What Causes Slab Leaks?

Where Slab Leaks Come From

From a slow drip to a burst pipe, leaks can be annoying and dangerous for your home. One particularly risky leak is one underneath your home’s foundation, known as a “slab leak” as it occurs beneath the concrete slab.

Slab leaks are more difficult to detect and repair, as they are in a non-visible and difficult-to-access area. But why do these leaks happen in the first place?

Corrosion

Corrosion’s impact on your pipes depends on your water quality and the type of material used in the pipe. Metal pipes, like copper or steel, are more susceptible to corrosion from water. Over time, these pipes will wear down and a leak may start.

If you have poor water quality, including hard water and water with contaminants, your pipes will likely corrode at a faster rate.

Improper Construction

Sometimes the biggest risk to your pipes comes from when they were first installed. If there is not adequate room and protection provided for the pipes, especially if they are a material that can expand with the temperature, there is a higher risk of damage resulting in a leak.

High Water Pressure

We all love high-pressure water in our showers and sinks but there comes a point where the pressure can be too high. Excessively high water pressure can impose wear and tear on your pipe joints. These joints will eventually loosen and allow a leak to start.

Check your water pressure to make sure it’s not above 80 psi. Your pressure is likely set around 60 psi. If you want, you can experiment with a lower pressure rating to find one that is comfortable yet won’t increase the likelihood of damage to your pipes.

Slab Leak Repair & Detection

At Lloyds Plumbing, our expert technicians are highly trained in finding and fixing leaks under your concrete slab. Contact our team today at (805) 495-8766 to learn more about slab leak testing and to make an appointment.