How To Identify Slab Leaks ??

A minor space in the direction of the water flow leads to its seepage or leaks. Most of the times these leaks go unnoticed till a major destruction happens. In this post we will discuss about a most common and most unnoticed water leak location: slab

What do you mean by slab?

Here slab doesn’t means a kitchen slab. It is the base of the ground where the whole house is erected. This slab is not placed underground bit a level on the ground. It can be seen easily if you have a basement or underground parking. If the water starts to seep through the ground unnoticed, this may lead to major distraction on the building

Effects of Leaks

Water seepage or leaks under the slab area causes the soil to loosen its hold and a continuous leak may lead to complete displacement of the soil which means the slab will expand both horizontally and vertically. Initially, till this displacement is horizontal it is unnoticed but if this movement bursts vertically it starts to take a different turn.

As the water seeps through the soil and makes it move upwards the soil bulges up thus disturbing the level of the foundation.

As the foundation becomes unbalanced,the impact moves towards the walls by rising the wall from one side. This rise leads to the pressure on the walls leading to cracks in the same. As the foundation moves further, the cracks gets longer and wider. This can be identified if there are cracks in the ceramic tile. Keep a watch, there may be a leak within.

Causes

There can be many reasons for slab leaks.

The most common is weather. Due to rain there can be chances of soil movement which causes cracks. Even the pipe fittings may also move due to soil movement which leads to further increase in cracks and leaks.

Old pipe fittings: The old and rusted pipe fitting under the ground can also be the reason for slab bulges and leaks

Improper construction: The improper construction or poor fittings may also lead to these slab leaks and cracks.

How to identify slab leaks

Hot or cold spots: Due to water movement under the ground you may notice a hot or cold spot on the ground floor.This may be due to slab leaks.

A sound of running water: A sound of running water under the ground or a small leaks are the must to watch for to check slab leaks. If you notice any catch, call the plumber right at that time before the unrecoverable damage happens.