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How Common Are Slab Leaks? For Arizonans, It Doesn’t Look Good

how common are slab leaks

Published By: webdev

If you’re a homeowner in Arizona, it’s important to be aware of the potential for slab leaks. These leaks can cause significant damage to your home’s foundation, increase your water bill, and disrupt your daily life.

In this blog, we’ll explore just how common slab leaks are in Arizona, what causes them, and how to recognize the warning signs. We’ll also discuss the importance of getting professional help when it comes to leak detection and repair, and why Custom Plumbing of Arizona is the right choice for all your plumbing needs. 

How Common Are Slab Leaks?

Slab leaks are more common in certain regions of the country, and Arizona is one of them. The hot, dry climate in Arizona can cause the soil beneath the foundation of a house to shift and move, leading to cracks in the slab. These cracks can allow water to seep through and cause a leak.

The state’s soil, which has a high clay content, is a major challenge for houses. This causes the ground to expand when it becomes wet and then shrink when the moisture evaporates. As a result, houses suffer damage to their pools, driveways, roads, and foundations that can be costly to repair.

According to The Arizona Geological Survey, clay-containing soil can expand up to a thousand percent when water is added. As such, structures may be damaged if the soil expands by as little as five percent. This is because soils typically have other minerals mixed in with the clay, which reduces expansion. However, soils that are high in silt quickly lose their structure and experience what is known as hydrocompaction when wet. This can lead to cracks in foundations.

Are Arizona Homes Built on Slabs?

In Arizona, many new houses are built on slabs that are designed to resist the effects of soil expansion and contraction. To do this, builders often install steel cables in the slab before pouring the concrete and then apply tension to the cables once the concrete has been set. This helps to prevent cracks from forming in the slab due to soil movement. 

However, not all homes have this type of reinforced foundation, and even homes with reinforced foundations can still be susceptible to damage. That’s why it’s important to be aware of potential warning signs of foundation damage, such as stair-step cracks in the foundation walls, leaning chimneys, and cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and drywall. Arizona Foundation Solutions recommends keeping an eye out for these signs and seeking professional help if you notice any of them.

What Causes Slab Leaks?

There are several factors that can contribute to the likelihood of leaks in a slab. As mentioned, the climate and type of pipes used can play a role. In addition, other factors that can exacerbate the problem include:

  • Poor installation of pipes
  • Tree roots growing into the pipes
  • Wear and tear on the pipes over time
  • Changes in the water pressure in the pipes
  • Home is old
  • The foundation was built incorrectly

Know the Slab Leak Warning Signs

It’s important to be aware of the warning signs of a slab leak so you can address the issue as soon as possible. Some common signs include:

  • A sudden increase in your water bill
  • The sound of running water when all faucets are turned off
  • Wet or damp spots on the floor or foundation of the house
  • Cracks in the walls or foundation of the house
  • A change in the water pressure in your faucets or shower

If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s important to call a professional to assess the issue and determine if you have a slab leak, and assess the repair cost.

Get the Leak Detection Help You Need with Custom Plumbing of Arizona

Now that you have an idea on how common are slab leaks in Arizona, if you suspect you have one, it’s important to get the leak detection help you need as soon as possible. 

At Custom Plumbing of Arizona, we have the tools and expertise to quickly and accurately locate and repair slab leaks. Our team of experienced plumbers will work with you to minimize the disruption to your daily life and get your plumbing back to normal as soon as possible.  Contact us at 602-866-2665  to learn more.