Slab leaks are one of the worst fears of any homeowner. Any leak is frustrating, but these are particularly frustrating because they occur under a thick slab of concrete. So, not only is the water leaking from the pipes, but it is leaking enough to seep through the walls and floors. It can be hard to detect, but early detection is exactly what you need to do to avoid costly and devastating damage to your home. Two immediate signs could be an unusually high water bill and the sound of running water, but we’ve compiled a list of several other signs to look for.
Hot Spots on the Wall or Floor
One of the first methods of slab leak detection is noticing a persistently hot area of your floor. This warm area could be an indication that a hot water line underneath the slab has busted. This hot area on the floor will only occur if it’s a hot water line that was damaged. Otherwise, you will have to wait for other indications of the leak.
Unexplained Odor
Water damage can result in mold and mildew. The water saturates the wood and creates a breeding ground for the mold and mildew. The mold and mildew then create an unpleasant odor. Often, you will notice the foul smell before you notice the mold itself. Be especially mindful if you notice the smell of mold in a certain area of your home.
Water Protrusion from the Slab
When you start to notice leaks, the situation is escalating and needs to be addressed ASAP. Pools of water and other leaks are an indicator that the water is not only leaking from the pipes, but it is also leaking so much that it is getting through the pores of the concrete. If your floor is constantly wet without explanation, this could be due to a leak.
Stoppage or backup of toilets, tubs, and showers
If plumbing is not working well, this is a sign that the water line might be broken. Identify which appliances are backed-up to help identify where the leak might be and look for other signs of a leak. If this is the only indication of a leak, there might be other reasons for this.
Foundation Movement or Cracking
Water is a powerful force and will attack the integrity of the foundation of your home if given enough time. This can also manifest itself in cracks in the floor and walls of your home. If you see cracks or movement, this is a huge red flag. Slab leak repair can get rather expensive at this point, so be sure to act quickly.
If you do notice a problem, remain calm, stop water if you can, and give us a call.
Leaks are a common problem. Fortunately, technology is making new ways to avoid this type of damage. It’s important to remember that the longer you let the problem persist, the more extensive and expensive the damage will be. Act now and be sure to call us right away if you think that you might have a slab leak. Though a slab leak is fairly easy to address, it is important to allow the professionals to do the job.
