Slab leaks can be a major problem in residential and commercial buildings, and detecting them early is crucial to avoid costly damages. In this article, we will explore the importance of slab leak detection, how to detect a slab leak, and what steps to take when you suspect one in your property.
Slab leaks are water leaks that occur in the concrete foundation of a building. They can be caused by various factors, including poor construction, ground movement, and corrosion. Some common signs of a slab leak include a sudden increase in your water bill, the sound of running water when no fixtures are turned on, damp or warm spots on your floors, and cracks in your walls or floors.
If you suspect a slab leak, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent further damage. The first step is to turn off your main water supply to avoid further water damage. Then, you should contact a professional slab leak detection service to perform a thorough inspection of your property.
Pipe leaks in the concrete slab for heating or water supply are a common problem. Unexplained wet spots appear on the floor and walls, the humidity in the apartment is high, mold and mildew form, and water consumption significantly increases. Sometimes, the leak is only discovered due to complaints from neighbors below about damp spots on the ceiling.
Hidden leaks are destructive to substrates, laminates, parquet, and other natural flooring materials because they quickly become unusable when exposed to water. Drying without eliminating the cause will not help if the heating is leaking in the floor.
Tools
Undoubtedly, it is possible to dismantle all flooring and screed, but this will lead to unjustifiably high expenses for subsequent apartment repairs. Moreover, such excavation will make it impossible to live in the apartment for at least a few days, if not weeks. Therefore, the best solution is to use specialized devices for detecting leaks in the concrete floor or walls – a thermal imager, a moisture meter, a leak detector, and sometimes an endoscope.
A thermal imager is a device that creates clear thermal images based on the temperature difference of the surface. The device shows the best results with a small depth of pipe laying and a small volume of leakage. A thermal imager allows you to detect not only leaks from a warm water floor or heating main but also leaks from cold water supply pipes.
A moisture meter is a device that measures the moisture level at a depth of 20 mm to 100 mm from the surface of the floor. If increased moisture is detected in a certain area, the leak is most likely there. It is important to know the principles of capillary moisture distribution (through the absorption of materials) to accurately determine the source of the leak because not only the area of the rupture gets wet, but also the screed around it.
A leak scanner is used in case of massive water inflow – on heating lines, underground water supply, etc. It will also show a leak in the case of an impressive hissing sound in the water supply or heating system. If we are talking about a drip leak in an apartment or private house, then thermal imagers and moisture meters or the simultaneous use of all three devices show high results.
The main advantage of using specialized devices is that there is no need to destroy all flooring and screed in search of a leak – the combined method’s effectiveness exceeds 95%. Only a small area needs to be excavated, which reduces your expenses for restoring the coverage after repairing the pipe. In some cases, the damage is limited to one ceramic tile.
Ask professionals for help
At Leon Leak Detectors, we offer comprehensive slab leak detection services using the latest technology and techniques. Our team of experts will conduct a non-invasive inspection of your property to locate the source of the leak. We use advanced equipment such as electronic leak detection, infrared cameras, and moisture meters to accurately pinpoint the problem without causing any damage to your property.
Once the slab leak has been identified, we will provide you with a detailed report outlining the location and severity of the leak. Depending on the extent of the damage, we may recommend repair or replacement of the affected pipes. Our team will work with you to determine the best course of action and provide you with a cost estimate for the repairs.
In addition to our slab leak detection services, we also offer preventive maintenance programs to help you avoid future slab leaks. Our experts will perform regular inspections of your plumbing system to identify any potential issues before they become major problems.
In conclusion, detecting and addressing slab leaks early is crucial to avoid costly damages and ensure the safety of your property. If you suspect a slab leak, don’t hesitate to contact us for reliable and effective slab leak detection services. Our team of experts is available 24/7 to provide you with the assistance you need.