What Is A Slab Leak And How To Detect It

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Slab leaks are pipes that have sprung a leak and are located inside or underneath the concrete foundation or floor of a house. Slab leaks have the possibility for developing into a serious situation if the homeowner is unaware of their existence. Many homeowners are not even aware of what a slab leak is and this is a serious situation that everyone should be aware of how to deal with.

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What causes slab leaks?

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Slab leaks typically occur when the piping beneath your concrete foundation deteriorates, resulting in pinhole leaks in your plumbing. The main causes for slab leaks are a chemical interaction between the pipes and the water running though them, foundation shifting, high water pressure, or poor plumbing craftsmanship or workmanship (inferior supplies or materials, a kinked line, a line nicked by another (non-plumbing) workman, etc.).

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How do I know if my house has slab leaks?

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Detecting a slab leak underneath your home isn't difficult if you know the subtle indications of a leak as well as the obvious warning signs. Most homeowners will notice a large increase in their water utility bill, but even the most attentive resident may overlook a water stain or subtle settling of the home’s foundation. Obvious signs of slab leaks include water coming through the foundation and wet or damp spots on flooring and if there is noticeable low water pressure, it is time to seek the help of a plumber.

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The signs of a slab leak are:

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The sound of running water, when no water should be running.

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If you hear running water in your home when all should be quiet, it means there is flowing water somewhere. If you don’t find visual clues (a dripping faucet, running toilet, sprinkler, or water connected appliances) to the source of the sound, it could mean you have a hidden leak under the slab.

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A hot spot on the floor.

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Hot water lines are usually insulated and don’t heat the floor unless it was built as a radiant heating system. If you have pets and they gravitate to a certain spot on the floor, check to see if it feels warmer than usual. This can be an indication that you have a slab leak.

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Cracks in walls or floors.

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There are several possible factors in the appearance of cracks in walls and floors. However, if the area under your property is compromised by water flow from a leak under your slab, it could create a massive void under the foundation. This void can put stress on the foundation, causing cracks in the floors and walls.

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Mildew, excessive moisture under carpets, or musty odors.

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Cracks in a slab due to a leak allow moisture into the flooring creating excessive moisture under carpets. In addition, drywall will wick the moisture up, and create an ideal environment for mold to grow behind the wall. Either of these symptoms might indicate a slab leak.

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High water bills.

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Unusually high water bills could occur for several reasons. If you have ruled out things like an improperly working meter and know usage has not increased, you will want to rule out the possibility of a slab leak by a qualified plumber.

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What will happen if a slab leak is detected?

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Perez Plumbing, Inc. will engage a leak detection and locator professional to pinpoint the location of the leak using non-invasive pipe locating, and sound equipment.

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During the correction of the slab leak, Perez Plumbing, Inc. will take all the proper precautions to protect your home and belongings. It is our priority to perform the necessary repairs with as little inconvenience to you as possible. We perform all of the work necessary to repair the leak or re-route the plumbing, and we will walk you through every step of the way.

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So if you feel that you may have a slab leak call Perez Plumbing, Inc. right away in order to minimize water waste, increased water bills, and extensive water damage to your home.

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