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A slab leak can devastate your McKinney, Texas, property, but you may not even know when one is occurring. At Bewley Plumbing, we have the knowledge and tools to detect and repair slab leaks in your home or business.
Here, you’ll learn about slab leaks and what the experts at Bewley Plumbing can do about them.
What Is a Slab Leak, and How Does It Affect McKinney Homes?
A slab leak is a pipe leak that occurs beneath a home’s concrete foundation. Common causes include pipe corrosion, poor installation, or shifting soil. Many homes in McKinney, Texas, are built on slabs, making slab leaks a significant concern. Due to their hidden nature, these leaks may go unnoticed, leading to extensive damage and potential health hazards.
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Signs of a Slab Leak in Your North Texas Home
Although detecting a slab leak can be challenging, several signs may indicate its presence. However, keep in mind that these signs can also be due to other plumbing issues.
The Sound of Running Water
If you hear running water when all faucets are off, it may indicate a slab leak. However, other sources may also cause this noise. Here are some possible causes and ways to investigate them.
Determining What the Sound Is
First, determine if the sound is normal. In a quiet moment, turn off all water-using appliances, including washing machines, dishwashers, and taps. Then, listen near water lines, especially where they enter or run close to the foundation.
The sound of running water may not be loud; it could be a soft “woosh” or a subtle hissing. (Be aware that a hissing sound can also indicate a gas leak. If you hear this noise, treat it like a gas leak and take immediate action.) Once you’ve ruled this out, you can investigate a possible slab leak. Running water sounds occur when water escapes from pressurized pipes and travels through your home’s foundation or nearby soil. These noises can be hard to distinguish due to ambient sounds, but if you focus, you may be able to identify the distinct sound of leaking water.
Investigating the Cause of the Noise
Before assuming you have a slab leak, check for other potential sources of the sound:
- Inspect all of your faucets. Even a small drip can cause misleading echoes in the pipes. Make sure all faucets are off and not leaking or dripping.
- Check toilets. A running toilet can sound like a slab leak. Ensure your toilet tank stops filling once it reaches the maximum water level.
- Check your water meter. Turn off any water sources and observe the meter. If it continues to move, there is likely a leak.
Your Home’s Foundation Has Cracks
Slab leaks can cause significant damage to your home’s foundation, leading to visible signs like cracks. These cracks may develop in the foundation due to water from the leak seeping through and weakening the structure.
Ways To Locate Foundation Cracks
Outside Inspection
- Visual examination – Periodically walk around your home and look for visible foundation cracks.
- Fissures in the wall – Cracks in exterior walls may indicate settling or shifting.
Inside Home Indications
- Cracks on interior walls – Cracks on interior walls, particularly those with a stair-step or vertical pattern, may suggest foundation issues.
Mold or Mildew Appears Near Your Foundation
Mold or mildew near the foundation is a potential sign of a slab leak. Trapped water creates the ideal environment for mold and mildew growth, and if you don’t take action, the problem may spread. Mold and mildew can be a health hazard, especially for people with respiratory issues like asthma. Exercise caution around mold, as it can pose serious health risks.
Determining the Cause of Mold
Finding the cause of mold growth can be difficult as the source of the moisture may not be visible. A professional can help you determine the source of the leak.
A mold remediation specialist or plumber has the necessary tools to locate the moisture source. It’s important not to delay action, as slab leaks can threaten both the home and the health of its occupants.
Warm Spots on Floors
A warm spot on your floor tends to be caused by hot water line leaks underneath a slab, which allow hot air to rise upwards.
Finding Warm Spots
The easiest way to find warm spots is by walking around your floors barefoot, particularly where hot water pipes are likely to run. These areas typically include pathways from water heaters to kitchens and bathrooms.
Further Investigation
You’ll need to investigate further if you encounter warm spots on your floor.
- Inspect your water pipes. Check for leaks in the pipes connecting your water heater to your plumbing system.
- Observe your household’s water usage. With all the taps in your home closed, watch your water monitor. If the water monitor moves, there might be a leak.
- Contact a plumbing professional. Given the difficulties of locating a slab leak, you should contact a reputable plumbing professional. They have the tools to identify and repair leaks.
Water Pressure Is Low
Low water pressure isn’t just a hassle; it can indicate serious problems. While some fluctuation in water pressure is normal, a sudden drop is not. A slab leak or another issue may cause this decrease in pressure.
Symptoms of Low Water Pressure
- Weak water flow – Showers or faucets that previously had strong water flow now have reduced pressure.
- Inconsistent flow – The pressure changes drastically, despite other water sources not being used.
The Difference Between Normal Fluctuations and Sudden Drops in Pressure
Normal Fluctuations
- Peak water usage times – If you encounter minor reductions in pressure in the morning or evening, it may be due to high demand in your area.
- Temporary disruptions in pressure – Your water pressure may occasionally dip due to local maintenance work or short spikes in water usage caused by water-using appliances such as washing machines.
Significant Decreases in Water Pressure
- Watch for consistently low water pressure that doesn’t improve over time.
- Watch for multiple fixtures with low water pressure.
Other Potential Causes of Low Water Pressure
While a slab leak may cause low water pressure, other common causes are worth investigating.
Clogged Faucets or Shower Heads
- Problem: Only one faucet or shower head is clogged.
- Solution: Remove and clean the faucet or shower head.
Municipal Water Supply Issues
- Problem: Neighbors are also experiencing similar low-pressure problems.
- Solution: Contact the local municipal water department to ask if the low water pressure is supply-related.
Malfunctioning Pressure Regulators
- Problem: Low water pressure occurs suddenly and unexpectedly.
- Solution: A plumbing professional must inspect and potentially replace the regulator.
Corroded or Aging Pipes
- Problem: Water pressure decreases gradually over time, or water is discolored.
- Solution: A plumbing professional should inspect and, if necessary, repair or replace the damaged pipes.
Unexplained Increase in Water Bills
An increase in your water bill may be one of the first signs of a slab leak. While some variation in your bill is normal, an unexplained and significant increase in water usage suggests there may be a problem.
Monitoring and Comparing Your Water Bills
To check for signs of a slab leak in your water bill, compare your current bill with previous ones. If you have access to past bills, review them for any significant increases in water usage that aren’t explained by factors like sprinkler system use, house guests, or filling up a swimming pool.
If your water usage increases gradually over several months, it might be due to a small leak that has worsened over time. A major spike could indicate a pipe rupture.
Other Potential Causes of Water Bill Increases
A slab leak isn’t the only potential cause of an increased water bill; you should also investigate other possible causes.
- Other leaks. Running toilets, dripping faucets, and leaks from other pipes are all potential causes of increased water bills.
- Water usage changes. Consider any household changes that could increase water usage, such as additional family members staying at your home, changes in lawn watering, or new water-using appliances.
- Seasonal variations in water usage. Check if the increase in your water bill aligns with seasonal changes. For instance, you might notice higher usage in the summer due to yard watering or more frequent showers.
If you account for these factors, but the increase in water bills is still unexplained, a slab leak becomes a more likely culprit.
Musty Smells
Musty smells in your home can indicate a serious problem, such as mold growth or unseen moisture. The smells are generally damp and earthy—think rotting wood or wet socks. They can occur in places with water damage or improper ventilation.
Reasons for Musty Smells
- Mildew and mold. Slab leaks lead to water accumulation beneath your home’s foundation. This is a prime location for mold and mildew growth, which frequently causes a musty smell.
- Humidity and dampness. High moisture levels from a slab leak can increase humidity, which may promote mold growth and cause musty smells.
- Water leaks from other sources. Slab leaks aren’t the only potential causes of musty odors; leaks in crawl spaces, ceilings, and walls that create constant moisture can also lead to these smells.
Water Pools or Damp Carpets Occur
One of the first signs of a slab leak is water pooling inside or outside the building or unexplained moisture appearing.
Unexplainable Damp Carpets or Wet Floors
Signs To Look for
- Damp carpets or rugs that are wet for no apparent reason.
- Random wet spots on hard floors that aren’t caused by drips, condensation, or spills.
Water Collects Around the Building’s Foundation
What To Look For
- Look for water collecting outside the building without an obvious source, like rain or runoff from a sprinkler.
Shifting Foundations
Slab leaks can erode or expand soil, threatening a home’s foundation. Prolonged exposure to moisture can also weaken concrete.
The following are several, but not all, of the signs of shifting foundations.
- Window frame or door frame issues. Foundation movement may cause gaps or make it difficult to open and close windows and doors.
- Gaps between cabinets or counters and the wall. While small gaps are common, growing gaps or gaps in multiple locations could indicate a problem.
- Sloped or uneven floors, such as those with dips, sags, or irregular shapes, are signs of trouble.
- Damaged floors. Wood and vinyl flooring can buckle or warp, and tile flooring may crack due to foundation shifting.
- Cracked, warped, or peeling siding can indicate foundation issues.
Why Slab Leaks Are Common in McKinney and Collin County
The following are some reasons why slab leaks are more common in McKinney and Collin County, Texas, than in other areas.
North Central Texas’ Clay Soil
The clay soil in North Texas is prone to expanding when wet and shrinking when dry. This constant movement can shift the foundation of homes, increasing the risk of slab leaks.
Slab Construction Is Common in North Texas Houses
Recently built homes in Texas typically use slab foundations, making them inherently susceptible to slab leaks.
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Professional Slab Leak Detection Services in Collin County
At Bewley Plumbing, we offer expert slab leak detection services in Collin County. Our team uses advanced technology to pinpoint the leak’s location, preventing costly and time-consuming excavation to identify the problem.
Contact us if you need help locating a slab leak.
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How To Prevent Future Slab Leaks in McKinney Homes
While there is no way to guarantee a slab leak won’t happen, you can take certain steps to reduce the likelihood of one in your McKinney, Texas, home.
Routine Professional Inspection and Maintenance
Regular inspection and maintenance by a reputable plumber can keep slab leaks at bay and detect issues before they escalate.
Manage Water Pressure
Monitoring and managing water pressure can help prevent slab leaks. High water pressure strains pipes and may cause them to leak. A pressure-reducing valve should be installed if the water pressure consistently exceeds 60 psi.
Using Quality Plumbing
When installing or replacing plumbing during a renovation, it is crucial to have a qualified professional who uses high-quality pipes. This professional must correctly solder the pipe joints, add pipe insulation when needed, and ensure that pipes aren’t kinked or bent.
Maintaining Soil
Soil that is too dry or too wet may shift, putting your home’s slab at risk. In McKinney, Texas, where floods and droughts are common, managing your soil’s moisture level may help protect your home’s slab. Proper drainage and erosion-preventing landscaping techniques can help, and a landscaping professional can assist in reducing erosion.
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FAQs
North Texas homes can experience slab leaks for a variety of reasons, including the following:
-High water pressure
-Poor installation
-Low-quality pipes or parts
-Pipe corrosion
-Tree root intrusions
-Pipes rubbing against slab
-Soil shifts caused by clay soil in the North Texas area
Several factors affect whether homeowner’s insurance will cover a slab leak. If you are unsure about your policy, please contact your insurance provider.
According to Allstate, homeowners insurance policies may help cover slab leaks, depending on the cause. For example, if your policy covers a peril that leads to a slab leak, it may help pay for slab replacement and the related water damage. Perils generally refer to risks like falling objects, wind, explosions, and fire. Only the perils listed in your policy will be covered.
Typically, homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover wear and tear or maintenance issues. For instance, insurance usually won’t cover slab leaks caused by aging pipes or tree root damage. However, you may be able to add separate service line coverage to your homeowner’s policy, which can help cover repair costs for damage to a service line.
Please be aware that you will generally need to pay your deductible before your insurance company pays up to your policy’s limit.
The following two insurance types could apply to slab leaks.
Dwelling Coverage
Dwelling coverage typically covers damage to your home’s structure. While dwelling coverage probably won’t cover the cost of the plumbing repair, it might help pay for the removal and replacement of the slab.
Personal Property Coverage
Personal property coverage helps cover damage to your belongings. For example, if a slab leak causes water damage to furniture, personal property coverage may assist with the repair or replacement costs.
Potential Instances Where Insurance May Cover Leaks
Sudden bursts – If a pipe bursts suddenly, the resulting damage may have a better chance of being covered.
Certain policy options – Some policies may have additional coverage options for leaks or seepage.
Potential Instances Where Leaks Might Not Be Covered
Gradual slab leaks – If a slab leak happens gradually over time, it will often be outside standard coverage.
Maintenance issues – Coverage typically excludes damage caused by wear and tear, poor maintenance, or neglect.
Key Points for Homeowners To Keep in Mind
Insurance policy sublimits – Even if your insurance policy covers slab leaks, there could be sublimits. A sublimit restricts how much an insurance company pays for certain repairs, such as slab-related or foundation damage.
Review your policy – Routinely review your homeowner’s insurance policy to understand what’s covered. If necessary, consider adding optional endorsements for leaks or seepage.
A complete repiping in Dallas generally costs between $4,500 and $15,000. However, this price may vary based on factors such as the scope of the damage and the size of the home.
Yes. Water from a slab leak moves soil under the foundation, stressing it and potentially causing serious damage.
The time required to repair a slab leak can vary depending on factors such as the severity of the leak and the method used, but it typically ranges from several hours to several days.