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Slab Leaks

Any type of leak in your home is troubling, but slab leaks are of particular concern. Beyond the water damage typically associated with water leaks, a slab leak can actually compromise the structural integrity of your home’s foundation. That’s why it’s important to call a professional immediately if you ever suspect a slab leak in your home.

For professional slab leak inspection and repair services in the Olympia, WA area, call Brooks Plumbing today. We have the tools, experience and trained staff to locate a slab leak if one is present and then fix it quickly and effectively before real damage can set in.

Slab Leaks Detection

Many leaks occur in obvious locations. Dripping pipes, damp ceilings and puddles in your home are all very sure signs of leaks. But, not all leaks are so obvious. What happens if a pipe cracks or bursts beneath a concrete slab like your foundation or a second floor balcony? While it might not appear right away, water will eventually seep through the concrete and start the slow but steady process of destroying it.

Usually, a slab leak has only a few noticeable symptoms. These include:

• Sudden Settling in your Foundation
• Reduced Water Pressure or Higher Water Bill
• Foundation Leaking Water
• Damp Spots or Water on Your Floors

In essence, if water is going somewhere other than the fixtures in your home and you can’t figure out where or how, it may be a slab leak. And if you suspect a slab leak, you need to act fast because the longer you wait, the more expensive the damage will be.

Slab Leak Causes

Slab leaks most commonly occur in the incoming water line or the drain and sewer lines – the larger pipes that were placed before your home was built. Regular maintenance can sometimes catch these problems before they can grow out of hand, but the following items often cause and exacerbate slab leaks:

• Change in Foundation – A shifting or suddenly dropping foundation due to a change in the water grade can lead to cracked pipes or excess water coming under your home.
• Water pH – If the water pH changes or is simply too low or too high, it can cause damage to your pipes and lead to leaks that cause damage to your slab foundation.
• High Water Pressure – Incoming water pressure can put too much stress on pipes – especially corroded older copper pipes. Water pressure regulation can usually solve this at the point of entry to your plumbing system.
• Poor Installation – And of course, it’s always possible that whoever installed your plumbing did a poor job.
• Other Work – Digging on your property, either by you or a contractor for a different job, can cause a slab leak if you’re not careful.

Slab Leak Repair

If you notice any of the symptoms listed above and you cannot find a clear source of the water leak, call us right away. Even if it’s nothing, the potential risk posed by a slab leak is so high that you’ll almost surely spend more money in the future by ignoring any warning signs.

Luckily, most slab leaks are easy fixes if caught early. Because the leak itself is usually directly caused by pipe damage, repairs or replacements can be made to overcome such problems. If you live in the Lacey, Olympia and Tumwater, Washington area, the best way to combat slab leaks is to call Brooks Plumbing at the first sign of trouble. We can inspect your foundation and water lines to find the true source of the water leak and have it repaired before it causes excess damage.