Slab Leak Repair In Garland And North Central Texas

No matter how your home is structured, there’s a complex system of water lines below your feet. A leak in them can be a nuisance — but if your home is built on a concrete slab, a leak can cause not just hassle but thousands of dollars in damages. Plumbers call this a “slab leak,” and it’s nothing to ignore.

Do You Have a Leak Under the Foundation of Your Garland Home?

Underneath the foundation of your house, there are hundreds of feet of water lines, some of which are pressurized. When one of them develops a leak, water will saturate the soil and perhaps make its way up into your home.

When water leaks force their way up into the home through the concrete slab, plumbers commonly refer to this as a slab leak, and if not addressed in a timely manner, it can cost you several thousands of dollars in damage to your home.

One of the major factors that impacts this issue is the water content of the soil beneath your home. Think of the soil under your home like a sponge. When it’s very wet, the sponge expands. If you leave it out in the heat, it dries up and shrinks. The same thing happens with the soil under your house. It only needs the smallest of movements to compromise the integrity of the underground water pipes.

We normally see this type of problem in older homes. However, we’ve also seen this in newer homes due to poor workmanship and poor drainage around the home’s perimeter.

Call (972) 379-4000 or contact us about foundation leak repair in Garland, TX.

How Slab Leaks Form

Foundation leaks can occur in any age home. Older homes generally have more slab leak problems, but they can happen to any Texas property. If there’s poor drainage around the house or if a builder used a less-than-knowledgeable plumbing contractor, even new homes can have foundation leaks.

When a home with a slab foundation is built, water pipes are installed first. In Garland, we need a cold water line for municipal water. Homes also have a hot water line from the water heater and sewer lines that are hooked to the City of Garland sewer lines (usually in the street).

After the water lines are installed, a large wooden frame is filled with concrete and rebar-reinforced. This forms your home’s foundation.

In North Central Texas, we have plumbing issues unique to our area:

• The soil has a heavy clay content. It expands and shrinks according to the level of saturation.
• We have extreme weather, including especially long hot spells in which our soil is extremely dry and sudden “gulleywashers,” heavy downpours of rain that can cause flooding.

Even a minor shift in the soil can affect underground water line systems. When this happens, foundation leaks may occur; your home’s slab can erode or sink in one or more areas.

Call (972) 379-4000 or contact Staggs Plumbing to learn more.

6 Signs You May Have a Foundation Leak

Any moist areas on your floor should be immediately investigated. It might be a minor problem, but it’s best to contact your Dallas County plumbing professional as soon as possible.

Moisture or soft patches on other home surfaces — ceilings, walls, or corners — can indicate other types of leaks. You should do a regular walk-through of your home to check for signs of moisture. 

Another way to confirm you have a foundation leak is to turn off all taps and water-using appliances. Then check your water meter. It should have a leak indicator that moves slowly when water is being run. Then call or contact your local plumbing company.

Here are six signs of foundation leaks:

1. Cracks in flooring and walls – This could indicate your foundation is settling, which is normal and no cause for alarm. But it could indicate a much larger issue, so it’s better to contact your plumber before it becomes an expensive problem.
2. Floor “hot spots” – One area of flooring feels warmer than before. A broken or leaky hot water line under your foundation may be the problem.
3. Moisture/mud accumulation outside – Foundation leak water has to go somewhere. If you see standing water in an area and you know your sprinkler system is okay, you likely have a slab leak. Arrange for a plumbing inspection.
4. There’s a moldy/mildew smell in one area – If you smell mildew or see signs of mold near the floor, you might have a broken water pipe. If there’s discoloration or dampness on a ceiling, you could have a pipe or roof leak.
5. You can hear water running – All appliances and taps are off but you hear the faint sound of running water.
6. Water bill increases – If there’s a surge in water use and you don’t know why, it’s a clue there may be a plumbing problem. It may not be a foundation leak, but it’s important to find out sooner, rather than later.

North Central Texas is our service area. For information or to schedule an inspection, call (972) 379-4000 or contact us.

We believe our integrity and quality of workmanship are the reason Staggs Plumbing is the go-to for North Central Texas homes and businesses. We have served the Garland, Texas area since 1990.

If your property insurance will cover some or most of a foundation leak repair, we’ll work with you. In addition to foundation leak repair, we’re your local emergency plumber for:

• Bathroom/shower appliances
• Garbage disposals
• Kitchen faucets
• Toilets
• Water heaters

We’re upfront and honest about pricing. With an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and over 500 five-star reviews, our licensed plumbing professionals will deliver quality work that works with your time frame — and your budget.

Call (972) 379-4000 or contact Staggs Plumbing today for a quote.