5 Causes of Slab Leaks and How to Avoid Them

A slab leak occurs when water escapes from piping beneath your home’s foundation. This poses significant issues, such as wall cracks, water damage, and mold growth, leading to extensive repairs and replacements. Understanding what causes a water leak under concrete slabs can help you take essential preventative measures. Here are five common culprits behind slab leaks and tips on how to avoid them:

• Highly Acidic Water
  High acid levels in water can cause pipes beneath your home to corrode over time, resulting in slab leaks. To combat this, consider installing a water softener to reduce the minerals making the water acidic. Using anti-scalers that deter scale buildup may also help avoid potential leaks.
  
  
• High Water Pressure
  While having strong water pressure may seem like a good idea, it can wreak havoc on your pipes over time, especially those running under the slab. This excess pressure can damage your pipes, leading to failures or leaks.
  
  Your home’s water pressure should stay between 60 and 80 PSI to prevent undue stress on your plumbing and help lengthen its lifespan. You can also install a pressure regulator to ensure the water pressure is always at safe levels.
  
  
• Ground or Soil Shifts
  Small tremors or soil erosion can cause the ground under your home’s foundation to shift, putting pressure on your plumbing lines. When this occurs, piping under the slab can crack and leak. While these ground shifts aren’t something you can control, you can further protect your plumbing from the after-effects by ensuring proper pipe and drainage systems installation.
  
  
• Abrasion
  Plumbing pipes, particularly those carrying hot water, naturally expand and contract with temperature changes. If they come in contact with concrete or other pipes, this movement can cause abrasion, resulting in worn-down components that could eventually crack and leak. To prevent this, pipes should be insulated or have enough room to move without causing friction with other surfaces.
  
  
• Old Plumbing System
  The majority of older homes use cast iron and galvanized steel pipes, which are prone to wear and tear and corrosion. That’s why slab leaks are more likely to occur in older plumbing systems. Upgrading to durable, corrosion-resistant piping materials like PVC can help prevent this issue. To ensure you’re using suitable pipes for your home, consult a licensed plumbing professional.
  
  

Seek Help From a Local Plumbing Expert
Learning about common causes of slab leaks and how to avoid them can help you protect your home’s plumbing and foundation and avoid costly, extensive repairs. Get professional plumbing services if you need further assistance addressing pipe issues. Contact NorthStar Plumbing and Drain Cleaning in Fargo, ND today!