Foundation Leaks - The Hidden Costs

What Is a Foundation Leak?

A foundation leak is when water is entering into the foundation of a house. This usually occurs because of a crack in the pipes below a house, or because the material used to seal different parts of the house isn’t holding correctly. These leaks can be hard to detect as well as very expensive since they’re generally in hard-to-reach areas. 

The article below explains the monetary costs of a slab leak as well as the possible damage from such a leak and how professionals go about fixing the leak.

Hidden Foundation Leak Costs

The cost of foundation leaks can be astronomical. The average water bill will take a ridiculous hike because of the amount of water that manages to leak out of the crack. A typical leak can be expected to leak ninety gallons of water in just one day. When multiple leaks are left on their own, the total water loss averages a total of 10,000 gallons of water leaked in one year. 

All of this leaking water would be reflected not only in the water bill but also in what happens to the house.

Can a Foundation Leak Damage a Home?

A leak that is left alone can cause massive amounts of damage to different parts of the home. Large leaks slowly wear down the concrete slabs in its foundation, which eventually results in the slab cracking or shifting. Leaks that are slow cause the soil beneath a house to expand and contract more than normal, which eventually will result in a bulge or crack in its foundation. 

If there are already cracks in the concrete, the moisture will make its way into the crack and damage the foundations even more, putting the house off balance. One easier-to-see side effect of these problems is when a dome appears on the floor in the house. This is a result of the foundation bulging, making a small area on a flat floor poke out. 

Also, parts of the floor could start feeling warm when it shouldn’t or a little less firm than it should. This is because the water has made its way to the floorboards and is starting to cause the wood beneath to rot away or grow mold.

Foundation Leak Fixes

To fix a foundation leak, one needs to dig down and around the foundation to where the leak is. A plumber will leave a foot of room around the foundation, then seal the source of the leak, which is usually a cracked pipe. After the pipe is sealed, plastic sheets are put down leading away from the foundation to keep water from coming out. They'll then put soil down on top of the plastic sheets.

 It’s also important to seal up the cracks in the concrete of the foundation so any leaks in the future can’t get through the cracks as easily. This can be done with wet concrete or sealant, and should be taken care of by a professional.

Trust a Local Plumber Instead

Nixco Plumbing, Inc. has been providing drain cleaning, plumbing, and sewer line services for more than forty years. With more than a quarter-century of experience under their belt, their plumbers provide fast service with a guarantee of no mess. Call today for any plumbing needs.

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