Are Slab Leaks Covered By Homeowners Insurance?
When broken, leaky pipelines occur in the home’s foundation, it can be a potentially catastrophic circumstance. With high repairs costs and the potential for major water damage to the home and the belongings, it’s important to know whether or not your homeowner’s insurance would cover the resultant damage from slab leaks. Fortunately, there are instances where slab leak damage can be covered in the average homeowner’s insurance policy. For instance, if a slab leak is the result of a covered peril, causing increased damage to the home, the dwelling protection and personal property insurance on the homeowner’s policy may offer financial protection.
What Are the Signs of a Slab Leak?
Early detection is an incredibly important aspect of detecting leaks occurring in a foundation. When slab leaks are left undetected and unrepaired, a slab leak can eventually lead to thousands of dollars in water damage and structural damage to the home. For homeowners, the signs are subtle but necessary for detection. Sudden, unexplained spikes in water bills, water pooling where it shouldn’t, damp carpet or warped hard flooring, and mold and mildew are just some of the signs. A decrease in water pressure and a hot water heater that’s constantly running are also signs of a slab leak.
How Much Do Slab Leaks Cost to Fix?
The average slab leak repair cost — which typically includes hiring a professional to come to the home and find the leak — can cost from $150 dollars to $400 dollars. This cost ultimately depends on how difficult it is to determine where the leak is occurring. Additionally, the cost to remove the concrete and repair the damage to the pipe can cost around $2,000. The overall cost depends on where the leak is and how easy it is to access. Thankfully, many homeowner’s insurance policies cover water damage to carpet, flooring, and cabinets, however, they do not cover costs associated with repairing the damaged pipes.
What Causes a Leak in the Slab?
Slab leaks happen when the pipes in the foundation of a home become corroded. Slab leaks can also occur if a pipe bursts. Usually, these are the two main culprits. Most homeowners are unaware that the home’s piping is funneled through the foundation. Homes are built this way because it’s the most straightforward way to handle the plumbing in a home. Moreover, it is the least expensive way to attain water in the home. When slab leaks happen, it’s because the pipes in the foundation have developed pinhole leaks. These leaks are caused by corrosion and can happen as a symptom of the home settling on the foundation.
What Happens If You Don’t Fix a Slab Leak?
The consequences of slab leaks can be disastrous. Even the smallest leak can lead to substantial issues as the problems associated with the leak worsen over time. Leaks that occur always lead to water damage to the surrounding area, including the structure of the home. The foundation may shift, leading to tiles splitting, doors not closing correctly, and more. Articles of furniture and miscellaneous possessions can develop mold or mildew in cases where slab leaks are left too long untreated. These fungi are to be taken seriously, as they can sicken the inhabitants of the home. Mold develops spores that can travel through the HVAC system of a home, becoming a health issue.
Can Slab Leaks Create A Mold Problem?
Mold is the universally acknowledged name for a vast family of fungi that are capable of growing on any damp surface. The early stages of mold are known as mildew. While mold does play a vital role in the ecology of the health of the planet by breaking down organic material and enriching the soil, it can be a serious indoor hazard. Slab leaks often occur within close proximity to the drywall. Drywall is a very efficient sponge for the moisture released by a leak. When a slab leak reaches the drywall in a home or place of business it can rapidly grow into a spreading mold problem.
Slab Leak in Foundation
While there are no pipes in the concrete slab, there can still be a leak within the foundation of a property. Depending on the symptom, homeowners may be experiencing a sewer leak or multiple leaks (such as freshwater leaks). Evidence of sewer leaks includes cracks in the walls and the foundation, uneven or sloping floors, wall rotation, bowing of walls, separation of doors, windows, and garage doors, and spontaneous mold growth. Determining which specific pipe has erupted is a process that an established plumbing company can uncover. Slab leak service in Pottstown, PA can assist property owners who are experiencing the stressful experience of a slab leak. Slab leak detection can assist homeowners with alleviated water damage and correct and enhance the ultimate function of the home.
Slab Leak in New Home
Purchasing a new home is an extraordinarily exciting experience. New homes present an opportunity for homeowners to possess safety and security within the comfort of their own home. However, this sense of comfort can be compromised with a hidden slab leak. Homeowners should be on the lookout for red flags. The signs and symptoms for slab leaks include damp spots on the floor or carpets, annoyingly low water pressure in the shower, high water bills, and more. Slab leak detection should be initiated as soon as possible in order to maximize water damage resistance. For homeowners seeking a fresh finish for their hardwood flooring after recovering from water damage, select an appropriately qualified hardwood floor company. Hardwood floors can become one of the first victims in a slab leak.
Slab Leak Causes
The causes of slab leaks can be numerous. Please consult the list below to understand more about potential causes for slab leaks.
- Improper construction. One of the most common sources for slab leaks is improperly installed or poor-quality pipes. Copper pipes, in particular, can exhibit corrosion at a fairly fast rate. Pipes of the copper variety are invariably softer and offer less resistance to the elements.
- Outside pressure. Water pressure is not the only kind of pressure that can create a slab leak. Shifts in the underlying soil of a foundation can cause the home to move, putting increased pressure on pipes.
- Poor water quality. In addition to water pressure, it is important for homeowners to keep an eye out for the pH of their water. Water that is excessively acidic (hard_ or excessively alkaline (soft) can corrode pipes, leading to faster pipe deterioration.
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