Plumbing issues can be frustrating and quickly escalate when they involve pipes under your concrete foundation. Under-slab leaks can cause severe damage to your home's foundation if not addressed promptly. A professional plumber can detect the leak, present solutions, and fix the problem. 

What Are Under-Slab Leaks?

Under-slab leaks occur when water pipes that run beneath the concrete slab of your home crack or burst. Under-slab leaks can be challenging to detect because they're not visible and often produce little to no signs of damage at the surface level. Eventually, the water leaking under your foundation leads to soil softening. When soil softens, it causes settling and instability in your home's foundation. Under-slab leaks are expensive to fix and can cause severe structural damage to your home if not addressed quickly.

Signs of Plumbing Problems

If you suspect a leak under your slab, it's crucial to look out for warning signs of plumbing problems. These warning signs include damp carpet or warped flooring, water pooling on the surface, discoloration of the walls or floor, and a drop in water pressure. Additionally, you may notice dampness around the baseboards or a musty smell. If you've noticed any of these warning signs, it's time to call a professional plumber who has expertise in under-slab leak detection.

Why You Should Consult a Professional Plumber

Under-slab leaks are a complicated issue and require the expertise of a professional plumber. A  plumber uses specialized equipment for leak detection, including thermal imaging and remote cameras, to identify the source of the problem. Attempting to address the leak yourself can significantly damage your property, leading to expensive repairs. Working with a certified plumber is crucial to ensure the leaks are identified and resolved with minimal damage to your property.

Repair Options

Once the plumber has identified the source of the leak, you can explore different repair options. These repairs include excavating the concrete slab to access the leak for repairs or rerouting the water line. This repair project may be costly, and homeowners may want to consider contacting their homeowners insurance provider for support in offsetting the repair costs.

Prevention

Prevention is always better than cure. Conducting routine plumbing maintenance checks is essential to avoid under-slab leaks. Routine plumbing maintenance checks should include regular inspection of pipes, drainage, and sewer systems. Early detection of plumbing issues can also save you substantial repair costs.

Contact a plumber to learn more about under-slab leak detection.