A slab leak is a hidden and potentially devastating problem that occurs when a water pipe beneath your home’s concrete foundation ruptures, resulting in water pooling underneath the foundation, basement, and crawl space areas. Slab leaks are often caused by factors like aging pipes, corrosion, shifting soil, or poor construction. Unlike other plumbing leaks that are easier to spot, slab leaks can go unnoticed for quite some time, causing significant damage to your home in the process.
Understanding the warning signs of a slab leak can save you from costly repairs and protect your home’s structural integrity. Explore 6 telltale signs of a slab leak and learn what you should do if you suspect one in your home. Let’s get started!
Unexplained Increase in Water Bills
While every case is a little different, the first sign that you may have a slab leak is often a sudden spike in your water bill. If you notice your water bills rising without any change in your daily life or water usage, it could indicate water leaking from a pipe beneath your home’s foundation. Even a minor slab leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water over time, resulting in an unusually high water bill.
A good way to check for a potential slab leak in your home is to turn off all water-using appliances and fixtures, then check your water meter. If the meter continues increasing when you aren’t running water through your pipes, it’s a telltale sign that you may have a slab leak.
Sound of Running Water
Listening carefully can help you detect a slab leak. Slab leaks often occur in hot water lines, meaning you might hear water running through the pipes when no water is being used. If you notice the sound of running water after you turn off your appliances and water supply pipes, you might have a slab leak hidden under your home. Contact a plumbing professional for slab leak detection ASAP, and we’ll make it right!
Damp or Warm Spots on Floors
Damp or warm spots on your floors are two other telltale signs of a potential slab leak in your house. These wet or hot spots can be a direct indication that hot water pipes under your foundation are leaking.
As hydrostatic pressure increases, the water has nowhere to go, and the leak ends up forcing water to rise through the concrete slab above it. And as this moisture passes through the concrete slab, it can eventually wear away at your foundation, causing damage to your flooring.
If unchecked leaks continue to worsen, the gradual accumulation of moisture can cause even more serious damage to your house, such as mold growth or foundational shifts. It’s important to schedule a concrete slab inspection as soon as possible if you’re feeling warm or damp areas, especially when walking barefoot on tile or concrete floors.
Water Pressure Problems
Poor water pressure by itself isn’t necessarily one of the key signs of a slab leak in your home — after all, this common plumbing issue can also occur when your water heater pressure regulator fails, your pipes are clogged, or you have a small water leak under a sink or appliance. However, when poor water pressure occurs in combination with any of the other problems on this list, a slab leak may very well be the culprit. Slab leaks can cause your plumbing system to lose water pressure as water flows out of the pipes and into your slab foundation.
Unpleasant Odors or Visible Mold
One of the more unpleasant signs of a slab leak is the smell. Standing water pooling under your concrete slab foundation can create a disgusting “musty” smell that permeates your whole house, especially noticeable in low areas that collect moisture, like basements and crawl spaces.
Even worse, in cases where slab leaks are not found and dealt with, you might end up with a mold problem. Mold spores thrive in moisture-rich environments, and water pooling under your home provides ideal conditions for breeding. If the slab leak is left unchecked, mold and mildew growth can impact your health and cause severe damage to your home.
Addressing potential leaks early can save you from the costly repairs associated with water damage and mold remediation. If you find mold or detect a musty odor, call our plumbing experts ASAP for slab leak detection services.
Cracks in Basement Walls or Concrete Foundation
Visible cracks in your concrete basement or foundation walls are perhaps the most direct sign of a slab leak. When water leaks beneath the foundation after a slab leak occurs, it can cause the soil to shift, leading to cracks in the foundation and surrounding walls. Foundation cracks can seem small at first but can quickly grow, leading to more extensive damage if leaking water is not addressed. Poor construction, combined with unchecked slab leaks, can exacerbate these issues, leading to structural damage that affects the stability of your home.
If you notice any new cracks in your exterior walls or elsewhere near your home’s foundation, it’s crucial to address them immediately. Even a small leak can turn into a significant problem if left untreated, potentially leading to costly repairs or even requiring foundation replacement.
Don’t Wait to Repair Slab Leaks — Protect Your Home & Your Plumbing System Today!
Slab leaks are serious issues that can lead to costly damage if not detected early. However, you don’t have to fall victim to a slab leak at your Oklahoma home. By paying attention to the warning signs of moisture accumulation and hiring experts to inspect and protect your pipes, you can protect your home from the stress of slab leaks.
Fast action is critical in any plumbing leak scenario. If you suspect you may have a slab leak, don’t wait — contact Williams Plumbing & Drain for a professional inspection and reliable slab leak detection services. Our team of plumbing experts can identify and repair concrete slab leaks quickly, helping you avoid costly repairs and keep your home safe.
Looking to become a slab leak expert yourself? Join our plumbing team by browsing our Plumbers Hiring Near Me page!