Slab leaks can happen in many ways. In an older home, the pipe may have naturally corroded with age. Plumbing pipes last for decades, but they will eventually begin to wear out and degrade until a leak develops. The length of time pipes last depends on the pipe material and environmental conditions. There are other possible causes of slab leaks, other than age.
Because the pipes under the slab are not easily visible, a pipe can be leaking for months, or even years, before it is detected. This can result in soil erosion and the constant leaking can weaken the slab and your home’s foundation.
Yes! A hidden water leak underneath your concrete has the potential to cause serious damage to your landscape, your foundation, your flooring, and even the very structure of your home. Plumbing leaks won’t get better on their own. The longer a suspected leak is neglected, the greater the damage it may inflict, and the more expensive it will be to remedy.
Professional leak detection utilizes-state-of-the-art tools to identify hidden water leaks that cannot be confirmed with just the naked eye. For example, a thermal imaging camera may be used to detect a hot water leak under a slab by identifying hot spots, while acoustical water leak detection tools use highly sensitive microphones to listen for leaks. Either way, the leak detection process involves careful use of these tools and correct interpretation of the results, something that is beyond the scope of the average do-it-yourselfer. If you suspect a leak, it is always advisable to leave it to a professional!
Your homeowners insurance policy may cover damage caused by a slab leak, but not under every circumstance, and not necessarily in full. It all depends on what caused the leak to occur and the specific terms of your policy. Your are more likely to be covered if the cause of the leak was a covered hazard, such as a pipe burst, versus something gradual or related to normal wear-and-tear, such as tree root intrusion into an aging water line. If you are unsure, take a look through your policy to get more information on your dwelling coverage and personal property coverage.