Slab leaks occur under the foundation where the water pipes carry water to and from home. Shifting soil can lead to the movement of these pipes. If the pipes have cracks or holes in them, it can lead to costly issues. Sometimes it's a water leak that causes the soil to shift, causing further damage to the pipes. A slab leak is a major problem, especially in Florida, where a normal high underground water table.
A water leak can cause erosion in the ground under your home, especially if it seeps into the water table. This is the start of a chain reaction that can include the deterioration of the concrete foundation of your home. Your flooring will be the first area a leaky pipe ruins. Water damage may cause the floors to settle at a slant on all levels of your home.
If the slab foundation breaks or cracks, it can cause problems with walls, doors, windows, and even roofs. Your windows and doors will not close properly. This will affect effect upper floors and possibly the pitch of the roof. You can lose your home if the pipe leaks are allowed to spread and slowly but surely, eat away at your foundation.
A single leak can cause mildew and mold to thrive in Florida's warm, moist environment. They do not need sunlight to grow and take over your home. Slime mold is as bad as its name suggests. A black or brown slime can start on your lowest floor and work its way up the walls as long as it has moisture. A flooded basement or a slab leak in a garage gives mold a good place to start.
The problem is that you may not notice the change in your foundation immediately. For example, your water bill may be going up, but you think your usage has not increased. You may also notice odd wet spots on or around your pool deck that won't stay dry even when the sun is directly on them.
A crack or break in the garage's cement floor may be your first indication of a slab leak. However, many homeowners may not be aware of a leak until they spot moldy baseboards. In addition, mildew in the basement or under sinks indicates a possible water main or sewer line leak.
Slab leaks may occur from improper installation of pipes, foundation damage, pipe corrosion, or tree roots causing stress on pipes.
Depending on the reason for your slab leak, you may find that your insurance policies for your home or swimming pool cover part of the repair costs. Labor costs for your slab repair and material costs will factor differently into each repair.
In order to prevent future leaks, you want to hire a professional to use the proper equipment and use the right tools to repair the leak correctly the first time.
Contact us for immediate diagnosis and repairs if you suspect a leak in your slab foundation. You cannot afford to wait until it grows larger.
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