What’s a Slab Leak, Warning Signs, and What Should I Do About It?
A slab leak is an industrial term that refers to a leak in the water lines running below your house’s concrete slabs. Slab leaks can be a nuisance because they are so hard to detect, mainly because they aren’t visible from the top. These types of leaks are often a result of long-term issues like corrosion, high water pressure, faulty installation, and more.
Warning Signs of Slab Leaks
While it’s difficult to find out if you have a slab leak, it’s not impossible. Timely detection is essential, or slab leaks will lead to severe water damage. The presence of moisture will lead to mold growth just 24-48 hours later as well as cracks in the foundation, which will then mandate water damage restoration services. You need to know how to spot a slab leak to prevent all this.
Here are a few top warning signs of slab leaks that will allow you to find a timely solution to this problem.
Sudden Spike In Your Water Bill
If there’s a leak, water will run round the clock instead of when you’re using it. If your water bill suddenly spikes without any explanation, like guests staying over, there could be a leak inside the house. If you can’t detect any leak inside the house, this could point towards a slab leak. A slab leak would cause a drastic increase in your water bill.
Pools of Water
Unexplained puddles of water are a major sign of a slab leak. Unless this pool of water results from rain or a leaking appliance nearby like the A.C., it could be a result of a slab leak. This happens because, in the event of a slab leak, water starts accumulating below the foundation unless it has somewhere to go. If you see water puddles on the concrete floor with no plausible explanation, you should call a plumber for a deeper inspection.
Hot Spots on The Floor
Hot water slab leaks are very common. If the unexplained water puddle on your floor is warm or hot to touch, you might have a hot water slab leak. Hot spots are easier to detect on hardwood or tile flooring than carpets.
A Musty Odor
Slab leaks will inevitably cause water damage. When there is the presence of moisture between the walls or floorboards, mold will quickly begin to form in the drywalls. While you may not be able to see mold growth, you will recognize its smell. Mold has an unmistakable, musty odor, which may indicate water damage, and even a slab leak. In such an event, you can call a professional mold removal expert as mold can be harmful to human health. If you smell a musty odor from the walls and floors, you might want to look for other signs of a slab leak.
Sound Of Running Water
The sound of running water, even when water is not in use, may indicate a slab leak. Turn off all the faucets, including the water heater, closely inspect this. You might even want to go down to the lowest level of the house to hear the sound more clearly. If you hear the sound of running water, it could mean a leak under the foundation.
Signs of Water Damage
Any sign of water damage to the floor indicates a slab leak. This is mainly because the accumulated water from the slab leak has nowhere to go but up. It will then cause water damage depending on your flooring type. Hardwood floors might bubble and warp, while carpet flooring may become wet and fall prey to mold growth underneath. Replacing and repairing hardwood floors can be quite costly.
Running Water Meter
Another way to spot a plumbing leak is to check your water meter after turning off all the faucets and hoses inside your house. If the water meter keeps running, this could indicate a leak in your plumbing system.
What To Do After Detecting a Slab Leak?
If the above signs point towards a slab leak in the house, you should immediately call a professional plumber. After all, the more you delay, the more water damage your property will suffer and the higher the utility bills you’ll end up paying! A plumber will be able to identify the exact location of the leak and fix it as soon as possible. Do not rip out the concrete slab yourself unless you’re 100% sure you have a slab leak. Fixing a slab leak isn’t as simple, so it’s best to let a professional do the job for you.
Water Damage Restoration
If a slab leak goes undetected, it will lead to considerable water damage. If you experience water damage in the house, you should contact 911 Restoration of Mesa. They have a quick, 45-minute emergency response time to contain the damage before it spreads and incurs high repair costs for the property owner.
This licensed, insured, and bonded company will ensure they take care of water damage restoration as well as mold removal to give you a fresh start on your property.
