3 Ways Plumbing Problems Can Cause Problems With A Slab Foundation
Solid concrete slab foundations definitely have their advantages. They are stable, eliminate crawlspace problems, and tend to outlast a block foundation. The one downfall of the slab foundation is plumbing pipes have to be routed through the slab, so if there is a leak, it may go unnoticed for quite some time. Plumbing problems can be detrimental to a concrete slab, even though the issue can take a while to emerge. Here is a look at some of the reasons homeowners have to work with foundation repair contractors due to water leaks around a slab foundation.
Water leaks can cause slab sinkage over time.
If the ground is consistently becoming saturated due to a water or drainage leak, it can cause the underlying support for the slab to be more impressionable. What was once a good sturdy ground surface can basically turn into a muddy mess, and the slab can naturally sink into this muddy mess, which can cause the entire home to shift. It is not uncommon for water line problems to lead to major shifts in a home's slab foundation and a lot of damage inside the house.
Plumbing issues can cause erosion of the slab.
Erosion of a concrete slab may sound like a small issue, but it is something that can generate major problems. If you have a certain leaking pipe in one spot, a massive area can become eroded. This means that particular area can also be more porous and more prone to other types of damage. Water is naturally going to try to flow out through the path of least resistance, and these paths can be in some spots that are not good for the house at all. For example, you may end up with a path of erosion that comes out through a small gap at the edge of the house.
Water problems can cause the slab to crack.
If there is one thing you never want to happen with a concrete slab foundation, it is for it to crack. A cracked slab can lead to major foundation trouble down the road. For one, if the slab cracks, it can shift independently, which means you can have the support system for different parts of the house moving in opposing directions. Water leaks can make a concrete slab foundation more prone to cracks because the leaking water can freeze and push pressure on surrounding concrete.