Many homes all across America are built on slabs of concrete. This strong, resistant material provides a solid foundation for your property, but deep down beneath that concrete, pipes run back and forth from your home providing the essential water you use each and every day. When those pipes leak, water can seep out and through the concrete. Here’s all you need to know if you’ve asking yourself questions like ‘What is a slab leak?’ and ‘What causes a slab leak?’

What Is A Slab Leak?

The term ‘slab leak‘ is used in the plumbing world to refer to a type of leak that has occurred in the pipes running underneath the concrete slabs that support your home. They can occur in both hot and cold water lines and can be quite unpredictable and very hard to detect at first. Unfortunately, the longer a slab leak is left without repairs and maintenance, the more damage it can do.

What Causes Slab Leaks?

There are actually a few different possible causes for a slab leak:

  • Ground Movements – Actual movements of the ground, due to seismic activity, are a common cause of slab leaks. If you live in an earthquake prone area, you’re more likely to suffer from these kinds of leaks.
  • Bad Installation Jobs – Poor handiwork can lead to future problems. If the pipes themselves were poorly fitted to begin with, it’s only natural that they have a greater chance of experiencing issues.
  • Corrosion – Pipes can get corroded over time as they come into contact with various minerals and other elements. As they wear down and degrade, the likelihood of a leak increases. The fact that these pipes are in contact with the soil can also cause the corrosion process to speed up.

Typical Signs of a Slab Leak

There are many different little signs to look out for when trying to detect a possible slab leak, and some are much easier to see than others:

  • Low Water Pressure – A slab leak, like any other leak, can cause a sudden and sharp reduction in water pressure. This might manifest itself in a kitchen faucet or elsewhere.
  • Higher Water Bills – Leaks tend to unexpectedly increase home water usage. If you suddenly  have a higher water bills than usual, a slab leak might be the culprit.
  • Standing Water – This is one of the clearest signs of a slab leak; if you see standing water gathering around parts of your home, a slab leak is almost certainly at the root of it.
  • Cracks and Warping – These damages are caused by your home shifting. If you start to notice cracks in walls or warping in floors, a slab leak might be to blame.

When a slab leak strikes, it’s vital to get immediate expert assistance from a trusted plumber to take care of the problem and prevent any further damage to your home.