Causes and Effects of a Slab Leak

A slab leak occurs when the pipes underneath your home get damaged. It has devastating effects on your foundation and other parts of the house, hence the need to know what to expect when it happens, the causes, and how to stop it. Read on for more information.

How Do Slab Leaks Occur?

Time. The older the house is, the more likely it is for slab leaks to occur. Generally, if your house was built decades ago, there is a chance of pipe corrosion and damage, which are the leading causes of slab leaks.

Installation issues. You need experienced professionals handling your home's plumbing. This way, you are sure that the pipes installed are of the best quality and that the job is done perfectly. Otherwise, you will risk slab leaks.

Forces of nature. Underground pipes are susceptible to drastic changes in the weather. Soil erosion, earthquakes, and other destructive natural phenomena can add pressure on the pipes and cause damage.

Water's chemical composition. There are instances where the pH level of water interferes with the pipes. If the water flow is too alkaline or acidic, it can deteriorate and damage the pipes, resulting in slab leaks.

What Is the Effect of Slab Leaks?

A slab leak can cause foundation problems in your home. The more your home is exposed, the further the damage goes. The house's structure starts weakening, which means visible and massive cracks in the walls and noticeable shifts. But before that, the leak will cause more damage.

Your carpet and flooring are not safe. The water will keep seeping through, and the ground will bear the most damage, from waterlogged carpets to cracked tiles, depending on the severity. The waterlogging and wetness will then be conducive to mold, which will greatly affect the air quality in the house and ruin the floors and walls.

Unfortunately, if the leak is from the sewage system, you can imagine the foul smells in your house. With time, the leak will extend outside the house and into your yard, flooding the grass and landscaping.

A Slab Leak Can Ruin Your Home's Foundation

Now you know how serious a slab leak can get. It threatens your house's structural integrity, leading to expensive repairs. Before it gets to that, it is best to know the signs of a leak, and if you notice any, seek slab leak repair services in Atlanta from our professional contractors at A-Total Plumbing.