Stop The Guesswork: 5 Ways To Determine If You Have A Slab Leak

A slab leak is considered any water leak underneath a concrete foundation. Either cold or hot water lines can spring leaks that often start out as small pinholes. As the leak becomes more severe, it produces more and more water. Unfortunately, slab leaks may not become apparent for quite some time.

There are some specific signs that homeowners can keep an eye out for to identify and locate a possible slab leak that don’t require hammering through a concrete block with costly machinery.

Here Are 5 Ways To Figure Out If You Have An Underground Leak:

  1. Moisture Under Carpet and Other Flooring

If you start to notice moisture or mildew in or beneath your carpeting, start investigating. Cracks in tile floors, or bubbles in linoleum are probable signs of a a leak under the concrete slab.

As water starts to collect from leaking underneath a slab, it has nowhere to go but up. As it rises, the water begins to cause damage to your flooring that may the first noticeable sign of a leak somewhere under the foundation.

  1. Floor Warmth

If it feels like some parts of your floor are warmer than others, it may indicate a hot water line leak. Hot water leaks are easier to discover than cold water and can often be detected earlier.

  1. Hissing Sounds

If you have good ears, it’s possible to hear the slight hissing sound of a leak. Sit in complete silence to listen to the noises in your house and you can occasionally detect the sounds of a leaking pipe. Listen for hissing, splashing, and running water sounds when all faucets are turned off.

  1. Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is a serious sign of a leak with one of your supply lines underneath the foundation. Many plumbing leaks occur in the main water line or where water flows into your home from the outside. Even tiny slab leaks may cause a significant drop in water pressure. Pay attention to changes in your water pressure!

  1. Water Meter Spinning or Increased Water Bills

If your water bill for the month suddenly triples, you most likely have a seeping pipe somewhere. Just one small slab leak can produce up to 10,000 gallons of water in a singular month.

What to Do If You Suspect You Have a Slab Leak

If you encounter any of these leak indicators, it’s in your best interest to call professional plumbers to survey the property. An untreated slab leak can quickly create more complications, including unwanted mold in your home.

Contact Home Angels right away if you have any reason to suspect a slab leak on your property. We can help you locate and fix a leaky pipe before it causes excessive damage to your home.