Cracked and tilting foundations are a common sign of foundation problems. (Read more about cracks and foundation movement) The reason is often due to soil issues like expansive soils, settlement or the load on the foundation, as well as a host of other causes. Note that insurance can be purchased for a few of the causes, but only a few. Types of foundation cracks, crack patterns, differences in the meaning of cracks in different foundation materials, site conditions, building history, and other evidence of building movement and damage are described to assist in recognizing foundation defects and to help the inspector separate cosmetic or low-risk conditions from those likely.
Here at In-House Plumbing, we get a number of calls everyday from homeowners worried they might have slab leaks in their foundation.
With all the incorrect information online, it’s easy to understand why it’s hard to determine what is going on when you find something like a wet spot on your floor—or worse. So we’d like to help you figure out what might be happening.
One misconception we’d like to clear up first, though, is there are no pipes IN the concrete slab. And this means there can’t be a leak within the foundation.
In most cases, the pipes are under the slab. So you if you do have a leak, it is under the foundation. While there are exception to this (a home built with fresh water pipes in the walls), it is highly unlikely any pipes—fresh water or sewer—are in the actual slab.
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Depending on the symptom, you could have a sewer leak or leaks, or fresh water leaks. And in some cases, you might not even have a leak at all but a sewer stoppage problem.
Below are some of the most common signs and symptoms of the different types of plumbing problems you might be experiencing.
Signs of Sewer Problems
An important thing to note is the only time there is water in your sewer lines is when you run water or flush the toilet. Your sewer system is designed to run on gravity meaning the pipes are installed at a slight decline.
Anytime you run water in your house or flush the toilet, the water drains with gravity’s help down through the system, out to the main sewer line, and eventually to the city lines.
Sewer Clog or Blockage
Backups or Overflows – If water backs up or overflows when you flush the toilet or turn on and run water, it’s most likely you have a clog somewhere in in your sewer system. Because a sewer system is designed to run on gravity, if there is something blocking or clogging a sewer pipe, there’s nowhere for the water to go but back up and overflow out of your drain or toilet.
Slow Drains – If a sink, tub, or shower is slow to drain, you might have a partial clog which, if not addressed, could turn into a full stoppage or clog.
Sewer Leaks
Cracks in Walls and Foundation – If you have a sewer leak or a broken sewer pipe, whenever water runs through the pipe, some of it escapes into the soil surrounding the pipes and under your foundation. Because the soil in North Texas expands as it gets wet and contracts as it dries, water soaks into the soil like a sponge.
As a result, the expanding soil can cause your foundation’s slab to heave or push up. However, if the leak is severe enough and present for long enough, it is possible the soil could erode very slowly by leaching back into the broken sewer line causing the slab to drop.
Either of these can cause foundation issues/problems resulting in cracks in your walls or foundation. It could also show up as any of the following:
- Uneven or sloping floors
- Cracks in exterior or interior brick
- Displaced or cracked moldings
- Wall rotation
- Bowing of walls
- Cracks in floor or floor tiles
- Doors and windows won’t open or close properly
- Separation of doors, windows, and garage doors
- Spaces between wall and ceiling or floor
- Walls separating from house
Signs of Fresh Water Leaks
Unlike a sewer system, fresh water lines are always full of water.
Your cold water lines run on a pressurized system and connects to the city’s water line. That cold water line connects to your water heater which heats and runs water through the hot water lines. And it’s the stops in your faucets which keep the water from running until you turn on your faucet.
Higher than normal water bills
Because there is always water running in the system, having a leak is the same as turning on a faucet and letting the water run. This results in high water bills.
Higher than normal gas or electric bills
With a leak in your hot water line, your hot water heater is continually using gas or electricity to heat your water.
Little or no hot water
Along the same vein, if you find you can’t get any hot water or are getting very little hot water, you might have a leak in the hot water lines running from the water heater. It could be the water heater but it’s important to rule out any leaks before replacing your water heater. Or if you have replaced your water heater but continue to have problems getting enough hot water, then it’s most likely a leak in your hot water line.
The sound of running water
If you don’t have the water turned on anywhere in the house but still hear running water, it’s a possible sign of a leak.
Standing water in the yard
If you rule out leaking water from a hose or a sprinkler system, it’s possible this is a sign of a freshwater leak in your system. It does not necessarily mean the leak is underground in your yard. It could be under the slab of your home’s foundation that found a path from the leak to your yard.
Water or wet spots on the floor
If you find a certain spot on the floor is consistently wet or you have puddles, it could be a water leak. However, if it’s a problem in an entire room or your whole home, it’s possible it’s a flooring problem, not a plumbing issue.
Warm or hot spots on the floor
If the leak is in your hot water line, hot water continually escaping from the pipe heats the slab causing a spot on your floor to feel abnormally warm/hot.
Fixing the Problem
As soon as you notice any of the above signs or symptoms, give us a call. The earlier we catch something, the better. Letting these problems go will result in an even bigger problem.
Call us today at 972-494-1750, or fill out the form on our contact page.
While every home is unique, they often experience problems that are actually very common. One of the common problems is cracks. These cracks can appear anywhere, from little cracks in walls or tiling to major cracks in basement floors. As a homeowner, you need to know what the cause is and, more importantly, how critical of a problem is it? If you’ve discovered a crack in your basement floor, learn the possible causes and how to handle them below.
Causes of Basement Concrete Cracks
Shrinkage
Do Cracked Tiles Mean Foundation Problems Without
The two primary parts of concrete are cement and water. After it’s poured, it cures to become solid. As the concrete dries, it will shrink. The degree of shrinkage is largely affected by temperature. If temperatures drop while your basement cures, that can cause cracks. Likewise, sweltering heat will rapidly dry your concrete – and curing too quickly also causes cracks. Even in perfect conditions, over time, your basement concrete will experience some degree of shrinkage.
While there are some ways to help mitigate shrinkage, such as controlled cracks in specific areas, it’s impossible to prevent them. There are certain areas that are more likely to develop these cracks than others, such as around doors or other sharp corners.
On the bright side, cracks in your basement floor due to shrinkage rarely result in any structural problems. However, they still open the doors for other problems like water or pests. That means they should be repaired and sealed whenever you identify them. While you should consider every crack a potential risk, most cracks under one-eighth of an inch wide aren’t a cause to be concerned.
Settlement
Another common cause of cracks in basement floors is when the concrete slab begins to settle. Typically, settlement occurs when the soil beneath your foundation is too unstable to support the weight of your home and it shifts. Most homes are designed to allow for about an inch of soil movement – though some areas require the design to allow for up to four inches. In addition to soil movement, leaks in your basement and even tree roots can instigate settlement cracks.
Cracks are one of the most common signs of settlement. However, there are a handful of other signs that might indicate an issue with settling:
- Gaps forming between the floor and walls
- Gaps forming between the walls and ceiling
- Walls pulling away from each other
- Cracks on the walls, especially near corners
If you notice one of these clear signs, make sure to take it seriously. You should also look for other signs that can indicate the cracks are related to settlement. Doors or windows that cease to open correctly or floors and surfaces that noticeably slope suggest your issue could be a serious one. Settlement is a problem that only gets worse with time. Cracks will continue to form and your foundation could suffer considerable damage.
Frost Heave
During the colder seasons of the year, another source of cracks in your basement floor is frost heave. When soil freezes and thaws, it causes an expansion then a shift underneath your foundation. Like settling, this movement causes your concrete to also shift and that leads to cracks. The most obvious sign of frost heave is cracks near support columns in the flooring. With cold weather season around the corner, you should look into ways to help prevent frost heave.
Risks of Cracks in Your Basement Floor
Water Seepage
Any cracks in your basement floor open you to the possibility of water seepage. The ground underneath your foundation is full of moisture. When there are cracks in your home’s foundation, it lets pressure force the water up into your basement. Once a source of moisture exists, mold follow.
Structural Problems
Concrete basements will always crack. Fortunately, these small cracks, like those from shrinkage, rarely impact the structural integrity of your home. However, bigger cracks or those caused by instability of the soil beneath your house can lead to serious issues. If you notice significant cracks in your basement, make sure to have them inspected by a professional to identify their damage potential.
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Invasive Pests
There are plenty of pests that consider a crack in the foundation to be an open-invitation to your home. While it’s likely that you would fix a crack in a wall anywhere else in your home, it’s not uncommon for cracks in basement floors or walls to go unnoticed. Even if you notice them, you may not consider them as big of an issue, especially if you don’t frequently use your basement. In addition to the other potential damage caused by cracks, this is a good reason to get them fixed as soon as possible – otherwise you might be sharing your home with all sorts of critters.
Is Fixing Cracks in the Basement Floor a DIY Job?
When it comes to foundation cracks, there is no one answer. Hairline cracks and those that clearly don’t impact the integrity of your home can be simply sealed, or patched and sealed. However, if you’re not sure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and have an expert inspect them. In addition to the potential health risks of mold, mildew and pests, cracks can be a sign of bigger problems. If your home is at risk of major damage, it’s best to find out as soon as possible.
Protect Your Home – Schedule Your FREE 20-Point Inspection
If you’re worried about cracks in your basement floor, EverDry Toledo can help with a FREE 20-point basement inspection! We’ll help you find out if your home is at risk for water damage and which solutions will best serve you.
Contact us online to schedule an appointment or give us a call at (419) 469-5833 and schedule your inspection today!
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Do Cracked Tiles Mean Foundation Problems In Children
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