Many homes in Texas are built on a concrete slab foundation, with no additional buffer between your home’s ground floor and the earth. So, plumbing often runs directly beneath homes; and if yours is on a slab, then your plumbing system is most likely enclosed in that concrete.
As your home and its pipes age, they are subject to degradation and leaking – which is something you do not want to happen.
What Is a Slab Leak?
These leaks, or slab leaks, are notoriously easy to miss until significant damage has occurred. Slab leaks should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent significant damage from occurring.
Our experts, at Mr. Plumber, are fully-equipped to identify and repair slab leaks effectively, with minimal damage to your home. If you suspect you may have a leak in your slab, contact us today! Keep reading below for more information about signs you have a leak.
High Water Bill
Pay attention to your water bill. If you have not changed your water use but your home’s water consumption rate has suddenly risen, it is time to investigate. One way to test for a leak is by turning off all your appliances and plumbing fixtures and watching your water meter. If, after several minutes, it still shows water is being used, you may have a leak.
Random Pools of Water
If you notice water pooling in a specific area(s) of your home but can’t pinpoint the source, this is another indication you may have a leak. When a slab leaks, water will collect under the slab until it finds an outlet, and may present itself at your house in the following ways:
Inside
- Spontaneous puddling or moisture on the floor
- Area(s) of carpet that appears darker or damp compared to the rest
- Warped or buckling hardwood floorboards
- Mold, mildew or musty smells
Outside
Walk the perimeter of your home. If you are not overwatering and have no irrigation issues but find standing water, mud or moss, a slab leak is likely the culprit.
Additionally, if there seems to be water streaming or trailing from your foundation without a nearby hose you may have a leak.
Sounds of Dripping or Running Water
Can you hear the sound of running or dripping water, even when the faucets and fixtures are off? If none of your appliances or indoor fixtures are leaking, you likely have a plumbing issue, and it may be within the slab.
Floor “Hot Spots”
A key indicator of a slab leak is a distinct warm or humid spot on the floor of a room in your home. If a hot water line is leaking in your slab, heat from that accumulated water can transfer to the floor or area(s) surrounding it.
Cracks on Ceilings and Walls
It is common for hairline cracks to form in the ceilings or walls of your home over time as they age and settle with each season. If new, significant cracks start developing abruptly, this could indicate a plumbing problem.
Reduced Water Pressure
If there is an active leak in your slab, some water flowing through the pipes will escape where it shouldn’t and less will reach where it needs to go. As a result, you may notice the water pressure in your home decrease. So if you notice sudden, reduced water pressure in your faucets or showers when other fixtures aren’t also in use, you may have a slab leak.
Causes of a Slab Leak
Many things can cause a slab leak, especially in older homes, but the four most common causes are:
- Leaking pipes
- Corrosion erosion
- Dissimilar metal corrosion
- Binding from ground movement
How To Fix a Slab Leak
Slab leaks are extremely complicated to repair and should only be addressed by licensed, professional technicians. If you notice any of these anomalies in your home, contact our friendly experts at Mr. Plumber – we can identify the leak, diagnose its severity, and provide you with custom, viable repair options!
