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Slab leaks refers to leaks of plumbing pipes which are installed in and or under the concrete slab foundation of your home. The signs for diagnosing a slab leak are a bit subtle, and slab leaks can be bothersome to repair, as they often require tearing up flooring to get to the source of the leak. In this article, I will present interesting facts about slab leaks for homeowners who are not familiar with the topic.

While it might seem like installation of underground piping is a problem waiting to happen, there are several good reasons why builders prefer to lay underground plumbing piping. First of all it is convenient. Slab pipes are cheaper to install then overhead pipes. They require less material, no insulation, and no drilling or strapping of the pipes to the walls. Secondly, water lines running through the attic are subject to extreme temperatures. Hot water lines must be insulated to preserve heat in the winter, cold water lines have a difficult time preserving the temperature in the summer. Thirdly, water lines are liable to freeze and burst in the winter unless they are adequately insulated, as noted above, and this can be expensive to do.

What are the signs and symptoms of a slab leak?

1. The initial symptoms might be a rising water bill and the sound of water running, like water in the toilet, when all the fixtures are shut down
2. Depending on whether it is a hot water or cold water leak, you might notice a hot spot or cold spot on your floor.
3. You might see visible wet spots in your basement or in your yard, around the house
4. If you try and listen through the lowest floor in your home, with a hollow steel pipe or a stethoscope, you might hear running water.

There are several important causes of slab leaks. Knowing the cause of the leak, might influence the type of repair that is recommended.

1. Incompatible soil causing a chemical reaction with the copper piping leading to corrosion and disintegration. If this is the cause of the leak, it will probably be advisable to change all the piping.
2. Improper wrapping of the pipes, when they were installed
3. Friction, which results from slight movements of the house, as it settles.
4. A kinked line, or one that was nicked by a workman during installation

What are the options for repairing a slab leak?

1. Occasionally, if positioned properly a piece of decaying pipe can be snatched from under the house and replaced, by working from the side of the house.
2. You can replace all of the underground piping. This is usually called for when the problem is incompatible soil.
3. You can run new piping above ground and simply short circuit the pipes running under the slab.

What are the reasons for installation of overhead piping?
1. They can be less expensive and more practical, if repair of the underground piping would involve tearing up something really valuable.
2. Rerouting works and is practical

What are the Cons of Overhead Piping?
1. Running overhead piping can diminish the estimated value of your home.
2. Overhead pipes can freeze and crack in the winter
3. A water leak on a concrete slab is better than a water leak on sheet rock, which drips down through the whole house.

These facts are meant to give you some understanding of slab leaks. If you actually have a slab leak, I would recommend contacting your plumber and getting his opinion. Thanks to A-1 Plumbing of Baltimore, a Baltimore plumbing company, whose licensed plumbers are trained in the diagnosis and repair of slab leaks.

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