No homeowner ever wants to find out that they have a slab leak. This usually means that there are significant problems with the foundation of the house that are often costly to repair. Understanding what causes a slab leak, how to identify one, and what options are available to repair it can help save you from suffering a plumbing emergency. If you suspect a slab leak in your home, read on to learn how to find a slab leak in your home.
What Are Slab Leaks?
A slab is the concrete foundation that some homes are built on. Pipes and water lines commonly run right below these concrete slabs. In some buildings, the water lines may run inside of the slab. Therefore when a water pipe breaks, leaks develop right underneath the slab. Reasons for pipes to break underneath the slab include the age of the pipes, too much pressure, wearing down of the pipes, etc. Without attention, slab leaks can cause a lot of damage to your house.
How to Detect Slab Leaks
When it comes to plumbing leaks, the sooner they are detected the better your chances are for avoiding major damage. Keep reading for some of the telltale signs that you have a slab leak.
Increased Water Bill
If you are noticing that your water bill is increasing without any change in habits, you may have a slab leak. The more water leaking out of the pipes in the slabs, the higher your water bill will rise. This is usually one of the first and most obvious signs that something may be wrong. To find out for sure if it is a slab leak, keep reading to learn about the other common signs.
Water Spots on the Floor
Since the water pipes are beneath the concrete slab, there is nowhere for the water to go when there is a slab leak. Water from the leak sits under the concrete, usually long enough to cause apparent damage to a home’s flooring.
Appearance of Mold or Mildew
After water from the slab leak sits in your flooring for a while, it is not uncommon to cause mold and mildew. If you smell mildew before seeing signs of damage on your floors, take a look around to see if you notice any water spots that went unnoticed.
Decreased Water Pressure
If you notice your water pressure decreasing while taking a shower or using the sink, you may have a slab leak. This is due to the water leaking out of the pipes and sitting under the slab. With less water in the pipes, there will be less water available to you.
Sound of Running Water Behind Your Walls
When water pipes are losing water due to a leak, it is common for your water heater to overcompensate. Hearing constant running water within your walls is a sign that your water heater is doing too much work. An overcompensating water heater points to a possible slab leak. This can really hike up the cost of your monthly water and energy bills.
Seeking Professional Help
It is important to be aware of the signs that point to a slab leak. If slab leaks go unaddressed for too long, major damage can be done resulting in expensive repairs. If you suspect a slab leak in your home and have followed the tips to diagnose your home, contact the professionals at Core Plumbing. Our team of plumbers is experienced with slab leaks and can deliver solutions to help you avoid further issues. Call today to schedule an appointment to have a member of our team assess your problem.
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