You may have heard or even had a slab leak, but you’re unsure what it is. A slab leak is a break in a pipe that runs beneath the concrete foundation of your home. A slab leak can occur in either water or sewer lines. Slab leaks can cause costly damage, detecting these early is very important. To catch this on its onset, you must know the warning signs.
Symptoms of a Slab Leak
Typically, a slab leak can resemble other problems, this can make it difficult to diagnose.
Sounds of running water. When water is running through the pipes in your home, you can hear it. However, if you hear the sound of running water but cannot pinpoint the noise to an applicate or faucet in your home. This is a sign you have a leak.
Unusually high-water bill. A high-water bill is a common sign that there is a leak somewhere in your home. This does not necessarily mean you have a leak underneath the foundation. Start by checking the faucets, and any exposed pipes. If your water bill is extremely high, this could be a sign you’re losing a large amount of water somewhere. If the plumbing in your home seems intact, it could be an unseen leak under the foundation.
Warm or wet spots on your floor. If warm water is leaking from a pipe under the foundation, it could create mysterious hot spots or small puddles.
Cracking or buckling foundation. If your foundation buckles, you will see cracks around the outside or on the floor and walls inside your home.
Mildew or mold. If you notice any mildew or mold on your carpet, this happens when the foundation becomes saturated and moisture begins to leak into the house.
If a leak goes undetected, the saturation could cause the soil to heave. The ground beneath your home will move or shift, and this will cause serious damage to your foundation. Bulking and cracking can lead to cosmetic and structural damage. If a leak enters your home, your belongings are likely to become damaged or destroyed.