Plumbing leaks are responsible for a great percentage of wet basements. In fact, if you have a concrete slab basement, many of your foundation problems are most likely the result of plumbing leaks. This is because plumbing lines run below foundation floors.
Many new homes have a moisture barrier to ensure that the foundation floor remains dry even when there is a plumbing leak. Homes built prior to the 1989’s aren’t likely to have this barrier. They are therefore susceptible to the problems that leaking plumbing can cause.
There are two ways that leaking plumbing can cause problems to foundations. These are:
These are big leaks that occur below the slab. The water leaves the plumbing pipes fast and soaks the soil beneath the slab. This soil becomes waterlogged. It can be washed away by the water, leaving a gap under the foundation. This results in the foundation being unevenly supported. The foundation becomes stressed and begins to crack and sink.
This involves a slow leak that can cause problem over time. The soil beneath the foundation absorbs the moisture and swells. This results in the shifting of the foundation.
It can be difficult to deal with wet basements that are caused by leaking plumbing. This is because the plumbing runs beneath the slab. However, there are several signs that can indicate a plumbing leak that should be investigated.
If you notice any of the signs of plumbing leaks, it’s important that you take the following steps.