Plumbing for Concrete Slab Foundations

Concrete slab foundations really took off in the mid-20th century, and their popularity is still on the rise. They became mainstream for various reasons, but they also might cause complications to the maintenance and functionality of vital home systems. Plumbing is a good example of this. Currently, more than half of all new single-family homes are built on concrete slab foundations. As a result, these foundation and plumbing issues are not uncommon.

Why Do Concrete Slabs Complicate Plumbing Problems?

Without a doubt, concrete slabs have their advantages. That’s why developers continue to use them today. Generally, concrete slabs are cost-effective, offer protection against pests, and bring less risk of damage from flooding or gas leaks.

That said, they also have their fair share of disadvantages, as well; more so when it comes to plumbing. The following are the common cons:

1. Concrete is a Porous Material

All porous materials have the ability to absorb water. Over time, the water passing through the pores and tunnels in a concrete slab can impact the structural integrity of the material.

Water from a leaky plumbing fixture will make its way through the foundation, damaging inner channels and leading to freeze and thaw damage. The majority of homeowners won’t even know there is damage until they start to see and/or water puddles on the concrete.

Also, wet concrete will retain moisture. Over time, this may lead to mold and foul odors. Needless to say, repairing a mold infestation can be expensive and time-consuming.

2. Demolishing Concrete Takes Time and Money

If you need to access a damaged waterline, you’ll need to demolish the surrounding concrete. This may require you to hire specialized contractors to help locate the leak. Generally, this can be costly and time-consuming.

What’s more, damage caused by water leakage takes a considerable long period of time. In fact, most homeowners won’t notice the problem until the damage has occurred.

This mostly applies to water damage, however, and isn’t the same as the cost for repairing other concrete slab problems.

3. Concrete is Difficult to Cut Through

When repairing a plumbing leak, workers will need to cut through a block of concrete to access the damaged area, which often requires specialized equipment.

Additionally, in accessing the problem area, there’s always risk of damaging other systems.

What are the Common Signs of Plumbing Problems?

As a homeowner, it pays to know what exactly to look for when it comes to plumbing problems. That said, not all signs of plumbing problems are obvious. Some can be subtle and harder to detect than others.

Before physical red flags start showing, one of the first thing you may notice is a sudden rise in water bills. You may also notice a sudden decrease in water pressure. And if the leak is serious enough, you may also hear rushing water beneath the floor.

Other signs you’ll want to be in the lookout for include:

• Water stains on the foundation floor.
• Signs of mildew or foul odors.
• Soft spots on the floor.
• Cracks on the walls, floor, or the foundation itself.
• Puddles on the foundation floor.
• Pooling water or depressions in the yard.

If you notice any of these signs, addressing them as quickly as possible is key. With plumbing issues, the longer you wait, the more serious the problem will become.

How Do I Determine if There is a Plumbing Leak in My Home?

To check whether there is a leak, you should shut off all water sources. Once you’ve done this, pay close attention to the water meter. Check the readings intermittently after every few minutes. Does the water meter move even when you’ve shut off every faucet and water outlet? If it does, chances are there is a water leak in your home.

What are the Common Causes of Plumbing Problems?

Plumbing issues occur with time. They are more prevalent when the pipes are either old or made from inferior materials. In many older homes, water supply and drain pipes are made of galvanized pipes. While galvanized pipes contain no lead, over time, rusting can take place. Consequently, this can lead to water leakage and contamination.

Besides rusting of galvanized pipes, plumbing leaks can also be caused by penetration of tree roots. Over time, tree roots will expand and exert immense pressure on the pipes and lead to damage.

Moreover, changes to the foundation, like foundation settling, can also lead to plumbing damage.

How Do you Fix Concrete Foundation Plumbing Problems?

1. Find the Source of the Leak

This is the first step to diagnosing any plumbing damage. A plumber will need to use specialized listening equipment to pinpoint the exact location of the leak before cutting through any concrete.

2. Repair the Damage

Once the plumbing worker has found the leak, the next step is to cut through the concrete. This is usually a very delicate and complex task. One simple mistake can lead to massive repercussions.

Next, the plumber will need to replace the fittings and make repairs to the damaged area. This may require replacing a section of the damaged pipe or simply using an epoxy sealer.

If the pipes are in good condition, then it’d make sense to just work on the damaged section. This is cheap and less labor-intensive. However, if the entire plumbing is in bad condition, then rerouting the piping may be the best option for your home.

In Conclusion: Plumbing Issues and Concrete Slab Foundations

Plumbing problems come in all shapes and sizes. Some can be easy to fix while others can be a nightmare for homeowners. If you have reasons to believe your home may have a concrete slab issue, hiring professional help is advisable.

Granite Foundation Repair Inc. is a trusted foundation inspection and repair company. Over the 17 years we have been operating, we’ve helped numerous homeowners in Dallas and the surrounding areas. Get in touch with us now to learn more!