call for a free quote: 760-594-2036
SLAB LEAK INVESTIGATION
Sometimes being a homeowner throws you a few curve balls, especially with your plumbing system. You think your plumbing is fine, but you’ve recently noticed an uptick in your usually low water bill. You can’t find any leaks under the sink or in the walls. So where is this leak exactly?
Well, if your home sits on a concrete slab for a foundation, you may have something called a slab leak. Diagnosing and fixing slab leaks can easily be accomplished by the professionals at Kass Plumbing .

WHAT IS A SLAB LEAK?
Simply, a slab leak is a leak in the copper pipes that run underneath your concrete slab foundation. This leak can be just a few trickles, or it can be a major crack in your piping. This is a leak that you definitely need diagnosed and fixed as soon as possible. If you leave a slab leak flowing for too long, you will have more problems than just a large water bill.

Causes for slab leaks
Improper Construction
Perhaps the most common cause of slab leaks is improperly installed or poor-quality pipes. If your water pipes were kinked, bent, or dented in any way during installation, the affected areas could cause the pipes to leak and potentially burst because of the abrasive properties of water flowing by over time.
Copper pipes, in particular, are at a higher risk of suffering from corrosion, since they are naturally softer and more vulnerable to the elements. In some cases, especially in older homes, a slab leak may require new pipes, rather than a repair.
OUTSIDE PRESSURE
Water pressure isn’t the only type of pressure that can cause a slab leak. If the soil shifts under your foundation, it could cause your house to move slightly, putting pressure on the pipes. This can also happen due to:
-
An earthquake
-
An underground stream
-
Soil erosion
Slab leaks from this type of pressure tend to be large and potentially damaging. They can cause quite a bit of flooding if left unchecked.
POOR WATER CHEMISTRY AND QUALITY
In addition to your water pressure, you should be keeping an eye on your water’s pH level. Water that is excessively acidic (known as “hard”) or excessively alkaline (or “soft”) can corrode pipes. You can identify acidic water by looking for blue or green stains in your bathtub, shower, or sink and a chlorine-like smell.
ABRASION
Abrasion is another common cause of slab leaks. When pipes, during the regular course of their use, rub against concrete, gravel, other materials, or other nearby pipes, the constant friction can cause them to gradually wear down and ultimately spring leaks. Hot water pipes are at a higher risk of abrasion. Because they expand as they heat up, they rub against concrete or gravel that surrounds them in the soil, and the constant friction creates leaks.
TIME
The biggest culprit when it comes to slab leaks—and a majority of the causes listed above—is time. Older homes, which are often installed with copper or galvanized steel pipes, are more at risk. Corrosion, for example, is more likely to happen over time. Extended periods of stress or pressure on pipes can also lead to slab leaks.
Regular maintenance and check-ups can help ensure that your home’s plumbing is in top shape, but it’s important to keep an eye out for irregularities to help prevent slab leaks as well.

MAJOR SIGNS OF A SLAB LEAK?
If you suspect a slab leak has occurred in your home, you will absolutely want to keep an eye out for these signs:
-
Damp spots on the floor and carpet
-
Mold under the flooring or carpet
-
Hot areas on the floor
-
Higher-than-usual utility and water bills
-
Low water pressure in the shower and sink
-
Sounds of water running even when the water is off
-
Soggy spots near the home’s foundation
-
High readings from the water meter and unusually high water bills
If you notice any of these signs, it doesn’t absolutely mean you have a slab leak, but you will want to call a professional to have it checked out. Leaving a slab leak alone could cause irreversible damage to your home. It’s not something you want to “wait and see” on.
the kass plumbing difference
customer trust
A truly exceptional service contractor does more than just fix your problem. They look to build relationships with their customers and provide a truly personalized experience for them. That is what you can expect when you call our team.
customer safety and comfort
We put your needs first and are always focused on your safety and comfort. That is our top priority. What sets us apart from other contractors is the personal attention our customers experience during a service call.
caring experts
We make sure to address all of your questions and concerns before, during, and after the job. Ask us whatever is on your mind and we will discuss the issue in detail.