Wet spots on your flooring and carpets can be bewildering. If you rule out spills, failed appliances, indoor plumbing damages, and roof leaks, the water may originate from the pipes beneath your foundation. Known as slab leaks, they may cause your foundation to sink and floors to become uneven. Here’s why these leaks form. 

4 Common Causes of Slab Leaks

1. Excess Pressure 

High water pressure inside your foundation pipes may cause moisture to seep out of weak joints and cracks. For example, exterior pressure from earthquakes, shifting soil, and erosion may damage the pipes, creating slab leaks, which can lead to indoor flooding. 

2. Friction

Hot water causes pipes to expand, and cold water causes them to contract. When this process occurs, the pipes may rub against the concrete foundation, gravelly soil, or nearby pipes, causing them to deteriorate and leak moisture through your flooring. 

3. Faulty Construction

Poor installation and faulty plumbing can also cause leaks. If the pipes get dented, bent, or otherwise damaged during the construction of your home, water may seep through the flooring through compromised spots on the tubing. Damage during installation may result from manufacturer defects or the contractor accidentally breaking the pipes with heavy tools and equipment.

4. Old Home

Older properties are more likely to have slab leaks, as they often have steel or copper plumbing beneath the foundation. Metal pipes made from these materials are more vulnerable to rusting if they are not galvanized, or protected by a zinc coating. When corrosion occurs, water can leak through deteriorated areas of the piping, leading to slab leaks.

As soon as you notice any symptoms of slab leaks, contact Fast Flow Plumbing & Drain. They offer installations and 24-hour emergency repairs to clients throughout Comal County, TX. They use the latest technologies in the field, including advanced cameras built for piping inspections. Call (830) 312-8822 to get a quote. Visit the website to learn more about their drain services.