What Is a Slab Leak, And Why Is It Dangerous?

08/24/2015

Slab leaks are one of the biggest plumbing problems that can afflict your home. They are problematic for a number of reasons, not least of which because they often go unnoticed until they inflict quite an astonishing amount of damage to the surrounding area. If you want to protect your home from the issues caused by slab leaks, it’s a good idea to know the signs that you may have one. Let’s take a closer look at what slab leaks are, and the problems they cause.

What Slab Leaks Are

Most homes have a concrete slab foundation, under which are a number of pipes. Your water and sewer lines are very likely located at least partially under the slab. A slab leak is when one of the pipes located under your slab springs a leak. Water from the slab leak wells up through the slab and into the home.

Why Slab Leaks Are Dangerous to Your Home

Slab leaks are problematic for many reasons. First, any leak in your pipes will cause water damage to the surrounding area, as well as waste water. With slab leaks, the biggest problem is water coming up from under your floor. This can cost you thousands of dollars in floor repairs. Another issue is that locating and repairing a slab leak can be quite difficult. Older solutions often involves drilling through the slab itself, requiring more repairs after the slab leak is taken care of. Fortunately, that is no longer the case. New methods are available that allow slab leaks to be repaired without damaging the slab itself.

If you think you may have a slab leak in your home, call Rooter Man. We provide comprehensive slab leak detection and repair services throughout Albany, NY.