You wouldn’t second-guess most plumbing problems. A pipe either leaks or doesn’t. Either your toilet flushes, or it won’t. All it takes is a quick phone call to Ace Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning, and things are back to normal in no time. But a slab leak is different since it can take years to show itself—or may cause damage for years, sight unseen. But take heart. We can help you spot, diagnose, and repair slab leaks so you can return to living comfortably and safely.
What is a Slab Leak?
The “slab” part of a slab leak refers to the concrete slabs on which many Sacramento area homes are built. Plumbing—mains, drainage, and sewage—typically runs underneath that slab. When the surrounding soil starts to settle or shift, it causes the slab to do the same. And then everything that runs under or through that foundation is stressed.
For pipes that may already have been subjected to poor water quality, corrosion, or faulty construction, that often leads to leaks. The leaks, in turn, send water or sewage into the soil, which creates a feedback loop of sorts; the water further undermines the soil, causing more shifting and more damage. At some point, all of this can lead to catastrophic home damage.
Common Problems Caused by Slab Leaks
Slab leaks aren’t the same as burst pipes; you won’t necessarily see vast amounts of water all at once. But even in small amounts, water is relentless. Besides promoting mold and mildew growth because of higher humidity levels, it can undermine walls and foundations, contribute to rot and cause the metal in fixtures and appliances to rust. So, even though the leak may seem tiny, it is by no means inconsequential. This isn’t something you can wait out and hope for the best.
Signs of a Slab Leak in Sacramento
Mind you, that damage doesn’t typically take place all at once. Instead, homeowners are likely to notice a number of small problems that indicate a much bigger issue lurking just out of sight.
- Humidity can be much higher than usual, leaving condensation on floors, appliances, and other surfaces
- Water bills may climb out of proportion to use
- The concrete floors and walls in your basement or crawlspace are warm, rather than cool, to the touch
- Water pressure is lower than normal, but there are no leaks or clogs you can pinpoint
- You hear running water when nothing is turned on
- You notice puddles on the floor, or a sump pump working overtime when there’s been no rain recently
- You’re seeing abnormal growth of grass or vegetation, which may also be a different color than what’s in the rest of your yard, close to the foundation
- Floors and foundations can crack because of the uneven soil
Need Expert Leak Detection Services?
There's no better choice than Ace Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning. With almost 50 years of experience and round-the-clock availability, our expert technicians can easily tackle any emergency plumbing and HVAC issue. So why settle for less? Contact us today for a free estimate and experience our unbeatable service!
Why Sacramento Homeowners Trust Ace Plumbing
Some repairs are quick and easy, like a new toilet installation or drain cleaning services. Some are fun for you and us alike, like designing and installing irrigation systems in Sacramento so your home has great curb appeal. But with our prompt and professional service, an excellent first-time fix rate, and a staff as courteous as they are experienced, Ace Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning takes the sting out of even the complex and messy work. So give us a call today!
Service Areas
We provide water leak and slab leak detection and repair services in Sacramento, Folsom, Fair Oaks, Davis, Woodland, Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Elk Grove, Granite Bay, El Dorado Hills, Mather, Rancho Cordova, Citrus Heights, West Sacramento and all the communities between. Call us for an estimate or emergency plumber dispatch.