6 Signs of a Slab Leak…and What to Do About It
Slab leaks can be quite tricky to detect because they’re out of sight, out of mind. But there are a few tell-tale signs that will clue you into the fact that you may be in need of a slab leak repair in Texas. From spikes in your water bills to the sound of rushing water, check out these six signs of a slab leak. First, let’s go over what a slab leak is.
Slab Leaks: Defined
The concrete slab that comprises your foundation has lots of pipes underneath it. Like pipes located anywhere else, they can leak or burst if you don’t properly care for them. A slab leak is a leak that occurs under your concrete foundation within the water lines. It’s easy to overlook this type of leak because the pipes are not visible. However, left unchecked, these leaks can cause extensive damage very quickly and within a short amount of time.
There are many causes of slab leaks, and most of them, you really don’t have control over as a homeowner. Common causes include:
- Damage that has occurred to pipes during the construction of a home or installation
- Corrosion of pipes from the surrounding soil
- Pipe abrasion that occurs from contact with gravel and other rough surfaces
- Shifts in the ground or foundation
The only way to prevent a slab leak is to have your pipes checked by a professional plumber regularly. You also need to be aware of the signs of slab leaks so you can take quick action in the event you notice any of these.
1. Mold
When you notice mold, mildew, or water that has accumulated on the same spot of your floors for a long period of time, this could mean you have a slab leak. You may also smell a musty odor but can’t see the source. As you know, the presence of mold is a concern in and of itself, as it can pose serious health threats to your family.
2. Unusually High Utility Bills
Have you been noticing a spike in your water and energy bills yet can’t attribute it to any other cause? Those higher bills may mean you have a leak in the pipes underneath your foundation. When you have a slab leak, water runs under there all day and all night. It stands to reason, then, that your water bills would be very high. Keep an ear out for the sound of running water when you have turned your pipes off. Rushing water is another sign of slab leaks. It can be frustrating because you may not know where it’s coming from.
3. Irrigation System Leaks
If you have leaks in your sprinkler or irrigation lines that run near the concrete slab, you could have a slab leak. If there has been a breakage in the area, this can cause even more damage to the slab over time if neglected.
4. Changes in the Foundation
Another sign is the settling or shifting of your home’s foundation. A leak can result in soil erosion and water damage, which can lead to cracks in the walls or baseboards.
5. Cold or Warm Spots
You may feel cold or warm spots on your floors with no consistency. Paired with higher than usual water bills, these troublesome spots can be caused by slab leaks. This sensation may be tougher to feel if you have carpet throughout your house. On a related note, you may also notice damp flooring or carpeting. This is a sign that the water is accumulating from the leak and traveling upward. You may notice damp carpets or warped hardwood flooring.
6. Decrease in Water Pressure
Slab leaks steal from your plumbing’s pressure. Maybe your shower isn’t as powerful as it used to be, or maybe the faucet water in your bathroom comes out in a trickle. A decrease in water pressure is yet another sign you may have a slab leak on your hands.
As a homeowner, it’s crucial that you pay close attention to any unusual plumbing activity taking place in your home. Schedule regular maintenance with your plumber to catch these issues sooner rather than later. When left unchecked, slab leaks can cause a lot of costly damage to your home.
Get Your Free Quote on Slab Leak Repair From Plumb Star Plumbing
If you suspect you have a slab leak but aren’t sure, get in touch with our expert plumbers in San Antonio. You may have noticed some of the above perplexing problems, so let us troubleshoot the issue with our state-of-the-art techniques and equipment. Contact us for a free quote on slab leak repair at (830) 981-8702.