What Causes a Slab Leak?

Most slab leaks are caused by one of the following situations:

• Poor construction – If your pipes were not installed properly, or the wrong types of pipes were used, not only could this potentially violate local building codes, but can mean that your pipes will more likely than not fail over time. Copper pipes especially are at risk, since they are softer and consequently more vulnerable to the outside elements. In some cases, a slab leak may require new pipes altogether versus a repair.
• Outdoor pressure – Earthquakes, underground streams, and soil erosion can lead to slab leaks over time.
• Poor water quality – Water that is extremely acidic (hard) or alkaline (soft) can corrode pipes. Acidic water can be identified by looking for blue or green stains in the bathtub, shower, or sink, and a chlorine-like smell.
• Time – Older homes, especially those with copper or galvanized steel pipes, are at greater risk for a slab leak.
• Abrasion – When pipes, during the regular course of their use, come in contact with concrete, gravel, etc., or other nearby pipes, the consistent friction can cause them to increasingly wear down and eventually spring a leak. Hot water pipes are at a higher risk of abrasion over cold pipes, as they expand as they heat up, and they brush against the concrete or gravel that surrounds them in the soil.