What is a slab leak? It’s a leak that occurs in the pipes under the concrete slab of the house. It can also occur in piping that runs underneath a driveway. These types of leaks are especially dangerous because they can weaken the foundation of your home.

What causes a slab leak? There are a number of reasons these types of leaks occur.

• Faulty installation: If the pipes are installed improperly or other construction workers damage the pipes, the pipes may be compromised but leaks may not show up for years.
• Ground movement: If the home is built on a graded or filled lot, over time, the slabs may move as well as the piping below the house which can cause them to leak.
• Abrasion: Copper pipes react to temperature change by expanding and contracting. When this occurs if they come into contact with an abrasive object this can eventually cut into the pipe.
• Corrosion: Water and soil can cause the pipes to corrode which can lead to a leak.

The signs of a slab leak may or may not be noticeable. You may hear water running even after it has been turned off. There may be warm or moist spots on the floor. You may notice that your water bill has increased.

It can be difficult to identify where the leak is coming from. That’s why it’s important to call an experienced plumber. Keith McNeill Plumbing of Tallahassee has that knowledge and experience and we are here to help you.

When we come to your home the first thing we will do is inspect the leak, check your water meter, or do a pressure test. If you do indeed have a leak we will then use electronic leak detection equipment to determine the exact source of the leak.

Depending on what the cause is there are different ways to repair it:

• Repipe/Reroute: The entire pipe that was leaking is replaced. This is often done in older homes.
• Spot Repair: We’ll access the pipe directly through the slab. This is common with newer construction.

With our state-of-the-art electronic leak detection Keith McNeill Plumbing will resolve your leak problem with minimum disruption to your life. We’ll advise you on the most effective and economical solution for your situation. Give us a call at 850-391-1417.