Can My Foundation be Impacted by Plumbing Issues?

While Houston homes can be diverse, they share common ground— the soil beneath their foundations and the layout of their plumbing systems. Typically, houses in the Greater Houston area rest on expansive clay soil, which, due to its sensitivity to moisture changes, isn’t ideal for construction.

Turning attention to the plumbing system, a critical part of the system usually lies beneath the foundation, connecting to the water supply and sewer lines. Like other aspects of your home, the plumbing system can wear down or suffer damage over time. Leaks in fittings or pipes, especially those hidden within walls or floors, can go unnoticed for weeks, causing significant damage.

If a leak occurs within a wall or under the floor, water accumulates, fostering mold growth and causing wood and drywall to swell. As the water travels downward, it reaches the subfloor, including the concrete slab and foundation. Concrete, being porous, allows water to seep through its tiny pores and capillaries. The water then gets absorbed by the clay soil supporting your home.

Continuous exposure to water makes the soil expand, potentially causing upheaval. This creates pressure beneath the foundation, which, combined with hydrostatic pressure from accumulating water, can make the foundation move upward. Consequently, the slab and foundation may bend and crack.

Prolonged water exposure can also saturate the soil, giving it a muddy consistency. While it may still support your home’s weight, it might no longer provide a solid base for the foundation. Depending on various factors like soil texture, structure, porosity, density, stability, and moisture content, one side of the foundation may sink into the ground, causing other sides to move upward. This differential settlement can result in a range of cosmetic and structural issues within your home.