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Everything Homeowners Need To Know About Slab Leaks | C. Woods Company

Posted on April 25, 2022 by

Three Crucial Things To Know About Slab Leaks 

Slab leaks are more than unsightly. If left unaddressed, a slab leak could compromise the home’s foundation, making it unsafe. But what is a slab leak? How long can one wait before they contact a slab leak detection service? 

Slab leaks, like most plumbing issues, need immediate attention. They will not go away on their own. Here, homeowners can learn three vital things about slab leaks, which can make the difference between a stress-free repair and long-term complications. 

What Is a Slab Leak? slab leak

The slab is sometimes called the home’s foundation. They’re usually made out of concrete, but sometimes, they can contain rebar, wood, and other materials. The slab is one of the most important structures in the home. 

Signs of a slab leak include: 

  • Mold growing near the home’s baseboards 
  • Sagging floors 
  • Foul odors coming from the floor 
  • Splotches forming on the floor but cannot be removed with mopping 
  • Warm spots on the floor 
  • Soggy carpets 

Unless one has a plumbing background, they generally cannot fix a slab leak independently. They need a trained professional to determine the source of the leak, which may include digging around (or in) the home. 

The Dangers of Slab Leaks 

As noted, slab leaks are time-sensitive issues that need immediate attention. If left unaddressed for too long, a slab leak could cause one or more of the following issues: 

  • Collapse: If the home’s foundation is compromised, this could endanger everyone. Walls could collapse, floors could cave in, and other issues can pose safety risks. A home inspector may even declare a home inhabitable if problems are found with the foundation. 
  • Mold: Mold loves moist, dark places. It also can eat away at wood, carpeting, and other parts of the home. Mildew can also accompany mold, further making a home unlivable. 
  • Damage to one’s yard: A leak under the surface can cause the yard to become soggy. This can lead to mud, insect infestations, and flooding. It can also disrupt how pavers are set, causing them to sink into the ground or become uneven. 

A Professional Can Fix a Slab Leak plumber

If a homeowner faces a foundation leak, they should immediately contact a professional. After accessing the severity and source of the problem, a plumber may: 

  • Breaking through the home’s foundation: To find the leak, a plumber may use a tool that uses soundwaves. The plumber may break through the home’s foundation with a jackhammer. They will identify the leak and address it accordingly. 
  • Tunneling to the leak: A professional may tunnel to the leak instead of breaking the home’s foundation if the leak is close to the edge. This method is ideal for many homeowners since it won’t compromise its structure. 
  • Rerouting water flows: Here, a plumber will first turn off the water supply to the home. Then, after assessing the home’s plumbing system, they may install a new piping system that doesn’t rely on the pipes under the home’s foundation. 

About C. Woods Company 

C. Wood Company doesn’t want homeowners to worry about slab leaks. Its professionals are fully equipped to handle even the most serious plumbing problems. Interested parties in need of plumbing services can call these professionals in Tyler, Texas, to learn more. 

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