Mother Nature isn’t the only force working against homeowners. Under slab leaks are another major cause of foundation problems. Leaky water and sewer lines can penetrate the soil under your home’s foundation causing foundation movement. The good news is foundation damage resulting from under slab leaks can be minimized if homeowners catch the problem early-on.
Don’t let a pesky under slab leak destroy your homes value! Nip the problem early, before it does serious damage to your foundation. Keep an eye out for these warning signs that may indicate an under slab leak:
- Unusually high water bills
- Unexplained wet spots
- A wet, moldy carpet
- Warm spots on the floor
- The sound of running water emanating from the bathroom
- Wall cracks
- Sewer lines clogged with roots
If you suspect that you have an under slab leak we recommend consulting a professional immediately to avoid further damage. Also, keep in mind that these complex under slab repairs can create a lot of noise and mess if performed by an inexperienced crew – so be cautious of settling for a quick fix plumber. As a homeowner, you should demand a clean work area, including, driveway, walkways, patio, and the interior of your home – there’s no reason to settle for less.
The next step is determining if a leak exists. This is usually done by conducting a hydrostatic or leak isolation test.
Olshan Man Tip: You can learn more about hydrostatic and leak isolation testing here.
If a repair is indeed necessary, make sure you know your options.
- Tunneling – cost-effective, minimizes demolition, reduces noise and mess
- Repair – best when one or two leaks exist in an isolated area or the plumbing system is in good shape
- Reroute – cost-effective when multiple leaks exist, abandons the existing system and reroutes sewage through new lines
At Olshan we understand that your home is your most valuable possession and we know how frustrating it can be to not feel in control when it comes to home repairs. The good news is we’re here to help. If you have any questions regarding under slab leak repair or any other foundation-related issues, please feel free to ask us on Facebook – we love to help!
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