Most homes are often built on a slab foundation. Water leaks under your foundation can weaken its structural integrity and lead to uneven settling and erosion. Water from leaking pipes saturates the ground and creates intense hydrostatic pressure that pushes up on the slab and causes the soil to expand.
Foundation cracks resulting from unrepaired water leaks are no laughing matter. Fixing the damage now, rather than later, could save you a lot of money and keep your home protected. You should call a plumbing repair service to inspect underground supply lines, drain lines, and the pipes running through walls.
In this post, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wichita discusses the foundation cracks caused by hidden water leaks so that you can identify them and take action before it’s too late. As professional plumbers in Wichita, KS, we understand the importance of safeguarding your home from the detrimental effects of hidden leaks.
Erosion From Plumbing Leaks
The water released from damaged pipes beneath the foundation washes away soil, causing the foundation to settle unevenly and crack. Left unaddressed, the weakened concrete slab can exert more pressure on your water lines, resulting in a complete collapse.
It’s best to watch out for signs of a slab leak and call a professional plumber before further damage occurs. You’ll know you have a slab leak if your water bills are going up for no apparent reason or you hear sounds of running water when all fixtures are turned on. You may also notice water puddles around your home’s foundation.
Soil Expansion
In many areas, soil contains clay. Clay soil expands when wet and contracts when dry. A hidden leak can cause localized soil expansion beneath your foundation. As the soil swells unevenly, it places pressure on the concrete slab or foundation walls, leading to cracks and shifting.
Hydrostatic Pressure
Excess water in the soil from poor drainage or heavy rain presses against foundation walls, causing them to crack or bow inward. In severe cases, the whole foundation can shift and cause sticking doors/windows. This commonly happens when an unrepaired water leak is combined with poor gutter drainage or improper grading.
Call A Plumber to Fix Hidden Water Leaks Before It’s Too Late
The longer a hidden leak continues, the greater the damage becomes. Moisture intrusion can weaken concrete, corrode reinforcing steel, and compromise the overall integrity of your foundation. Additionally, excess moisture promotes mold growth, which can affect indoor air quality and health. Repairing minor foundation cracks and fixing a plumbing leak early is less expensive than addressing major structural repairs later. Get in touch with a trusted plumbing repair service when you need an expert to repair water leaks in your home. Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wichita has been fixing plumbing for decades, and our team is ready to restore your underground plumbing to good working order.
Preventing Future Damage
Preventative measures include:
- Schedule routine plumbing inspections
- Monitor water pressure and keep it within the acceptable limits
- Have a local plumber address water leaks
- Replace old and corroded plumbing pipes
- Install proper drainage around your home—a handyman can help you with this
Schedule Your Leak Detection Today with Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wichita
A hidden water leak in your home is a serious issue, but the good news is that catching it at an early stage allows you to prevent further issues. If you’ve noticed signs of hidden water leaks, like an unexplained spike in water bills, water stains on walls, or low water pressure, be proactive about it. Get in touch with the team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wichita for water leak detection service.
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