Every property owner in the Greater Dallas, Texas area should know how under-slab plumbing leaks can damage concrete slab foundations as it is a very common problem here. One of the ways plumbing leaks harm slab foundations is by allowing moisture to enter the porous concrete slab and creep into existing cracks. When soil absorbs water, the increased weight can force a foundation upward and lead to structural failure. Whenever a concrete slab has been affected by water, foundation repair is usually required and most certainly if this problem is not addressed in a timely manner. Dallas Foundation Repair outlines some of the tell-tale signs you have an under-slab plumbing leak that is likely damaging your slab foundation to help you detect and fix these problems before they escalate.
Under Slab Leak Can Cause an Extremely High Water Bill
Under slab leaks can lead to the loss of 20-50 gallons of water every day! Seeing a large increase in your monthly water bill is often the most obvious sign of a plumbing leak under a concrete slab foundation. It is not unusual for homeowners to be shocked by a water bill increase of anywhere from 25-50% in a single month!
Water Seeping Up Through Carpet
Another sign an under slab plumbing leak could be damaging your foundation and home can be discovered by detecting moisture in your carpet from water seeping through cracks in your foundation and making the carpet padding wet. Dallas, TX and surrounding areas definitely see our fair share of rain. Wet carpet leads to mold and mildew quickly and also attracts pests such as carpenter ants and termites.
Risk of Water Leak Increases with Age of House & Plumbing
If your house was built before 1980, there is a fair chance that your foundation may be damaged by under-slab leaks eventually. This is because prior to 1980, most municipalities did not have a city code that required house foundations be constructed with a moisture barrier between the subgrade and slab foundation. Thankfully, in the 1980’s that changed, and now an increasingly large number of cities do require that homebuilders install polyethylene vapor barriers to protect concrete foundations.
Slab Foundation Repair in Lewisville, Flower Mound, Carrollton, Plano, Richardson, Grapevine, Garland, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, Arlington & Greater Dallas, Texas
It should be noted that under-slab plumbing leaks are just one of several causes of foundation failure in concrete slabs. If you suspect your foundation has an under-slab leak or other problem, it is best to take action immediately. If you have concerns about your foundation and building structure, it is best to have it evaluated and repaired by an experienced foundation repair contractor like Dallas Foundation Repair. We specialize in slab foundation repair and offer a range of repair options to best meet the needs of your property. Call us to schedule an on-site visit today!
