A slab leak is one of the most serious plumbing problems you can encounter at your home. The concrete block beneath your house is under constant pressure due to the soil contracting and expanding. Given enough movement in the earth below, the concrete can shift and crack resulting in a slab leak. Spokane, WA residents are all too familiar with another slab leak culprit, invasive tree roots. Repairing a leak beneath your home could cost thousands of dollars and cause untold damage to your property. Thankfully, there are ways you can spot a slab leak early. Here are 6 signs of a slab leak:
Wet Spots On The Floor
Puddles and wet spots on your floor could indicate a slab leak. A bubbling carpet is likewise a symptom of moisture escaping through the floor. You could even feel the presence of a slab leak. If the water breaking through the concrete beneath your house is warm (as it often is), you’ll start noticing warm spots on the floor. Your “no shoes in the house” policy could pay off in an unexpected way!
Rising Water Bills
The most common sign of a plumbing leak is one that’s very hard to ignore. If your water bills are rising in spite of consistent usage, a leak is very likely the cause. Start by checking exposed pipes in and around the house. Next, inspect your water heater for signs of a leak. If your investigation comes up empty, you could well have a slab leak on your hands. A water bill that is extraordinarily high without explanation is reason enough to contact a professional.
The Sound Of Running Water
To identify a slab leak, you will need to engage all your senses. When none of your plumbing fixtures are in use, you should not hear the sound of running water. Next time the kids are out of the house and you have complete quiet, listen carefully. If you hear running water, you could be listening to the sound of water coming from a crack in the pipes inside the slab foundation.
A Sudden Drop In Water Pressure
If you notice a reduction in water pressure next time you take a shower or are trying to wash the dishes, it could indicate an underground plumbing problem. Although sudden changes in water pressure could be the result of a host of plumbing issues, the severity of the issue is what could narrow the scope of your investigation. A slab leak allows a substantial amount of water escape. If this is the case, you will notice a drastic reduction in water pressure.
Moldy Carpets And Rotting Wood Floors
A slab leak can allow water to seep into the flooring of your house. That moisture will show itself depending on what material is on the other side. Wooden floors can rot and become discolored. Carpets can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. If you notice musty smells emanating from your floors and carpets, you should contact a professional plumber. Mold will not only damage your property, but it also poses a serious threat to your health. Most plumbing companies will not remove the mold, but they can pinpoint and stop the leak.
A Warped Or Cracked Foundation
A slab leak will cause damage to your home’s foundation. This damage could be visible. You might notice that your home’s foundation looks warped or has visible cracks in it.
Address Slab Leaks Immediately
A slab leak is a very serious plumbing problem. If you observe several of the abovementioned signs, you should reach out to a professional plumber.
Mainstream has been serving Spokane, WA for over 20 years. Our team of plumbing experts are on-hand and ready to be dispatched to your home at a moment’s notice. Slab leaks should not be taken lightly. A professional Mainstream plumber will be able to identify the source and severity of your leak, and offer a variety of solutions. Stop structural damage in its tracks by calling Mainstream today!
