The Top Warning Signs of a Slab Leak
The benefits of building a home on a concrete slab include lower costs and pest protection. However, the home's plumbing gets buried beneath the poured concrete in a home build. Leaks in pipes and water lines may go unnoticed and cause significant home damage.
Let's discuss the signs of a slab leak and the corrective steps you can take.
The importance of early leak detection
Accessing the pipes embedded in a slab of concrete is difficult. Only plumbing specialists possess the qualifications necessary to identify and repair pipe leaks beneath the home. Early detection is the key to avoiding significant property damage.
Homeowners can save money by keeping an eye out for slab leaks. The first signs of a leaking slab often appear inside the home. It is possible to repair the leak before the worst happens if it is spotted early.
Foul odors
The smell of mildew or mold may indicate water is leaking under the home. The odor occurs when moisture becomes trapped beneath the floor. The musty smell eventually spreads throughout the inside of the house.
Mold spores are a health hazard. They can quickly spread to walls and other surfaces. Professional help is available to address signs of mold and mildew caused by a slab leak or other plumbing problems.
Water pooling
Visible water pooling outside the home on a dry day may indicate a slab leak. Puddles of standing water on the main floor or near appliances can also be a slab leak indicator.
Warm areas on the floor
Leaks from hot water pipes can cause warm or hot spots on the floor above the leak. This is especially noticeable when walking barefoot on wood or linoleum floors.
Floor damage
A burst pipe in the slab can ruin the floor above the leak. Wet and buckled or warped floorboards on wooden or linoleum floors are common signs of a leak. Leaks may also cause unexplained damp or dark spots on carpeting.
Unfortunately, floor damage can indicate that the slab leak is severe. The services of a reliable plumbing company will assess the problem and repair the leak.
Low water pressure
Less water runs through pipes when an active leak is present. This water pressure decreases throughout the home. A plumber can find the cause of low water pressure caused by a slab leak or other issue.
Other signs of a slab leak
There are several other indicators of a leaky slab due to a failed water line or pipe. The sound of running water originating from under the floors could mean a leak is present. This is especially true if all taps and appliances, such as washers, are not running.
A spike in the water consumption bill is another telltale sign of a slab or other leak. Usually, the amount of the bill is proportionate to the size of the leak. Unexplained water bill increases should not go ignored.
Persistent leaks
One of the leading hazards to a property is leaking water. One drip of water at a time for several years can be disastrous. A failed plumbing line can cause soil erosion, weaken the slab, or crack the foundation.
Protect your home from water damage
A slab leak can happen in any home. Homeowners should contact a local plumbing contractor at the first sign of a slab leak. They will apply their years of training and experience to find the cause and put your home on the path to complete restoration.
If you need honest and experienced professional plumbing services for residential and afford commercial plumbing needs in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Enterprise give us a call at 702-766-3320.