Orange County Slab Leak Repair Services
A slab leak in your home is often very difficult to detect. At Moffett Plumbing & Air, we specialize in slab leak repair. Our Orange County slab leak detection experts have the experience to isolate the location of the slab leak and professionally repair it. Regardless of the cause, we can quickly diagnose the problem and give several options for the best course of action.
Suspect a slab leak? Call your local team of slab leak repair experts to schedule your slab leak detection service!
What is a Slab Leak?
In homes without basements, the plumbing pipes are installed directly into the concrete foundation as well as throughout the walls. When one of the pipes in the concrete slab springs a leak, it is called a slab leak (whereas the other leaks above ground are referred to as pinhole leaks). Slab leaks are among the most dangerous types of plumbing leaks because they occur directly in the concrete foundation of your home and can cause extensive damage if they aren’t repaired quickly enough. At Moffett Plumbing & Air, we can quickly detect slab leaks throughout Orange County and provide a prompt and effective plumbing solution to prevent further damage.
What Causes Slab Leaks?
Slab leaks usually occur as the result of a number of different factors, but the most common is improper pipe installation during the construction of your home. A water pipe that was not wrapped properly, or was bent or dented in any way during the construction process could eventually wear down faster, causing it to develop a hole over time. Soil may also cause a chemical reaction when coming into contact with a copper pipe, causing it to break down. Whatever the cause, slab leaks should be dealt with as soon as you suspect them. There are a few common indications that your home may have a slab leak.
Disfigured Pipes
One of the most common slab leaks causes when the pipes are disfigured. This may be a result of damaged material that gets used in the building process. Plumbing material that is damaged should never be used. It can cause serious problems in the future, like slab leaks and burst pipes. For instance, poorly installed joints that aren’t sealed properly with silicone will end up leaking in the future.
A Shift in the Slab Foundation
Slab foundation shifts can happen during an earthquake or another natural disaster when the ground moves or shifts. It can also shift when you have building work done on your property that causes the ground to move. This causes pipes to undergo a change in pressure and leads to leaks.
Abrasion
It’s normal for pipes to expand and contract when the temperature or pressure changes. Longer pipes with more joints are more affected by abrasion as more stress is placed on these parts of the pipe as they are compressed by the flow of water. This cause the pipes to become worn and damaged. This is especially significant if your home is over 50 years old. There is likely a pipe that has been damaged by abrasion, leading to slab leaks.
Corrosion
Slab leaks because of corrosion may be difficult to detect as they are often under the concrete slabs. This type of slab leak repair requires special equipment and skills. Only a professional plumber with years of plumbing experience should do this. The water from the slab leak runs into the soil around the soil and causes a harsh environment for the pipes under the ground.
Slab Leak Detection
Detecting a slab leak may not be simple. Moffett Plumbing & Air recommends using a professional plumber to inspect your plumbing system for slab leaks. You may only notice it when its already caused damage to your property. However, there may be some obvious signs that prompt homeowners to call for a slab leak repair. Here are a few things to look out for that may indicate that you have a slab leak.
Increased Water Bill
The first sign of a slab leak is the rise in your water bills. A slab leak is the result of damaged pipes under your property that allow water out. This causes water marks on the concrete slabs or floors in your home. This can cause severe water damage if ignored. When you notice an increase in your water bill, call for a plumber to check on it in case you have a slab leak. Our plumbers at Moffett Plumbing & Air will be able to help with your rising water bills. Call us today.
Constant Running Water
If you are hearing a constant flow of water, you may think you are going mad, but we are here to tell you that you (probably) aren’t going crazy. The sound of constant running water usually means that your water heater is constantly working. As water leaks out of your pipes, your water heater fills up to replace the water that just ran out. This may also cause a slight rise in your electricity bill if you have an electric-powered water heater. Although this isn’t a sure sign of a slab leak, you should call a plumber to check your home for any other leaks.
Low Water Pressure
Decreased water pressure means that water is escaping somewhere in the pipe. Call a plumber immediately for a plumbing inspection so that you can get your water pressure back to normal.
Moist Places on Your Floor
If there are damp spots on your floor that appear to increase over time, it is likely a slab leak. This is a sign that water is collecting under your house with no place for it to go. If you allow this to continue, it will make its way to your floor and carpets and cause severe damage. It can also cause mold and mildew.
Hot Spots on Your Floor
When there is a hole in your pipes, hot water escapes and creates hot spots around your home. This will make certain surfaces warmer than others.
Dangers of Slab Leaks Left Untreated
It may not always be clear as to what caused your slabs to leak. However, to be sure, it is always best to have an expert inspect your slab leaks and determine the cause. The repercussions of leaving a slab leak untreated? Well, it gets messy.
Cracked Tiles and Damaged Carpets
Slab leaks cause water to seep into your home and under your floor. The water causes terrible damage to tiles, wood, and carpets.
Unpleasant Odors
As water collects around your home, it can create a musty smell around your home that is like sewage.
Mold
When wood and walls absorb moisture, it creates the perfect environment for mold to thrive. This can cause several health issues for those living in your home, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions.
Damaged Foundation
An accumulation of moisture caused by slab leaks damages the concrete and steel that supports your foundation. It can even cause your foundation to shift and crack. This can cascade into serious structural problems like collapsing foundations.
Damage to Your Garden
If the pipes in your yard are leaking, it can kill flowers and grass. Excess water is not ideal for a healthy garden and it can also cause a foul smell in your yard.
How We Repair Your Slab Leaks
There are many different ways to repair slab leaks. Our Orange County slab leak repair professionals can determine the most cost-effective procedure yet create a solution that will completely take care of the problem.
In order to effectively repair your slab leak, we may:
Jackhammer the slab
This procedure opens up the slab where we can visually find the leak. This tends to be the most economical procedure and provides the opportunity to properly repair the leak.
Reroute the water line
There are times when a leak occurs underneath expensive fixtures like bathtubs or showers, or under very expensive flooring where the cost of repair may be prohibitive. In this case, we would reroute the water pipes to take the broken water line out of the system. New water lines could be rerouted around where the expensive fixtures or flooring are located. In other cases, we will route the water lines into the walls or ceiling.
Pinhole Leak Repair
A pinhole leak is a tiny, pin-sized leak in your copper pipes. The best way to fix this is by filling it with epoxy putty. It is best to allow a skilled plumber to fix your pinhole leak as it may be tricky for untrained hands.
Suspect a Slab Leak? Call us Immediately!
Moffett Plumbing & Air highly recommends that a slab leak is addressed and repaired immediately. Water leaks can be detrimental to the structural integrity of your home with the formation of mold, as well as an excellent place for termites to nest. Plus, if a known slab leak is neglected, it is possible for some insurance companies to reject any claims for subsequent water damage.
When you suspect that your home has slab leaks do not hesitate to call Moffett Plumbing & Air for your slab leak repair. We will ensure that your home is free of any leaks as soon as possible to prevent further loss of water and damage to your property. Our plumbers are friendly and will provide high-quality plumbing services for your whole home.
Call Moffett Plumbing & Air today or contact us online to schedule a slab leak repair service in Orange County!