Thanks to aging plumbing systems and hard water, Orlando homes are more likely to experience leaks than properties elsewhere. As a local resident, there are a few symptoms to watch out for that may demonstrate the presence of a slab leak. By reaching out to our leak experts in Orlando, you can fix and repair troublesome leaks in short order.
Quick Takeaways
- Sandy soil and shifting foundations in Orlando raise the odds of slab leaks.
- Older homes have aging plumbing systems that are prone to corrosion.
- Hard water, high water tables, and installation mistakes can worsen other risk factors for slab leaks.
- With early detection and professional repairs, you can prevent serious damage.
Understanding Slab Leaks in Orlando
Late one night, you are about to get ready for bed when you notice a musty, moldy odor emanating from a corner of your living room. There are no apparent sinks, tubs, or plumbing fixtures nearby to explain away the smell, so you dismiss it. Left untreated, this odor and the underlying leak can cause thousands of dollars in damage.
If this happens to you, you can’t afford to ignore the musty odor. Slab leaks happen whenever a pipe under your concrete foundation leaks, cracks, or bursts. It can lead to mold and costly repairs, which is why it must be fixed right away.
Unfortunately, this silent plumbing problem is quite common in Orlando. If you suspect a slab leak, you should reach out for professional help right away.
Why Are Slab Leaks So Common in Orlando?
While everyone has heard about the area’s hurricane risks and high winds, less attention is devoted to foundations. Because of a few key factors, Orlando has a high rate of slab leaks.
1. Sandy, Shifting Soil
Many Orlando homes are surrounded by loose, sandy soil. This kind of soil shifts frequently, stressing slabs and underground pipes.
2. High Water Table
Thanks to Florida’s high groundwater level, foundations and underground plumbing may experience extra pressure. In turn, this pressure can cause more leaks.
3. Older Pipes in Aging Homes
Properties built before the 1980s typically have galvanized or copper pipes. These fixtures will start to corrode over the decades, and concrete makes the corrosion worse.
4. Hard Water Corrosion
In Orlando, the water contains a high mineral content. As these minerals build up inside your home’s pipes, they weaken them until leaks eventually form.
5. Poor Installation Practices
When older homes were constructed, their pipes were often laid directly in the concrete without using any insulation. Over time, the friction and added pressure can cause pipes to fail.
Signs You May Have a Slab Leak
You may be experiencing a slab leak at your home if you notice any of the following symptoms.
- Inexplicably high water bills
- Mold or mildew odors
- Damp or warm spots on your floor
- Low water pressure
- The sound of running water when no water is being used
- Cracks in your walls or floor
The Risks of Ignoring a Slab Leak
Like most plumbing-related problems, slab leaks can be a costly issue to ignore. If you don’t deal with these leaks right away, they can cause the following problems.
- Thousands of dollars in repairs
- Floor and drywall damage
- A weakened foundation
- Thousands of gallons of wasted water
- Mold growth (accelerated by humidity)
How We Repair Slab Leaks at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
At the punctual plumbers, you can get fast, accurate leak detection and high-level repair options. We go the extra mile to ensure you get optimized, long-lasting results.
1. Accurate Detection
First, we use state-of-the-art listening tools and thermal imaging to carefully pinpoint the leak’s exact location.
2. Repair Options That Fit Your Home
Once we know where the leak is, we can create a plan for repairing it. Our course of action depends on how severe the leak is and where it is located. Depending on these factors, we may perform pipe rerouting, install in-place epoxy lining, or directly access the pipes to repair them.
3. Clean, Fast, Professional Services
After we’ve designed the best plan for tackling your leaky pipe, we’ll explain how the plan works. We will give you honest, upfront pricing, so you know exactly what to expect. Once the work is done, we’ll carefully clean up the entire area.
FAQs
Over the years, we’ve found that many of our clients have a few common questions about our services.
How Long Does a Slab Leak Repair Normally Take?
A typical job can be completed in just one to three days. It all depends on the extent of the damage and how easy it is to access the problem area.
Will My Insurance Cover the Slab Leak?
Insurance will often repair the damage. However, the actual plumbing repair isn’t always covered. We’ll do our best to help you understand the entire process.
Can Slab Leaks Be Prevented?
By getting regular inspections and investing in a water softener, you can lower the risk of having a slab leak.
Is a Slab Leak Dangerous?
A slab leak can destroy your foundation. It can also cause mold-related health problems for your family.
Don’t Let a Hidden Leak Destroy Your Foundation
When a slab leak occurs, you can’t afford to delay your repairs. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing offers the high-level repairs and expert detection that your home needs. Thanks to our guaranteed workmanship and upfront pricing, you can enjoy better peace of mind.
Are you experiencing slab leaks in Orlando and the surrounding areas? The punctual plumbers have you covered. Give our licensed plumbers a call today!