floor can be a sign of a hot water leak under the slab.

4. Cracks in Walls or Floors:
Structural damage such as cracks can indicate foundation movement caused by water erosion.

5. Damp or Musty Smell:
Persistent dampness or musty odors may signal a leak, especially if there are no visible signs of water.

Steps to Take if You Suspect a Leak

1. Conduct a Water Test:
Shut off all water-using appliances and fixtures, and check the water meter for movement.

2. Sewer Test:
A plumber can perform a sewer test by inserting a test ball into your sewer line and checking for leaks.

3. Use Professional Leak Detection Equipment:
Utilizing advanced leak detection systems like LeakPro can pinpoint the location of leaks without unnecessary digging or damage.

So what if you find a leak? What happens next? Well, you have a few options.

Repair Options

1. Rerouting Water Lines:
If the leak is on a water line, you might reroute the pipe above ground to bypass the damaged section.

2. Tunneling:
For more severe leaks, especially sewer leaks, consider tunneling under the foundation to access and repair the pipe. This avoids bringing dirt and contamination into your home.

3. Digging:
Sometimes tunneling isn’t the right answer. There are times when you just dig through the floor and slab to get straight to the leak.

One very important thing to keep in mind; before any repair work begins, consult with your insurance company to determine coverage. It’s important to know what insurance will cover and what they won’t. Have that conversation early, or let your plumber do it for you.

There are a couple other things I always did when I had these kinds of jobs as a plumber, and I did them to make sure everyone was safe.

• Hire Professional Dig Crews: When tunneling, use professional crews to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Too many plumbers get caught in collapsing tunnels. Make sure your dig crew knows what they’re doing.

• Consult a Structural Engineer: For extensive repairs, a structural engineer can provide an assessment to ensure your foundation remains sound. After tunneling beneath it, you want to make sure it didn’t impact the structural integrity of your foundation.

Identifying and addressing slab leaks early can save you from costly repairs and potential health hazards due to mold and structural issues. If you suspect a slab leak, don’t wait to seek professional advice and repairs.