Handling Slab Leaks in Your Home


Ruston PlumberLeaky plumbing can cause property damage and raise the cost of your water bill. Slab leaks, which occur underneath your home's foundation, need to be repaired quickly by knowledgeable professionals. It requires specialized knowledge and equipment.

Electric listening equipment and electromagnetic pipe locators need to be used to find out where the leak is located before any further work is done. Slab leaks can damage the foundation of your home which can become even more costly.

What Causes Slab Leaks?

Corrosion of the pipes is the most common cause of slab leaks. That occurs when there is an electrical charge along the metal pipe. That along with the water balance can cause what's called, electrolysis. Eventually the metal pipes corrode to the point that they have holes.

Abrasion can also cause holes to form in pipes. Vibrations can cause the pipe to rub against something else and eventually a hole is formed. The expansion and contraction of the metal pipes can do the same thing. In some cases poor decisions that were made when construction work was being done can you to have a slab leak later.

How Do I Know If I Have A Slab Leak?

A higher water bill can be one indication that you have a leak. Water coming up from under the pavement is a key sign of a slab leak. A hot water slab leak might cause a warm spot on the floor. Cracks in the pavement, and even along the wall are also signs of a slab leak. In some cases people might continue to hear water running after it has been turned off.

How Long Does A Repair Take?

Ruston Slab LeakSlab leaks can take four to eight hours to repair. It depends on the severity of the problem and the method used to repair it. Slab leaks occur under the pavement so there are only two ways of getting to it. The direct route involves using a jackhammer to break through the concrete pavement to get to where the leak is at. The other method is to tunnel to where the pipe is at. The second method might have to be used if a whole pipe needs to be replaced.

In some cases plumbers use epoxy coating which is applied inside the pipes. No digging is involved. That option might be used if there are multiple small leaks.

Don't let a Slab Leak take over your home! Call Mark Johnson Plumbing at (318) 255-1332 right away for the best services in the Ruston area.