Slab leaks can be a hidden issue for homeowners, often lurking unnoticed beneath the foundation of a house. Ignoring a slab leak can result in serious issues, not only for the plumbing system but also for the overall construction of your home.
Fix-A-Leak in Bohemia, NY, works with homeowners to find, repair, and prevent leaks, protecting a home’s structural integrity and reducing water waste. Here’s a detailed look at what can happen if you leave a slab leak unrepaired.
Structural Damage to Your Home
One of the most severe consequences of an unrepaired slab leak is structural damage. A slab leak involves water seeping into the foundation of your home, and over time, this water can weaken the structural integrity of your home.
Over time, the structural damage from a slab leak can spread from the foundation to other areas of the house, making repairs much more complicated and costly. Finding the slab leak early and fixing it fast is essential to protect the stability of your home’s foundation.
Mold and Mildew Growth
A slab leak creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. As water seeps from the leak and accumulates beneath the flooring or foundation, it makes a damp, dark space ideal for mold. Mold can spread quickly, contaminating the air quality inside your home and leading to health risks for your family. Problems caused by exposure to mold are allergies and respiratory problems.
Increased Water Bills
Water will constantly run through the broken pipes and lead to much higher bills than you’ve had before if left unchecked. A small, continuous leak can lead to hundreds of gallons of water wasted every month, eventually increasing your utility bills.
High water bills are a warning sign that something might be wrong with your plumbing system. If you notice an unexpected increase, investigating the cause right away can save you from paying for wasted water each month and protect your home.
Foundation Shifts
As water escapes from a slab leak, it doesn’t just pool beneath your home; it also seeps into the soil around the foundation. Over time, this water can erode the soil that supports your home’s structure, causing parts of the foundation to shift or sink. Foundation shifting from soil erosion can cause severe and sometimes irreversible damage to your home, with consequences like tilted floors, wall cracks, and misaligned doors. Foundation repair and soil stabilization can be very costly, and addressing a shifting foundation often involves intensive construction work.
Electrical Hazard
Not repairing a slab leak puts you at risk of electrical danger. Water that comes through the ceiling and walls can affect electrical wiring and outlets, which is extremely dangerous. If a slab leak goes unnoticed, it could cause circuit shorts to appliances, electric shock, or house fires. If you think you have a slab leak, ensure all surrounding areas of any electrical points or kitchen appliances have not been affected due to water damage.
Property Value Decrease
Allowing a slab leak to persist can also impact your home’s value. When it comes time to sell your property, home inspectors and potential buyers may discover signs of water damage, foundation issues, or mold resulting from an untreated slab leak. These issues can reduce the home’s market value and make it difficult to sell or even refinance your property.
Contact Us Today
Preventing slab leaks from causing serious damage involves acting as soon as you notice any warning signs. Watch for inexplicable spikes in your water bill, moist areas on your floor, or the sound of running water when no faucets are in use. If you notice a slab leak, getting help from a professional plumbing service to fix the problem quickly is your best course of action. Call Fix-A-Leak today to fix your slab leaks. We also offer pipe installation, pipe repair, water heater, sump pump, toilet, sewer ejector, kitchen and bath remodel, and other plumbing services.
