A foundation leak is a severe problem that can damage your home’s foundation, flooring, and yard. It can also ramp up your water costs.
If you suspect that you have a slab leak, call the plumbers at TR Miller Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Plainfield, IL. We will provide you with a foundation leak detection and repair service to prevent damage to your property.
If the leak is elsewhere in your house, contact us to schedule a water leak detection service.
Signs of a Slab Leak
A home foundation leak can be challenging to detect. The first thing you may notice is an increase in your water bill. If you can’t find an apparent reason for the rise in water costs, chances are you are dealing with a slab leak.
An increase in your water bill along with one of the following signs may indicate a slab leak:
- The sound of running water.
- Wet or warm spots on your floor.
- A buckling or cracking foundation.
- Mold or mildew on your flooring.
- Damp smells in your home.
- Cracks on your floor.
If you notice any of the above signs, contact us for a slab leak repair.
Causes of Slab Leaks
Several things can cause a foundation leak. The most common causes include:
- Thermal expansion: If your home has copper piping, the continuous heating and cooling of water can cause pipes to expand and contract. Tubes that rub against concrete slab can form pinhole leaks underneath your foundation.
- Pressure on pipes: Shifting soil, poor installation, and fluctuating water pressure can cause pipes to pull out of connections, causing under-foundation flooding.
- Corrosion: Pipe deterioration is often the cause of slab leaks in older homes. Copper pipes are also more susceptible to corrosion than other metals. If you have copper lines, a pipe replacement is often necessary to prevent water damage.
If water accumulation or basement flooding is the result of rainwater saturation in the soil, contact us for a sump pump installation.
How We Repair Slab Leaks
The method we use to repair a slab leak depends on the age of the piping and the cause of the problem. Repair methods include:
- Direct repairs, which is the replacement of a pipe section.
- Copper rerouting, which is necessary if a pipe rubs against concrete slabs.
- Whole house repiping if you have an aging or deteriorating plumbing system.
Before recommending a repair method, we will assess your pipes’ condition and determine the cause of the problem.
