Why You Need a Plumbing Test Before Doing Foundation Repairs
You may not think of your plumbing system when thinking about your home’s foundation. Still, there is an essential connection between the two.
Suppose you’re planning on doing foundation repairs. In that case, it’s crucial that you first have a plumbing test done to make sure everything is in good working order. Failing to do so could cost you a lot of money in the long run.
This blog post will discuss the link between plumbing systems and foundations, what is involved in a plumbing test, and why it’s important to conduct one before beginning any significant repair work.
What Is a Plumbing Test?
A plumbing test is a process that involves checking all of the pipes and drains in your home for leaks or other problems. When the test is done before the foundation repair process, its primary purpose is to find if there are any visible or invisible problems under the slab that needs repair.
The test is usually done with a special camera inserted into the pipes. The camera allows the plumber to see inside the pipes and identify areas needing repair. This is an essential step in foundation repair because it can help to prevent further damage to your home.
The Connection Between the Plumbing System and the Foundation
Your plumbing system is one of the most critical parts of your home, and it’s closely connected to your foundation. The two systems work together to support your home and keep it stable.
Usually, the plumbing system is encased within the concrete slab foundation that your home sits on. However, the plumbing system pipes may run beneath the foundation in some cases.
The foundation can shift due to weather conditions, uneven soil, or excavation or construction nearby. If that happens, there could be severe damage to the plumbing system. Occasionally the plumbing may leak first and cause the foundation to move due to the excess water. This foundation movement may cause more pipes to shift or break and worsen the problem.
Should You Do a Plumbing Test Before Doing Foundation Repairs?
When the plumbing system suffers damage, cracks, or breaks, it could lead to unexpected moisture and its unique problems. Some signs of a water leak in a pipe beneath the foundation are low water pressure, a sudden spike in the water bill, pooling water, soft spots on the flooring, foul odors, cracks in the walls, and visible damage to the foundation.
There could also be other problems that arise out of excess moisture build-up in the home, such as mold and mildew. In addition to causing property damage, it poses a health risk to the home’s occupants. Infants, older adults, pets, and family members with health problems such as immune system deficiencies, allergies, and asthma can be adversely affected by mold and mildew. (Marshall, 2020)
In some cases, plumbing problems can be fixed with a simple repair. However, if the problem is left unchecked, it could lead to major structural issues that are much more expensive to fix.
Are Under Slab Foundation Pipe Leaks a Common Phenomenon in Houston?
A primary reason for slab leaks in Houston is the soil type. Due to the high clay content in the soil and its low permeability, it remains wet for long periods. The trapped moisture can cause the soil to swell, and when the soil finally dries, it shrinks. This could lead to cracks in the concrete slab foundation. It could also lead to significant structural damage to the foundation in extreme situations such as cracking and sinking.
Failure of the slab results in breakage of plumbing lines. In such cases, it becomes critical to find the source quickly and repair it with the latest equipment and proven long-term solutions.
Schedule a plumbing test first if you plan to do any foundation repairs. This vital step will help to ensure that your home is in good condition and that the repairs are done correctly. Ignoring this step could lead to costly repairs down the road.
What TDT Plumbing Offers You
TDT Plumbing pioneers under slab foundation leak detection and restoring using the ePIPE (an epoxy coating), CIPP (Cured In Place Pipe), and Picote Pipe Coating technologies. These technologies enable us to fix leaks without cutting through the slab, which is very expensive.
Think you may have an under slab foundation pipe leak? We are pipe forensic specialists with years of experience dealing with Houston homes. We suggest an immediate inspection to detect leaks, curb unnecessary high-water bills and potential home destruction, and save money with the repair and restoration process. Call TDT Plumbing today at (713) 697-2088 for a video inspection of your underground lines.
Works Cited
Marshall, Fred. “Inside Scoop on Your Plumbing and Foundation’s Relationship.” Advanced Foundation Repair, Advanced Foundation Repair, 20 Feb. 2020, foundationrepairs.com/inside-scoop-on-your-plumbing-and-foundations-relationship/.