Slab Leak Detection in McKinney, TX

Common Causes of Slab Leaks

Slab leaks can lead to unexplained increases in your water bill, a decrease in water pressure and the development of damp spots on the floor among others. To minimize the damage caused by slab water leaks we offer professional slab leak detection and other general plumbing services in the Frisco, TX area.

These water leaks are among the most problematic plumbing issues local residents and businesses face. Since they occur when the pipes located in a building’s slab start to leak, these hard-to-detect water leaks can cause the entire building to sink slowly as the soil beneath it becomes saturated with moisture.

To avoid the above situation, you need to familiarize yourself with the common causes of slab leaks.

Shifting Soil

When the soil beneath your house or building shifts the entire structure above it also moves slightly. This puts a lot of pressure on the water pipes connected to the structure as well; and may cause them to rupture as a result.

Soil erosion and underground streams can also cause the structure above to shift and lead to slab leaks.

If the plumbing damage from such occurrences is left undetected for an extended period the resulting damage could be quite significant and expensive to repair.

Abrasion/Friction

Regular friction can cause a lot of damage especially when it comes to water pipes buried deep within a concrete slab or the soil. When water pipes expand and contract they rub against the surrounding concrete; with time this rubbing action can wear down the pipes, causing them to be highly susceptible to water leaks. Hot water pipes are known to expand and contract regularly and are therefore considered to be the most vulnerable to such damage.

Poor Water Quality

If your home is constantly supplied with highly alkaline or acidic water this exposes the water pipes to an elevated risk of damage through corrosion. This is why it is important for homeowners to regularly test the pH level of their water.

You should also be on the lookout for green or blue stains on your sink, bathtub or toilet, which indicate that the water is highly acidic. Acidic water also has a distinct and strong chlorine smell.

Poor Construction

Construction issues can also lead to slab leaks. If the water pipes in your building’s slab were installed in a way that ended up bending them unnaturally, they are likely going to spring a leak with time. This is mainly linked to the abrasiveness of the water running through them.

If your home is fitted with copper pipes the risk of leaks is elevated since copper is softer and hence more susceptible to the abrasive properties of water. In most cases, when slab leaks develop in older properties fitted with copper pipes, a repair may be out of the question as these need to be replaced.

Regular Wear And Tear

Even the best plumbing systems are bound to develop slab leaks overtime due to regular wear and tear. The effects of all the above mentioned causes increase in terms of severity as time passes.

Slab Leak Detection And Repair Experts

Once you spot any of the previously mentioned signs of slab leaks it is important that you contact Smith and Son Plumbing immediately. Our plumbing pros will be able to identify the problem and fix it swiftly. Once the leak is identified, we can choose from a number of slab leak repair options including the use of an epoxy coating, conducting a spot repair or rerouting the pipes entirely. This will ensure that we bring the damaging effects of the slab leaks to a halt and restore proper functioning of your property’s plumbing system. We also offer gas leak repairs and work on your hot water heaters!