What Is A Slab Leak And How Do You Address It?

Leaks are among the most common types of plumbing issues, with severity ranging from dripping faucets to burst pipes. Whether big or small, however, leaks can still be a huge nuisance as they waste water, raise utility bills, cause property damage, and promote mould and mildew growth. Therefore, when you spot a leak in your property, the best thing to do is to call Dunedin plumbing experts to get the issue resolved before it gets worse.

When it comes to pesky leaks and other plumbing issues, Mains Plumbers is certainly up for the task. We offer reliable emergency plumbing services to make sure leaks in your property are fixed right away, preventing any further damage. In addition, our expert team can also handle gas fitting and industrial and commercial drainlaying, making us the perfect all-around plumbing partner. With our decades of experience to back us up, we can surely get your property leak-free in no time.

That being said, one type of leak that can cause serious damage to your property is slab leaks. If left unattended, these can weaken the structural integrity of your property and lead to costly repairs down the line. So, in this article, we’ll be discussing what slab leaks are and what you can do to address it.

What Is a Slab Leak?



A slab leak is a kind of plumbing leak that occurs in the pipes—typically water supply lines—running beneath your property’s concrete foundation. When these pipes leak, the water seeps out from your flooring or foundation, leading to serious structural and water damage.

A slab leak can leave a multitude of problems in its wake. For one, it can increase your water bills due to the continuous water loss. The damp environment that a slab leak creates can be a breeding ground for harmful mould, posing health risks. It can also damage your interior as the water warps hardwood, soaks carpets, and weakens tiles due to moisture buildup.

Common Causes of Slab Leaks

Usually, slab leaks are a symptom of another plumbing issue or negligence. The following are some of the reasons why you may be experiencing a slab leak:

1. Corrosion – Metal pipes, especially copper and galvanised steel, can corrode over time due to prolonged exposure to moisture, soil minerals, and chemical reactions. This makes them more vulnerable to damage, leading to slab leaks.

2. High Water Pressure – Water moving at excessively high pressure can weaken pipes over time, especially at joints and bends. This pressure could end up increasing wear and tear on your pipes, thus causing leaks.

3. Shifting Soil – Earthquakes, soil erosion, and nearby construction can shift the ground, placing excessive force on underground pipes. The additional pressure on your pipes increases the risk of leaks.

4. Abrasion – As water flows through pipes, they expand and contract with temperature changes. If those pipes were installed too close to the concrete slab, the repeated rubbing or vibration against the concrete could gradually wear away the pipe’s outer layer.

5. Poor Installation – Plumbing that was improperly installed during construction (pipes bent incorrectly or poor welding, for example) can easily weaken over time. As a result, leaks develop much sooner.

Ways to Address a Slab Leak

Now that you know what a slab leak is and what causes them, below are some solutions on how to fix this issue. It’s best to have professional plumbers handle them, although you can also do some fixes yourself if the problem is detected sooner.

1. Epoxy Pipe Coating

If the leak is still small, then a simple repair method you can do is to apply epoxy resin on the leaking pipe to seal small cracks and pinhole leaks. This solution works best for minor leaks and helps extend the life of existing pipes.

2. Spot Repair

For larger leaks, contact your local plumber to ask for a spot repair. This involves opening up the slab at the precise leak location and replacing or repairing the damaged pipe section. Spot repair is effective for isolated

leaks, though keep in mind that it’ll require breaking through your foundation.

3. Pipe Rerouting

If the leak is severe or your pipes are deteriorating, then you may need to have your plumber reroute the plumbing above ground or through walls to bypass the damaged section. This method avoids cutting into the slab but may require wall modifications.

4. Repiping

This method involves a complete replacement of your water lines, which is an ideal solution if you’re experiencing multiple slab leaks or your pipes are old and failing in general. You can also ask your plumber to have your new pipes installed above ground, in walls, or in an attic to avoid future slab issues.

5. Trenchless Repair

Also called pipe lining or pipe bursting, trenchless repair is a minimally invasive method where a new liner is inserted into the existing pipe, thus sealing leaks without the need for extensive digging. This method works well for preventing further damage or if you want to avoid any major excavation on your property.

When it comes to slab leaks, timely repair is crucial to avoid any major structural damage to your property. So, if you’re experiencing a slab leak, don’t hesitate to call the Mains Plumbers team by dialing 03 488 6000 or dropping a quick message via our contact form. We look forward to fixing your plumbing woes and restoring order to your property.