The majority of homes in Mesa and Gilbert, Arizona have concrete slabs underneath them that help prevents clay soil foundations from cracking. While these slabs are great for reinforcing a home’s structural integrity, they can experience leaks that pose a threat to a home.
Do you think that you might have a slab leak? Read on to learn more about how to detect a slab leak, options for slab leak repair, and cost estimates for repairing a slab leak.
What is a Slab Leak?
The “slab” of a home is the concrete foundation that it is built on. Oftentimes, water and other sewer lines run either below or through the slab. When these lines break or deteriorate, they release water that flows underneath or into your foundation. This release of water is what causes a slab leak.
How to Detect a Slab Leak
It’s not easy to detect a slab leak. Oftentimes, you can’t even tell you have one until a lot of damage has been done, as the most common type of leak is a pinpoint leak that slowly releases water. Here are some early signs that might point to a slab leak in your home:
- Higher water bills.
- Lowered water pressure.
- Damp carpets, floors, or baseboards.
- The sudden sound of running water.
- Mold.
- A bulge in your hardwood floor.
The best thing you can do if you think you might have a slab leak is to hire a professional to come take a look at what’s going on. They’ll have the proper tools and equipment – like thermal imaging, moisture level meters, and video cameras – to detect and fix a slab leak.
Slab Leak Repair Options
There are three main ways that you can fix a slab leak.
- Repair: Repairing leaks in plumbing lines under your foundation slab involves using a jackhammer to break the slab open. Once the slab is open, you go in to repair the line. This option should be done by professionals who know how to use the jackhammer in a way that reduces damage.
- Reroute: A reroute involves setting a new path for your water supply to go through. Generally, this new route goes around the slab rather than underneath or through it. Rerouting is a great solution as it can also prevent any future slab leaks in that water line.
- Repipe: Repiping is the most comprehensive and intense solution. This involves repiping the entire house’s water lines. Normally, this is done when there is a fear that the whole home’s plumbing system is compromised. While this may sound like more work, it can prevent having to spend money on multiple expensive repairs in the future.
More Reading: What To Expect With a Slab Leak Repair
Slab Leak Repair Costs
When there’s a problem that threatens the safety of your home, you might feel like you’d pay anything to have it fixed. And while cost shouldn’t be the first thing you think about, it’s important to be educated on what the right price is. Make sure to get an estimate on your slab leak repair’s cost from a few different trusted plumbers in your area.
Conclusion
At Phend Plumbing, we are well-experienced in repairing slab leaks. If you think you might have a slab leak in your home’s foundation, give us a call at 480-388-6093 or contact us online to have a team member come check your home for a slab leak and get a free estimate to repair your slab leak today.