Common Signs of Slab Leak
Tracking unusual changes in the house’s water bills can uncover even the slowest leaks.
The slabs underneath homes are nearly indestructible. After all, they’re made of rebar and concrete and meant to support the weight of a house. Unfortunately, even a home’s mighty foundation can fall victim to leaky pipes and shifting earth. These scenarios can eventually lead to a slab leak and the need for a new foundation.
Fortunately, homeowners will see a few signs of a slab leak before it becomes a major problem.
Water Pressure and Consumption
Tracking unusual changes in the house’s water bills can uncover even the slowest leaks. Skyrocketing bills and no changes in water usage are usually good indicators that the water is running somewhere, possibly underneath the house.
Also, homeowners may notice a drop in water pressure. Since most of the water from the pipes is seeping into the concrete, insufficient supply is coming up through the faucets. Residents who notice a pressure drop, along with other signs, should contact a professional to take a look for a slab leak.
Mold and Bad Smells
Mold and mildew have a distinctive smell. If the homeowner keeps a clean house and no mold growths are in sight, they may be looking in the wrong place. A slab leak will eventually create a prime environment for mold and mildew to make a home underneath the house. Given enough time, these growths may eventually make it into the structure itself.
Mold can be problematic for people with asthma or respiratory allergies and cause respiratory issues in healthy individuals over time.
Wet or Damaged Floors
Damp spots on the carpet or warped hardwood floors are a couple of indicators that there’s a slab leak. Homeowners who begin seeing mystery wet spots should contact a professional to check underneath the home.
The Sound of Running Water
There’s nothing worse than hearing the tap running when all of them are off. Try to pinpoint where the sound is coming from by turning off all appliances and faucets attached to the water supply. After all the water sources in the home are off, hearing the sound of running water means a call to a plumber is to inspect for a slab leak.
Call a Professional
Repairing the damage caused by a neglected slab leak can cost thousands of dollars. It’s prudent to get familiar with the signs of a slab leak and call a professional as soon as one or more signs are present. Plumbers have equipment like tracers used explicitly for leak detection and fiber optic cameras for inside pipe inspection, if necessary. Plumbing professionals can ensure a minor pipe repair doesn’t turn into a major renovation when caught early enough.
Solace Plumbing is a licensed commercial and residential plumber with 26 years of experience in Gilbert, Az. We provide the East Valley with a wide range of plumbing services, including 24-hour emergency service. Some of our specialties include plumbing installation and repair, remodeling, natural gas and propane piping, slab leak detection, and full-service repiping. Commercial work includes restaurants, school districts, and tenant improvements. Call Solace Plumbing at 480-630-0224.
