How Plumbing Leaks Damage Concrete Slab Foundations

Updated 3/21/2022

Many property owners want to learn how under-slab plumbing leaks damage concrete slab foundations. It’s a very common in the Dallas, Fort Worth metroplex, as well as other parts of the country. One way how plumbing leaks harm slabs is by allowing moisture to enter your porous concrete foundation and creep into existing cracks. When soil absorbs water, the weight of the soil can force a foundation upward and lead to structural failure. If upheaval occurs, it’s a good idea to obtain information on hydrostatic testing for plumbing leaks. When a concrete slab has been affected by water, foundation repair may be required. If you have concerns, be sure to deal with this type of problem in a timely manner. It pays to avoid foundation damage and costly repairs later.

How To Know If Plumbing Leaks Are Damaging Your Concrete Slab Foundation:

The only way to find out for sure is to have a licensed plumber inspect your foundation and conduct this special hydrostatic test. If you believe that water originating from broken plumbing pipes is affecting your concrete slab, don’t delay in enlisting a professional to check things out. It’s imperative to determine if you have under slab plumbing leaks and if so, where they’re coming from. Remember: Destruction associated with moisture can result in major issues and that’s why it pays to stop your pipes from leaking. In the event that deterioration has occurred, contact a plumber and enlist an experienced contractor to fix your slab right away. It saves you money in the end by allowing you to avoid the need to have more extensive  concrete slab foundation repair later.

Believe it or not, leaks of this nature can lead to the loss of 20-50 gallons of water every day. In some cases the loss can be much greater. Many homeowners in the Dallas, Fort Worth area who have slab foundations learn they have damage as a result of plumbing leaks when they suddenly notice a large increase in their monthly water bill. They may see their charges increase by 25-50% in a single month. Another way to determine if and how slab plumbing leaks could be damaging your foundation is by examining your carpet for moisture. Water can seep through the cracks in your foundation and make the padding wet. Rainfall amounts in the DFW, TX area have been significant in recent months, and that can impact your foundation. Mold and mildew can cause carpet rot, and ants and termites can invade your structure, too. In the end, that only increases the amount of destruction in your concrete slab. So take action if this is the case with your house. And remember: You can find out a lot by simply having a qualified plumber perform hydrostatic testing on your slab.

If your house was built prior to the 1980’s, there’s a good possibility that your foundation may eventually be damaged by under-slab leaks. That’s because in earlier years (particularly in the 1940’s and 50’s), most municipalities did not have a city code that required that house foundations be constructed with a moisture barrier between the slab foundation and the subgrade. In the 1980’s things changed, and now an increasingly large number of cities require that homebuilders install polyethylene vapor barriers to protect these concrete surfaces.

Of course, under-slab plumbing leaks are just one of several things that can cause foundation failure in concrete slabs, Take preventive measures right away. And don’t forget that soil and lots of other things can impact your foundation, too. If you have questions or concerns about your structure, have it evaluated by an established foundation repair contractor. While most contractors, including HD Foundations, do not perform plumbing tests on slabs, they can examine your foundation for signs of trouble and let you know if a testing is required.