A slab leak is a water leak that occurs beneath the concrete foundation of a home. This type of issue is serious because it can lead to structural damage, mold growth which is a health hazard, and increased water bills.
If you suspect you have a slab leak, it’s important to call San Diego, CA slab leak detection services as soon as possible. But what causes them in the first place? Read on to learn about the known top causes.
What causes slab leaks in homes?
Slab leaks are serious business, but thankfully, they’re also fairly uncommon. If you think you may have this problem, it’s important to call a professional for help as soon as possible. With accurate and detailed slab leak detection and proper repair, you can minimize damage and get your home back to normal in no time!
Knowing some basic facts about slab leaks, including what the main causes are may help you determine if you’re dealing with one sooner. Since most causes are something you can’t really change, being familiar with them will help you be prepared. Ahead are the most common causes of slab leaks:
1. Poor Water Quality
One of the most common causes of slab leaks is poor water quality. Water that contains high levels of sediment or minerals is called hard water, but other contaminants can lower the quality of water too.
When water is of poor quality it can cause corrosion and deterioration of pipes over time. This can lead to tiny cracks and fissures in the pipe material, which can eventually turn into larger leaks. Pipes made out of copper or galvanized steel, which are generally found in most older homes, are more prone to this kind of damage.
2. Incorrect Pipe Installation
Another common cause of slab leaks is incorrect pipe installation. Pipes must be installed correctly in order for them to function properly and withstand the weight of the concrete foundation.
If pipes are installed incorrectly, it puts additional stress on the pipes which can lead to cracking and leaking over time. Pipes that were bent or dented during installation, in combination with the abrasive properties of water, are especially at risk.
3. Soil Movement
The final major cause of slab leaks is soil movement. Soil settling is a natural process that occurs over time, but it can put stress on underground pipes and cause them to crack or break. This type of stress is especially common in areas with high clay content or poor drainage.
Another reason for soil movement is earthquakes. Even the ones that you can’t feel can cause additional damage to your house pipes, especially to the ones under the house. This is why being attentive to the signs of damaged pipes is very important in earthquake-prone areas.
What reliable San Diego, CA slab leak detection services can I call for help?
Slab leaks are no joke and any plumber will advise you to never ignore the first signs of one. Even if the clues seem small, even a tiny crack in the pipes inevitably turns into a bigger one over time. Instead of waiting for it to cause big problems, call the experts from Risk Free Serv to accurately assess the situation.
With years of experience, industry-grade equipment, and a high standard of repair, we’ll get your house back on track in no time. Specializing in any kind of water damage detection and repair, we are located across the street from Kavod Charter School in Clairemont Mesa but come to your aid in the whole San Diego area and the vicinity.