Plumbing under slab foundation is a system of pipes and drains that are installed under the concrete slab of the building. You will find water supply lines, drainage pipes, and sewer lines in it. These pipes are installed before the concrete slab is put into place. When it comes to slab foundation plumbing, you will find all your home’s plumbing under that concrete slab. Typically, plumbing in concrete slab foundations is concealed in gravel or sand.
Plumbing in these kinds of homes is not easy to repair compared to above-ground plumbing so for fixing your pipes and repair you need a professional slab foundation plumber who can take care of your repairs. A professional plumber will make sure that pipes function properly and avoid damage to the foundation.
What is Plumbing Under Slab Foundation?
Homes built on a solid concrete slab don’t have basements or spaces below the home’s main level. Slab foundation homes are quite common and they do have a few benefits but the plumbing under slab foundation homes is pretty unique. Slab foundations are found to be inexpensive when it comes to home construction. Plumbing under slab foundation homes is often made up of copper, cast iron, or stimulated steel piping.
Sadly, any material you opt for your slab house plumbing is going to deteriorate and wear down over time. The pipes may begin to corrode, leaks can occur, and you may eventually need to schedule a repair job at some time. Because of the construction of your home’s foundation, the pipes are difficult to access. It’s a complex task to repair slab foundation plumbing once the slab is put in and the home is built.
Pros and Cons of Slab Foundation Plumbing
Having a home with Slab foundations has several advantages:
Inexpensive Foundation:
Slab foundations are easier and more cost-effective to make, making the home more affordable than houses with a full basement foundation. Concrete slab foundations are truly the most affordable foundation option because they need little excavation and backfilling.
Fast Construction:
Slab foundations are easier and faster to make than other home foundation types. This will cut down the time needed if you’re wondering about building a home. Building a foundation usually takes between 2 and 3 weeks depending on several factors. The most important thing is not how fast the foundation is built but, rather, how well it’s built in the given time frame.
Lower Heating And Cooling Bills
As you have no basement to deal with, you can expect your home’s HVAC bills to be lesser than a home with a full basement. This will save you big time and who doesn’t like fewer numbers on the bills? Yeah, get that now!
Reduced Pest Issues And Fewer Mold Problems
As there’s no crawlspace or basement, your home is less disposed to pest infestations or Mold issues. A concrete slab foundation can defend your home from mold and insects. This is due to the absence of space.
Slab Foundation Cons Also Have Some Disadvantages
Less square footage and less space for storage. It’s common for the big utility equipment to stay in a basement or crawlspace, which isn’t an option when you have a slab foundation home. All the ventilation, ductwork, and heaters must be visible inside the home.
Slab foundation plumbing repairs are always a complex job. If there are wet spots on your floor, cracks in your foundation, or a boost in your water bill, then you are facing a plumbing leak. These are challenging to spot and resolve when all the plumbing is under the concrete slab. you need a jackhammer to pass the concrete slab and find the leak. Some leaks cannot be fixed until a plumber can get under the slab. Leaks are harder to find, making them harder to avoid. You may not ever notice a leak has happened until you see a high-water bill.
Foundation cracks: Since the slab is made of pure concrete, it will certainly develop cracks over time and through inclement weather. The plumbing under your slab is subject to high levels of stress and pressure, and if it is not installed correctly, it can cause the concrete to crack. Moreover, if the plumbing leaks occur it can erode the soil around the foundation, which can also lead to cracks.
How to Find a Slab Foundation Plumbing Leak?
Plumbing in concrete slab foundation homes is impossible to see as it all rests below the concrete slab. This makes leaks difficult to notice. It is advised to get a professional plumber to fix the repair as your home’s safety comes first. There are some signs indicating a leak has occurred under your slab foundation. Here are some things to consider while spotting a plumbing leak:
- Water spots on your floor
- Signs of water damage on your floor
- Easy areas on your floor
- Variable temperatures on your floor, either hot or cold
- An unforeseen increase in your water bill without any reason
- Foul odours
- Noticeable foundation damage
- Less water pressures
- Cracks in your home walls
- Combining water in your yard
- Water leaking through your foundation
Conclusion:
Plumbing under slab foundation is not an easy task and requires specialized tips and tricks along with expertise. It cannot be done on your own and for that, you need to hire a professional plumber who will know exactly how to navigate the challenges without causing any damage to the concrete. He will have all the tools and equipment that will be required for plumbing and see an issue under the slab. For accurate repairs and safety standards look for a professional plumber in your area rather than doing the job yourself! Happy plumbing all the way!
