Slab leaks in the home’s plumbing system are much like silent thieves who steal your water, money, and peace of mind. Most slab leaks occur in the home’s foundation and create a whole host of issues that will cause the home’s safety and efficiency to deteriorate.
If your home requires slab leak repair, look no further than Apex Pros for reliable slab leak detection and repair solutions around Dayton, Ohio. With our experts, the repair process will soon be underway, and any slab leak issues will be quickly forgotten. Read our 5 Star Rated Reviews!
Understanding Slab Leaks: Causes and Risks
A slab leak is one of the worst problems a homeowner could face with their home’s plumbing system. These leaks come from plumbing pipes hidden deep below the home’s foundation. A leaky pipe beneath the foundation isn’t easily discoverable and often creates a lot of damage to the structure, increases water bills, and even contributes to mold before it is detected.
What is a Slab Leak?
A slab leak happens when the pipes beneath the foundation of your home begin leaking water. It is one of the hardest leaks to detect because it is right beneath the slab. The process of detecting leaky pipes in slab foundations is tricky, requiring special technology and advanced repair techniques.
Causes of Slab Leaks
So, how is a slab leak even caused? Below, our expert plumbers rounded up the most common causes that lead to this stressful problem.
Corrosion
Old copper pipes corrode with time due to chemical reactions with the soil or water. This weakens the pipe walls, which will lead to the pipe splitting and leaking.
Abrasion and Friction
Pipes can rub against gravel, concrete, and other neighboring pipes. As time goes on, this constant motion causes wear and eventually leads to holes or cracks in the pipes, causing an inevitable leak.
Poor Installation or Construction
If the pipes were improperly installed or the foundation was poured incorrectly, it can put undue stress on the plumbing—making leaks more likely.
Soil Movement or Shifting Foundation
Earthquakes, tree roots, or natural settling of the ground can shift the foundation, placing pressure on the pipes and causing them to crack or disconnect.
High Water Pressure
Excessively high water pressure can stress your pipes over time, especially at joints and turns and without repiping, the chances for a slab leak increase.
How Risky Are Slab Leaks?
Slab leaks wreak havoc on the home in various ways. Luckily, homeowner’s insurance policies typically cover the repairs but it is important to get help as soon as you suspect the leak because your home’s safety depends on it. Slab leaks run the risk of—
- Ruining the home’s structural integrity by causing foundation issues such as cracks and collapses
- This leads to mold growth, which can be toxic to one’s health and destructive to the home
- Increasing water bills due to the wasted water leaking out of the pipes
- Wearing out other essential plumbing equipment, such as the water heater tank, especially if the leaky pipe is connected to the hot water line.
- Creating extensive and expensive floor damage, requiring repairs and replacements.
Common Signs of Slab Leaks in Your Home
Now that you know how slab leaks are caused and the risks they bring to the home, it is important to learn how to spot one. Check out the following signs of a slab leak— knowing these signs will help you alert your plumber quickly, who will help detect its exact location and provide the best solution.
- Unexplained spike in your water bill
- Warm spots on the floor
- Damp flooring without an obvious source
- Sound of running water when no fixtures are on
- Cracks in your walls or flooring
- Musty or moldy odors
Call Apex Pros for prompt leak detection and repair services if you notice any of these signs in your home.
Our Comprehensive Slab Leak Detection Process
When there is a slab leak on hand, we understand that time is of the essence and guesswork won’t do for pinpointing the exact location of the leak. At Apex Pros, we have curated an entire process that is proven to help detect a slab leak, allowing our plumbers get down to the business of repairing it quickly.
Initial Assessment & Consultation
We begin with a thorough assessment of the water leak on hand, inspecting the problem to determine the type of testing required to get to the bottom of the problem. We will provide you with a game plan that will include our approach to the leak detection process and walk you through every step.
Meter Testing
Our technical assessment starts with monitoring the meter after shutting down all plumbing fixtures throughout the house. If the meter moves, it indicates that there is still water flowing somewhere, suggesting a leak.
Pressure Testing
We will then move on to testing the pressure of your water to determine whether the plumbing leaks are in the hot water line, cold water line, or both.
Electronic Leak Detection
We will use our advanced acoustic and electronic amplification tools to listen for the leak right below the slab of your home. This will help us pinpoint the leak without having to dig or destroy your home.
Thermal Imaging (If Needed)
Sometimes we use infrared thermal cameras to detect temperature changes in your flooring, which can show hot water leaks and point out the entire affected area.
Detailed Diagnosis & Repair Options
Once we determine the source of the leak and the damages, we will provide you with a detailed diagnosis and a game plan for leak repairs. We will ensure that you are comfortable with the plan we provide, allowing you to have the last say about things that will be done.
Effective Slab Leak Repair Solutions We Offer
We provide a full range of slab leak repair solutions that you can count on. The repair services we offer to you will depend on the size of the leak and the extent of its damage. You can count on us for transparent and honest quoting that will keep your safety and budget needs in mind.
- Spot Repair
- Pipe Rerouting
- Epoxy Pipe Coating
- Full Repipe/Pipe Replacement
- Tunneling
Why Choose Apex Pros for Slab Leak Repairs in Dayton
Apex Pros has been a proud provider of superior plumbing services in Dayton for many years. We have a reputation of excellence, transparency, and honesty among our many customers throughout the region that you can trust. From simple repairs to extensive leak detections of slab leaks, we approach each challenge with high quality and cost-effectiveness at the heart of what we do.
- Experienced & Licensed Plumbers
- 5-Star Customer Reviews
- Affordable & Transparent Pricing
- High-Quality Products & Parts
With Apex on your side, your home’s slab leak troubles will quickly be a thing of the past! Get in touch with us today to learn about our services!
Call Apex Pros Today!
Are you suspecting a slab leak in your home? Fear not and call the Pros at Apex now! With our quick response times and tech-driven approach to leak detection and repair, your concerns will be resolved in a high-quality, efficient manner. Call Apex Pros today to schedule your service with our expert plumbers!
Emergency Plumbing Services
We proudly offer 24/7 emergency services to address urgent plumbing issues promptly because there is never a good time for a plumbing problem.
Leak Detection and Repair
Prompt identification and repair of leaks helps prevent water damage and save money on water bills and property damage. If you’re concerned about a leak in your home, get in touch with our team of plumbers for prompt and professional leak detection services.
Water Line Repair Services
Your water lines will determine the consistency and quality of the water flowing throughout the home. Our team of plumbers is always available to check out those water plumbing lines and provide the repairs and replacements needed for the reliable supply of water that you need.
Drain Cleaning Services:
Drain cleaning is an essential step in your home’s plumbing maintenance as it ensures a smooth flow in your plumbing system, preventing clogs and water overflow. At Apex Pros, we use of hydro-jetting technology to provide a thorough cleaning and a quick restoration of the drain’s function.
Water Heater Services:
Apex Pros is the home of top quality installation, repair, and maintenance of both traditional and tankless water heaters throughout the Dayton region. Keep the hot water flowing through your home with our superior services.
Toilet Installation and Fixture Replacement:
Plumbing fixtures are essential as they help us access the water we need efficiently and comfortably. If you have old, leaky, or broken fixtures, you can trust Apex Pros who will help ensure efficient replacement and installation services of all fixtures. We guarantee your customer satisfaction, excellent functionality, and compliance with industry standards.