What to Do if You Suspect a Slab Leak

07/20/2015

Plumbing problems are always frustrating, primarily because they are often so difficult to detect. Compounding the difficulty of plumbing issues is the fact that many of them can cause immense damage if allowed to continue for any length of time. Water damage can be wide reaching, especially with something like slab leaks. Let’s take a look at the specific issues associated with slab leaks, and how you can address them.

What Is a Slab Leak?

A concrete slab forms the foundation of most homes, inside which are a number of plumbing pipes that serve your home. A slab leak is what happens when one of the pipes embedded in the slab leaks or ruptures, causing water to seep up through the foundation and into your home. Typically, the first sign of a slab leak is water bubbling up from the floor, or a growing wet spot on the carpet. If not addressed, a slab leak can cause thousands of dollars in water damage.

How to Address a Slab Leak

If you think you have a slab leak in your home, the most important thing to do is to shut off your water. Once that is done, call for a professional immediately. Locating and repairing a slab leak requires specialized knowledge and equipment, which are not available to the DIY community. Slab leak detection usually involves the use of sensitive listening equipment to pinpoint the location of the leak. After that, the slab will need to be opened to expose the pipe and repair or replace it. The faster you have your slab leak repaired, the more money you can save that would otherwise be spent on damages.

If you suspect that your home has a slab leak, call Rooter Man. We provide slab leak services throughout Albany, NY.