Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Slab Leaks’

How to Tell if You’ve Got a Slab Leak

Monday, December 31st, 2018

Any breach in your plumbing system is a cause for concern. Leaky pipes are a nuisance and should be taken care of as soon as they’re noticed. However, not all plumbing leaks present themselves in the same ways. We know what you’re thinking, and yes, there are different types of leaks, each with their own set of complications.

Today, we are going to be talking about slab leaks, which usually require immediate service due to their location. Below, we have listed some of the most common warning signs of a slab leak so that you’ll be prepared to take immediate action if necessary.

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What Causes Slab Leaks in the First Place?

Monday, January 30th, 2017

piping-toolsThe term slab leak is a bit of plumber-speak for any leak that occurs in the cold or hot water pipes set down in the concrete foundation of a home. It can also refer to any pipe down in a rock surface, but for residential buildings this almost always applies to the foundation.

Slab leaks are major problems for homes, since not only do they end up wasting large amounts of water, they can also cause damage to the house, lead to the growth of mold and mildew, and place extra stress on the water heater if the leaks happen in the hot water lines (which is around 80% of the time). Professional plumbers are trained and equipped to locate slab leaks so they can be fixed.

But why do slab leaks start in the first place? A pipe that’s set down in concrete would seem to be well protected from the damages that can lead to pipe breaks. But there are different forces that can create a slab leak underneath a home. Below are three of the more common.

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What You Need to Know about Slab Leaks

Monday, February 3rd, 2014

Any kind of leak in your plumbing presents a problem that requires immediate, skilled repairs. But some leaks are worse than others. One of the most potentially troublesome pipe leaks are slab leaks. The damage possibilities from slab leaks can affect your home’s structure and foundation and may cut off your water main or sewer line.

Call for slab leak repair specialists, such as those at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc., the moment you encounter a problem. Our plumbers are on call for 24-hour emergency plumbing repair in Orlando, FL, so you have no reason to delay.

But wait… what exactly are slab leaks, and why are they such a problem? And how can you detect them? We’ll answer these questions below.

What is a “slab leak”?

A large section of your home’s plumbing—sewer line and water mains—runs through concrete flooring. When a leak occurs in the pressurized water pipes inside concrete, it is known in the plumbing industry as a slab leak.

Why are slab leaks such a problem?

Where most leaks will take time to start affecting the building material around them, slab leaks will immediately begin to cause cracking and damage to concrete. Instead of a slow spread of further leaks and damage, slab leaks will affect the piping quickly, threatening to break whole pipes, leading to the loss of your water line or sewer line. The concrete cracking can cause expensive structural damage to your home’s foundation as well.

How do I know I have a slab leak?

There are a few signs, some of which apply to any leak: loss of water pressure, increases in water bills. Some specific signs to look for: unexplained mold growth or water on the floor in places that are otherwise dry; the sound of running water when no faucets are open; cracks developing over concrete.

How are slab leaks fixed?

Professional plumbers must first locate the location of the leak using listening equipment. After that, a plumber will discuss with you the possible methods for sealing the leak, which could involve direct access using jack hammering, but much more likely your plumber will use a non-invasive process if possible.

Who should I call to fix slab leaks?

Not all plumbers have extensive experience with slab leak repair, so make sure you choose your contractor carefully. Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. has done many years of work on slab leak detection and repair. Call us today for plumbing repair in Orlando, FL.

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