What To Know About Slab Leak Repairs

A slab leak is one of those plumbing problems that can quickly escalate into a stressful situation. These leaks happen when pipes beneath the concrete foundation of your home develop cracks or leaks, allowing water to seep into the foundation. Left unchecked, slab leaks can lead to significant structural damage, higher water bills, and mold growth. If you’re a homeowner in the Dallas area, our team at Legacy Plumbing has put together this guide to help you learn about the causes, warning signs, and repair options for slab leaks so you can protect your home.

What Causes Slab Leaks?

Slab leaks are often caused by a combination of factors, most of which develop over time. These factors can include:

• Pipe corrosion: This occurs when water reacts with metal pipes, causing them to weaken and eventually leak. The minerals in hard water can accelerate this process.
• Shifting soil: Shifts in the soil beneath your home can put pressure on the foundation and plumbing system, causing pipes to crack or break.
• Poor installation: Improper installation or low-quality piping materials can result in weakened joints or connections, leading to leaks.
• High water pressure: Overly high water pressure can wear down your plumbing over time, creating vulnerabilities that result in leaks.

Warning Signs of a Slab Leak

Slab leaks can go unnoticed for a while, but there are a few telltale signs to watch out for. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call a professional plumber:

• Sudden spikes in your water bill
• Warm spots on the floor
• Damp or wet areas on carpets or flooring
• Unexplained mold or mildew growth
• Low water pressure throughout the house
• Sound of running water when no fixtures are in use
• Cracks in walls or flooring

How Are Slab Leaks Repaired

Once a slab leak is identified, repairing it requires specialized techniques to minimize damage to your home’s foundation. A plumbing team might use one of these methods:

• Direct access repair: This involves jackhammering through the concrete slab, digging down to the leaking pipe, and making the necessary repairs. It is the most direct method but also the most invasive.
• Tunneling under the slab: Instead of cutting through the slab, a tunnel is dug through the dirt beneath the foundation from the outside of the home, allowing the plumber to reach the leak without disrupting the interior of the house.
• Rerouting the line: If the damaged pipe is beyond repair, the leaking line is abandoned, and a new line is run through the walls or attic, bypassing the damaged section. This method is less invasive and minimizes disruption to your home.
• Pass-through: In some cases, a new line can be run through the existing copper pipe, using the old line as a sleeve. This technique is effective when the damaged section of the line is relatively short, but shrinks the diameter of the pipe.

The right repair method depends on the severity of the leak, the condition of the plumbing system, and the structure of the home.

How To Prevent Slab Leaks

Slab leaks can’t always be avoided, but there are steps homeowners can take to reduce the risk of developing them:

• Monitor water pressure: High water pressure puts stress on your pipes and can lead to leaks. Install a pressure regulator if needed.
• Schedule regular plumbing inspections: Routine inspections can catch small issues before they become major problems.
• Filter hard water: Hard water accelerates corrosion, so installing a water filtration system can protect your pipes.
• Address foundation shifts: If you notice changes in your home’s foundation, consult a professional to stabilize the soil and reduce pressure on your plumbing.
• Upgrade older pipes: Replacing outdated or corroded pipes can prevent leaks in the future.

Call Legacy Plumbing for Expert Repairs

If you suspect you may have a slab leak in your home, call the team at Legacy Plumbing for assistance. Our experienced team serves homeowners in North Dallas with expert slab leak detection and repair services. We offer upfront pricing and use advanced techniques to minimize disruption while protecting the integrity of your home’s foundation.

Life runs better with Legacy. Contact us today for slab leak detection and repairs in the Dallas area!