How to Detect a Slab Leak

A slab leak can lead to costly repairs and severe structural damage when unaddressed.

In houses with a concrete foundation, homeowners are at high risk of a slab leak. This is because the water lines sit beneath the concrete slab, and improper installation, natural disasters, and corrosion can prevent them from working correctly. A slab leak can lead to costly repairs and severe structural damage when unaddressed.

This article discusses how property owners can detect slab leaks and better protect their homes.

How a slab leak develops

Those living in areas with frequent earthquakes are more likely to notice a slab leak. This is because earthquakes put significant pressure on a home's pipework, even tiny tremors that don't get national media coverage.

However, slab leaks can occur in areas without earthquakes. Any extra stress on the concrete slab can harm the plumbing's health. When the soil shifts, it moves the foundation, causing long-term problems.

Abrasion is another culprit behind slab leaks. As water travels down the pipes, the metal vibrates, and when the pipes meet a hard surface, they suffer excess wear and tear.

Supply line pipes typically consist of copper. While durable, copper isn't indestructible. Corrosion and old age can eat away at the pipes, and no supply line is immune to slab leaks.

Signs of a slab leak

Since slab leaks occur beneath the home's foundation, homeowners should remain vigilant and look for the following signs:

Water bill spikes

An unexpected water bill spike is often the first sign the plumbing is struggling to function correctly. Think about the water usage and examine the sewer and water bills from previous months. If the household's water usage has remained the same, but the bills keep rising, a leaky pipe is probably hiding beneath the foundation.

Additionally, check the water meter. If it's spinning when the home occupants aren't using water, there's a high chance a water leak is somewhere in the house.

Mold and mildew patches

Pools of water are fertile grounds for mold and mildew. Although homeowners can't see mold underneath the home's foundation, they can sniff out the problem with their noses. Strange odors in certain home areas may indicate a slab leak. In severe cases, mold and mildew patches grow beneath carpets and sometimes behind drywall.

Warped floors and damp carpets

Slab leaks result in excess water under the concrete foundation. The water rises to the surface, sometimes flooding the backyard or exiting through the floors.

Those with carpeted floors should watch out for darker areas or spots that are unexpectedly damp. Moreover, water is detrimental to wood panel floors, damaging the material and causing it to warp.

Keep the home and pipework in perfect condition

Homeowners who suspect their foundation is covering a slab leak should contact an expert as soon as possible. They have the tools and experience to quickly diagnose the issue and find the most effective and budget-friendly solution.

Frontier Plumbing of Las Vegas is a full-service commercial and residential plumbing company offering a full spectrum of plumbing services. We are determined to exceed your expectations! Call 702-602-6705 today!