What are the Causes of Slab Leaks and How to Fix Them?

A slab leak is something no homeowner wants on his hands, but if it does happen, it’s important to act fast and smart. Detecting a slab leak is something which needs to be done by someone trained and experienced. Choose only the most reliable service provider of slab leak repair in San Diego.

The professionals have the right tools for the job and they can quickly find the cause of the problem and take care of the leak before it brings greater damage.

What causes a slab leak?

A slab leak is among the top feared plumbing issues in households and it can cause quite the damage. Here are the most common reasons they occur.

Inadequate construction

Pipe installation requires skill and experience and if not done carefully, the pipes can suffer bents and kinks. This might lead to bursts and leaks, especially in copper pipes. Only reputable plumbers should be in charge of installing pipes under your San Diego home.

Pressure

High pressure can come from within the water line and exceed the interior pressure level, but also from other sources. The most common ones are the shifting of soil beneath the concrete and seismic activity, which can cause high pressure on the pipes and damage them.

Corrosion

In hot water pipes, the water can create a chemical reaction with the material surrounding it, resulting in corrosion on the inside. Over time, this can lead to leaks, especially in older homes and foundations.

Water quality

Water can be classified as neutral, acidic or alkaline and this can really make the difference in the lifespan of pipes. If the water is mostly acidic or alkaline, it could be damaging the pipes long-term. This is why the water’s pH level should be checked regularly.

Abrasion

If the pipes rub against any nearby surface they will gradually wear down and produce leaks. This is again associated with hot water pipes most oftenly.

How do you repair a slab leak in San Diego?

Repairing a slab leak used to mean jackhammering the concrete foundation to find the leak, fixing it and then replacing all the removed flooring and other parts. Luckily, technology has evolved so not all interventions need to be so intrusive. The matter of finding the leak is done with special listening equipment, which then enables precise interventions.

The pipes are fixed with epoxy which hardens as a bonding agent. When leaks are frequent or the pipes are very old, they are abandoned and a new line is made to prevent further problems.

How long does it take to fix a slab leak?

The amount of work required and the time it takes to repair a slab leak in a San Diego household depends on how soon the leak has been spotted. Not all jobs are the same but they all require a professional and experienced hand. They can take anywhere from a single day up to several, but most often, fixing a leak takes two days on the plumbing side, plus any additional floor patchings and painting.

KIC offers reliable slab leak repair in San Diego!

If you suspect a slab leak in your home, just call KIC Restoration to do a detailed inspection and take the necessary steps. We have been dealing with slab leaks successfully for quite some time now and know how to fix them with the lowest amount of disruption to the owner. Our skilled technicians will repair the problem as quickly and painlessly as possible, so you can focus on some more pleasant activities, such as going hiking in Mission Trails Regional Park.