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• #BASEMENT SLAB CRACK REPAIR HOW TO#

The chemistry of water also contributes to the corrosion of pipes. Other factors that may cause slab leaks include growing tree roots, earthquakes, soil erosion, or an underground stream. For hot water pipes, you can add expansion to the list of issues that may cause these structures to leak over time. Abrasion and Other Outside Pressuresĭuring the course of their use, water pipes are subjected to friction while rubbing against nearby pipes, concrete, soil, and other materials. Newer homes now use plastic pipes such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride pipe), CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride pipe), or PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) that are corrosion resistant and easy to work with. Cast iron and galvanized pipes are common in older homes, and while these materials are durable, they are also prone to rust and clogging as they age. Likewise, the choice of plumbing materials can be a contributing factor to slab leaks. They are prone to bursting when subjected to varying water pressure and the abrasive property of the surrounding ground. If your pipes were bent, dented, or kinked during construction, these damaged areas become weak. Improper Construction or Plumbing Materials UsedĪnother common cause of slab leaks is the improper installation of pipes. The water from the leaking lines can then cause the ground to shift further, triggering a chain reaction that may go unnoticed for some time. The movement of the soil under the foundation can potentially damage water pipes. Texas homes with slab foundations are especially prone to this, as the soil composition in Texas is largely cracking clay, sandy soil, and other ground types prone to vertical or lateral shifting. This swelling and shrinking of the soil happen when the ground conditions change from dry to wet. Soil Expansion or ContractionĮxpansive soil shift is a typical culprit in houses suffering from slab leaks. Some of the most common causes of a slab leak are: 1. Since the water lines are beneath the house, you may not even realize that you have a major plumbing issue developing. The main water pipes are installed underneath this foundation, and the house is built on top of it.Ī slab leak occurs when a water pipe leaks under a concrete slab foundation. While there’s a good deal of engineering involved during the construction of a slab foundation, simply put, it is formed by pouring concrete onto the ground. Slab foundations have been gaining in popularity since the early 1900s because of their practicality, cost-effectiveness, and durability. If you live in Texas or another southwest state, there’s a higher chance your home has a slab foundation, as about 95.6 percent of new homes in the region are built on them. What is a Slab Leak and How Does it Occur?Īccording to the Survey of Construction on the Characteristics of New Housing, 63.2 percent of newly constructed single-family homes in 2019 have slab foundations. When you have a slab leak at home, you need to fix it right away, or you can expect it to wreak havoc on your home and your bank account.

#BASEMENT SLAB CRACK REPAIR HOW TO#

While you can search Google or YouTube for quick solutions to most common home plumbing issues, looking for a guide on how to fix a slab leak will only make you realize how big of a problem you’re dealing with. On the other hand, a slab leak can be a homeowner’s nightmare – and fixing it is best left to the professionals. If you discover this type of foundation damage it is important that you have it repaired as soon as possible before the structural integrity of your home becomes compromised.A leaky pipe can be a headache, but there’s often a quick, inexpensive fix for this common plumbing issue. The last crack type is the horizontal crack, as they are the most serious type of crack to look out for, as they can signal serious damage to your home's foundation and structural integrity. Diagonal foundation cracks are caused by differential settling of a foundation, which is where one side of a home's foundation settles lower than the rest of the foundation. This type of crack may be a thin hairline crack, but will likely be wider at one end than the other. The next crack is a diagonal crack, usually between 30 and 75-degree angle. These types of cracks are usually the result of your foundation settling and are not uncommon even for new houses to have this type of foundation damage. The most common is the vertical crack, and these are typically the least severe kind of cracks. Depending on which type of crack your basement or foundation has will determine what type of basement crack repair you will need, and how much it will cost. There are really three types of cracks that you will see, and each tells a different story. When you see a crack in the basement or foundation of your home, you are probably wondering if it is cause for concern.