Signs a Home Has a Slab Leak

Water leaks in a home could lead to extensive damage and costly repairs. While some are easy to detect, like water dripping under the sink, others can be challenging to discover. Slab leaks are often hard to spot as they occur beneath the home. Fortunately, there are warning signs that point to leaks in the concrete.

Below are indicators that it is time to call in the professionals.

Increased water bill

A break in the plumbing system will cause water to run all day—and not just when a tap is on. The continuous flow will lead to a spike in the water bill. If the invoice at the end of the month is unexpectedly high, there might be a slab leak. Ask a licensed plumbing service to look around the home to find where the leak is located.

Lower water pressure

Water squirting out of the pipes will cause decreased pressure in the plumbing system. A slab leak could result in lower water pressure throughout the house. If the water coming out of the faucet is no longer gushing out of the tap, then there is probably a slab leak in the home.

Hot spots on the floor

The majority of water leaks occur in the hot water line. Hot water seeping out of the pipe heats the floor around it. Hot spots on the ground are a sign of a slab leak. The warmth may be hard to detect through a carpet but can be felt more easily on tile or concrete floors.

Wet or damaged floor

Water from a slab leak will pool and eventually create puddles on the floor above the break. This may show up as damp spots on carpeted floors, while water pooling under hardwood floors will cause them to warp. Damage to flooring can be costly to fix, so a plumber should be called as soon as signs of a problem appear.

Unpleasant odor

Moisture from water leaks can cause mold or mildew to grow beneath the surface. Hardwood floors or carpets, and even walls can harbor mold or mildew. It may be hard to see these fungi grow, but they produce a detectable odor. A certified plumber will investigate a musty smell emanating from the walls or floor.

Sound of running water

If the sound of running water is audible even when no taps are on, there might be a slab leak. Ensure that all the faucets are turned off and listen for the sound again. Water may be escaping out of the foundation if the sound is still present.

Call a professional

Slab leaks are hard to detect, but some signs indicate a potential problem. If any slab leak indicators are evident within the home, it would be advisable to call a professional plumber.

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!